Management Associate - Research, Design Management, Projects

About Nolwa Studio

Nolwa Studio is a design studio and gallery based in Hyderabad, India. We create collectible objects of art and design by bringing together traditional crafts and contemporary perspectives. Working with Indian craftsmen and global designers, we develop objects that celebrate Indian craftsmanship and engage meaningfully with international audiences.

Role Overview

The Management Associate will work closely with the Founder to support the studio’s research, design development, and day-to-day operations. This is an on-site full time role that combines research, design coordination, and studio management, requiring curiosity, rigour, and an ability to move seamlessly working with the team between conceptual exploration and on-ground execution.
The role is ideal for someone who enjoys working across disciplines, is comfortable with ambiguity, and is keen to contribute meaningfully to a growing, research-driven design studio.

Key Responsibilities

Research

● Undertake studio-led research across diverse areas including material systems, coatings and finishes, surface treatments, craft processes, design considerations, and emerging technologies relevant to Nolwa’s work.

● Conduct market and contextual research, including references to global collectible design, galleries, exhibitions, pricing benchmarks, and audience positioning.

● Support the Founder with ad-hoc and ongoing research needs, responding to the evolving requirements of projects and collaborations.

● Organize, document, and synthesize research findings into visual references and presentations for studio use.

Management and Design Development

● Manage, execute and coordinate internal design projects including but not limited to exhibition design, communication design -- working alongside designers, media team, PR team and external consultants.

● Support the design development of new pieces, coordinating between the founder, designers, vendors and artisans.

● Assist with design management, including tracking design iterations, drawings, prototypes, samples, and material tests.

● Act as a liaison between stakeholders to ensure clarity, alignment, and continuity through the design and production process.

Studio and Project Coordination

● Monitor daily studio working, with a focus on timely execution of projects, follow-ups, and coordination across parallel work streams.

● Track project timelines, deliverables, and dependencies to help maintain momentum across ongoing and upcoming pieces.

● Support miscellaneous studio needs that arise in a small, evolving practice, contributing as an all-rounder to smooth day-to-day functioning.

Requirement for the position Mandatory for the role

● Bachelor's degree in Business/Design or a related field.

● Minimum of 4 years of experience.

● Good organizational and coordination skills, with attention to detail and follow-through.

● An interest in contemporary design, craft, materials, and cultural narratives is essential.

● Comfortable working closely with a Founder-led studio, handling varied responsibilities that may evolve over time.

● Ability to research, collate and synthesize information and provide valuable insights to the team.

● Clear communication skills, both written and verbal, for coordination with designers, artisans, and collaborators.

● Willingness to jump in, contribute across tasks, be involved in the growth of the studio - beyond a fixed role.