Senior Lecturer and Assistant Programme Coordinator, Middlesex University Dubai
Kanaka Reghavan is a designer, educator, and researcher committed to expanding the boundaries of traditional design and discovering innovative approaches to engaging with the field. She serves as Senior Lecturer and Assistant Programme Coordinator for the undergraduate Graphic Design programme at Middlesex University Dubai. Her academic background includes an M.Sc. in Advanced Design and Digital Architecture (ADDA) from ELISAVA in Barcelona, Spain, executive courses in typography and editorial design at the Royal College of Art in London. She is pursuing a PhD at the University of the Arts, London and a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCert HE) at Middlesex University Dubai.
Originally from New Delhi, Kanaka’s experiences studying in Barcelona and teaching in Dubai have shaped her distinct approach to graphic design, strongly influenced by her South Asian heritage. Her research focuses on decolonizing design practice, rethinking education, and developing non-Eurocentric work. Kanaka aims to inspire conversations, challenge norms, and create a lasting impact. As an architect in Barcelona, she worked on installations during the redesign of the iconic Moritz brewery. Her artwork was also featured in "Over", a publication by the Spanish creative group "Club de Creativos," which challenges gender stereotypes in the advertising industry. She has displayed and sold work on various platforms, including the Tasmeem 2024 art exhibition in Dubai and La Nostra Ciutat, a well-known chain of art stores in Barcelona.
Q&A
Q: When did you know that working in the creative sector was going to be the right fit for you?
I’ve always had an interest in art, even as a child. I used to participate in drawing competitions in India every year, and I was lucky enough to win a few times. Still, the idea of pursuing something creative didn’t really take shape until it came time to choose a major for college. In high school, I studied physics, chemistry, and biology, with mathematics, but I quickly realized that engineering or medicine weren’t for me, which was (still might be!) a bit of a disappointment for my South Asian parents.
Architecture felt like a good middle ground—a way to combine creativity with a field that was still rooted in science. I went to architecture school, and after completing my master’s in digital architecture in Barcelona, I practiced for a while. It was during this time that I began to feel a strong pull toward graphic design. Eventually, I made the transition, and since then, I haven’t looked back.
In hindsight, architecture provided a solid design foundation, but it was graphic design where I found the right fit for me. I also see principles of architecture sneakily making their way into my graphic design outputs as well, with the strong emphasis I like to give to the foundation of everything I make.
Q: Did you go to university, and if so, what did you study?
Yes, I did, in fact I still go to university, still studying, and now teaching too! I did my bachelor’s in architecture at Sushant School of Art and Architecture, India and completed my master’s in advanced design and digital architecture at ELISAVA, Barcelona. Now, I am pursuing my research PhD at University of the Arts, London.
Q: What was your first ever job?
I feel like I’ve had multiple "first jobs." In architecture, I started as an intern at S. Ghosh and Associates in New Delhi, India, and when I moved to Barcelona, I experienced a completely different work culture while working with External Reference on some fascinating installations. Later, as a graphic designer, my first role was as a freelance illustrator, designing for scientific conferences, and working in a startup that worked with Virtual Reality (VR) for healthcare, as their head of design.
Q: Do you have any quirky habits that have proved relevant to your work?
I wouldn’t say I have a very linear way of working. My process tends to be more back- and-forth and varies depending on the project. That said, I do need a relatively tidy workspace, with the room arranged in a particular way. I can’t work in a messy environment unless the mess is something I’ve created for the project. Also, I always need good music or a podcast playing in the background—I find it difficult to work in complete silence. Lately, I’ve been at my most productive while listening to Hermanos Gutierrez.
Q: Most inspiring moment in your career, or person you have worked with?
I’ve learned a great deal from the various jobs I’ve had, and I’ve been fortunate to have inspiring colleagues throughout my career. For example, Edward Ryan, the head of the graphic design department had a profound influence on me. He taught me a great deal about typography, research in graphic design, and the value of drawing from one's own culture and background. Learning from Adrian Shaughnessy at RCA and Ellen Lupton’s Type Spa has helped me approach my projects from diverse perspectives and create work that I am genuinely proud of. My colleagues and students continue to inspire me with their energy and fresh ideas, keeping me on my toes and helping me enrich my own work and research.
Q: Essential book to read / movie to watch / artist to follow today.
There are so many amazing influences! Ellen Lupton stands out for her accessible books on graphic design, especially in helping to understand typography—I’m currently reading her book *Extra Bold*. I’m also inspired by the diverse and compelling work of MM Paris, Shiva Nallaperumal, Danah Abdullah, Silas Munro, Kimya Gandhi, and Farid Bawa.
For aspiring graphic designers, I highly recommend following Typographics, a design festival for type enthusiasts, organized by Ellen Lupton every year. Also, don’t miss THAT Design Festival, hosted by Middlesex University Dubai bi-annually. It’s completely free for students and always features an incredible lineup of designers showcasing their work and creative process.
Q: Why is the creative field in the UAE exciting at the moment?
The UAE is incredibly diverse and does a great job of embracing this diversity. The blend of its multicultural environment and rich heritage creates space for unique experiences, reflected in the creative work produced here. Events like Creative Career Days at Art Jameel, Dubai Design Week, Quoz Arts Fest, Sikka Arts Fest, and Tasmeem, are key in showcasing creative talent and helping professionals grow their careers. It's an exciting time to be in the region, where the creative culture is still new but rapidly expanding and embracing the fantastic diversity that the UAE has to offer.
Q: Most important next step for the UAE creative industry as a whole.
The region is beginning to recognize the need to nurture its creative talent, but there is still plenty of room to create more opportunities for people from all backgrounds. Some grants and exhibition opportunities are now available to all residents, reflecting a more inclusive idea of what it means to be part of the UAE. Dubai consistently promotes tolerance and cultural spaces, aiming to be a place "where the world comes together to celebrate differences and shared ideals." Initiatives like the Golden Visa of a long-term residency to creatives now, while programmes like ‘Alserkal Initative’ work to identify and support talent in literature, film, performing arts, and visual arts. However, barriers still exist, and creativity needs to break free from limitations of culture, class, and financial access. Despite these challenges, I believe the creative scene here has great potential to thrive and fully embrace the region's diversity. I’m glad to be able to personally contribute towards nurturing the talent of young adults in my classroom. It’s exciting to see the consistently growing number of students pursuing creative careers every year and contributing to the region’s creative outputs!
