Madhuri Rao

Hi, I’m a designer and facilitator dedicated to creating work that is human- and planet-centered. I’m currently a Communications Specialist for New York City’s health and wellness program, helping bring free resources and workshops to city workers, and I also conduct natural dye workshops in my free time.

With over seven years of design experience, I focus on projects that connect diverse communities through design research, strategy, and visual storytelling. I love turning big ideas into clear, engaging experiences through workshops, visual design, and community-centered projects.

Before this, I was a vegan baker and yoga teacher, and I bring a background in law to everything I do. My work is shaped by holistic and regenerative design principles, with the goal of creating solutions that tackle today’s challenges while building a healthier, more just future for people and the planet.



Design
Projects
  1. Theater der Welt
  2. AUTONOM Symposium
  3. Social Alpha
  4. London Design Festival
  5. Report Design


Research
Projects
  1. Earth’s Kitchen
  2. Loving The Bronx

London Design Festival







For the London Design Festival, I had the privilege of collaborating with Ms. Florence Hawkins and Ms. Shana Pagano Lohrey on our project "Possible/Probable Worlds," which celebrated the vibrant culinary landscape of Elephant & Castle. Through meticulous research and documentation, we delved into the diverse local cuisines, endeavoring to highlight their origins, cultural significance, and health benefits. Utilizing environmentally sustainable vegetable inks crafted from scraps sourced from local cafes, we created striking screen-printed posters that served as visual narratives of the area's culinary richness.






Running from September to October, our exhibition offered a captivating exploration of Elephant & Castle's culinary diversity, inviting viewers to engage with the area's cultural tapestry through the lens of its cuisine. The project was a testament to our commitment to creativity, sustainability, and community engagement, serving as a platform for celebrating local heritage and fostering a sense of pride within the community. 



Additionally, a screen printing workshop held during the festival provided an interactive opportunity for participants to delve deeper into the project, experimenting with natural dyes and contributing to the creative process. Through "Possible/Probable Worlds," we aimed to not only showcase the richness of Elephant & Castle's culinary traditions but also inspire meaningful connections and conversations within the community and beyond.