Our vision

To be a premier destination for nurturing empowered creators,

HELPING OUR YOUTH build the confidence

to shape a future with innovation, imagination, and purpose.

Our Founder’s Story

Durga’s journey to founding DesignX was driven by a deep passion for creativity and education—marked by bold decisions, collaboration, and a constant desire to reinvent. Durga grew up surrounded by creativity and making—spending summers at her grandfather’s textile mill. The massive industrial machines and the ingenuity involved in making things left an indelible mark on the growing mind. Durga launched as a leather garments designer for the International Conglomerate TATA Exports where she built an even deeper appreciation for the creative and manufacturing process—subsequently earning an MS in Apparel Design and Manufacturing from Virgina Tech. She sees design as an act of both problem-solving and expression—grounded in a firm belief that hands-on, tactile experiences are essential for developing creativity and critical thinking in young minds—no matter the tools or the end product.

Exposed to Silicon Valley culture as a young mom in the early 2000s, Durga observed the diminishing opportunities for hands-on creative learning for children following the 2008 recession, the increasing dominance of digital technology, and the calling for creativity that she saw in her own two children. In 2009, Durga co-founded DezignKidz—offering hands-on programs in fashion design for children ages 7 to 14. From modest beginnings, the mission to enhance creativity in young lives soon blossomed, inspiring over 2,500 students across Silicon Valley. The program was a success, cultivating a new generation of designers and makers through project-based learning. Feeling the pull to evolve, Durga launched DesignX in 2017 to take creative education to the next level.

Durga has continuously pushed the DesignX mission further to thoughtfully meet and exceed the standards of innovation in Silicon Valley—developing new programs that combine skills in apparel design with cutting-edge tools and techniques, and exploring next-gen textiles to help reduce textile waste. Her goal is simple yet powerful: to offer safe spaces that unleashes the creativity of young minds, where students thoughtfully explore modern ideas, listen to their unique voice and unlock their highest creative potential through fashion, product, toy design and architecture. The skills developed are far reaching — and transformative.

DesignX has empowered over 7,000 young designers and makers over the years, encouraging them to think critically, problem-solve, and embrace their creative potential. It is a testament to Durga’s belief that creativity is the foundation of innovation—and that the future belongs to those who dare to not just DREAM IT but also MAKE IT!

Creativity & Innovation

Aspire to unlock each child's creative potential through experiences that promote authenticity, inspire imagination and originality while building an appreciation for the creative process.

Empowerment Through Design

Create safe spaces that encourage experimentation, embrace challenges, and promote problem solving, fostering confidence and resilience.

Sustainability & Responsibility

Promote sustainable practices in operations and teach thoughtful design with environmental responsibility while promoting an appreciation for human ingenuity and craftsmanship.

STUDENT CENTERED

Continuously evolve our programs to meet students' needs in an ever-changing world.