Ayush Kasliwal is an Indian furniture and space designer known for blending contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship. As the founder of AKFD Studio, he champions integrity in making and works closely with artisans to create modern, timeless furniture rooted in Indian craft traditions.

A graduate of the National Institute of Design (NID), Ayush has received several prestigious recognitions including the Lexus Design Award and EDIDA. Through his work, he aims to make authentic Indian design globally relevant while promoting sustainability, craftsmanship, and emotional connection with everyday objects.

Geetanjali Kasliwal is the Co-founder and Managing Director of AKFD and Anantaya, with over two decades of experience in craft, design, and social entrepreneurship. Trained as an architect from TVB School of Habitat Studies and a management graduate from ISB Goldman Sachs Bimtech, she works at the intersection of design, sustainability, and artisan livelihoods.

Geetanjali co-founded MaahiRoj, the world’s first festival focused on sustainable practices for the earth, and actively mentors and advocates for women entrepreneurs and craft communities. Her work has received numerous national and international recognitions, reflecting her commitment to empowering artisans and shaping a more sustainable future for Indian craft.

Jyoti Kasliwal is a born organizer. She grew up in Indore, and had done her BA in 1969. After her Marriage to Dr Ashok Kasliwal, she continued her studies, finishing her MA in Sociology. In 1978, She, along with Ashok moved to Ghana, West Africa, where she taught modern maths at the District girls school.

On coming back to India in 1985, she started learning computer science, and completed her diploma being the First Lady holding the degree. After a life changing accident, she started Vatsalya, an inclusive education format in Jaipur. In 1998, she joined Ayush in establishing the enterprise. She heads the finance and administrative functions at AKDPL.