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DJ Academy of Design

Gurukul for Emerging Designers

In 2004, DJAD was established to meet a perceived need in the country. As India grew economically, the opportunity to provide design services expanded. But the country lacked skilled designers. This was the purpose of DJAD's founding to address this need in a small but meaningful way.

DJAD’s story began with the vision of addressing this need, even in a modest yet impactful way. Mr. Sanjay Jayavarthanavelu and PAR Kumar’ visit to the National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad spurred the idea of establishing a design institute under the GKD Charity Trust. It ignited a desire to cultivate a similar environment for fostering design learning and collaboration.
Coimbatore, known as the “Manchester of South India” or the “Detroit of Tamil Nadu,” is a unique blend of industry and education. Being the second-largest city in Tamil Nadu, it boasts a pleasant climate owing to its proximity to lush green mountains, fostering a vibrant place for studying and living. The city is home to over 25,000 different-sized industries, mainly focusing on engineering and textiles. Coimbatore is also a hub for jewellery and silk cotton industries.

DJAD, a vibrant educational community in Coimbatore, is located on a scenic, eco-conscious 24-acre campus just 18 kilometers from the city, offering stunning views of the Western Ghats. DJAD welcomes learners from across India into a rich educational ecosystem shared with universities, engineering colleges, polytechnic institutions, and leading schools. Coimbatore’s diverse and dynamic academic environment makes it an ideal place for both intellectual exploration and creative development.

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Years of Experience

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Awards

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Design Projects

Vision

To be a globally competitive design school second to none in the world.

Mission

To offer quality Design education which is relevant to the society, thoroughly professional and affordable.

MESSAGE FROM TRUSTEE

Dr. Lalitha Devi Sanjay
Jayavarthanavelu

At DJ Academy of Design (DJAD), we believe in the transformative power of design education. Driven by this belief, the GKD Charity Trust established DJAD to offer high-quality, affordable design education relevant to the ever-evolving needs of the Global Design Industry. Since our inception, DJAD has grown considerably, fostering a vibrant learning environment with exceptional faculty and State-of-the-art infrastructure. We offer a rigorous curriculum that challenges and prepares you for success in a dynamic World.

By collaborating with renowned institutions like Alagappa University and the Indian Design Institutes Alliance (IDIAI), DJAD provides you with globally recognized qualifications and valuable industry connections. We are proud to be recognized among the top global design institutes, and we warmly welcome you to DJAD. We are confident that your journey here will be enriching and equip you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the exciting World of Design.

Message From dean

Vydianathan Ramaswami

Welcome to DJ Academy of Design, where creativity meets purpose and design thinking is rooted in real-world relevance. At DJAD, we believe design goes beyond form and aesthetics-it is a powerful tool to address human, social, and technological challenges. Our learning environment is experiential, collaborative, and student-centric, encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and innovation.

As the role of designers continues to evolve across industries and communities, it is essential to nurture professionals who are empathetic, adaptable, and future-ready. At DJAD, we prepare students to engage with complex, life-centric challenges through hands-on studio learning, interdisciplinary exposure, and strong industry connect.

In collaboration with Alagappa University, DJ Academy of Design offers Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes in Design. Along with established disciplines such as Communication Design and Industrial Design, we also offer programmes in User Experience Design, Animation & Film Making, and Interior Design. Supported by experienced faculty, industry partnerships, and advanced facilities, DJAD equips students to thrive as responsible and impactful designers.

I invite you to join us and shape a meaningful future through design.

GKD Charity Trust: Shaping Future

CHARITY TRUST
Established in 1983 by the legendary (Late) Cavalier Dr. G K Devarajulu, the GKD Charity Trust has a rich history of supporting innovation and growth. Dr. Devarajulu’s vision helped put Coimbatore on the global map and the LMW Group, with its 20+ companies (including the iconic LMW brand), stands as a testament to his pioneering spirit.
GKD Charity Trust: Our Focus
  • D J Academy of Design
  • GKD Institute for Technological Resources
  • Electric Crematorium

THE GOVERNING COUNCIL

Sanjay
Jayavarthanavelu

Chairman

Dr. Lalitha Devi Sanjay

Trustee

S Rajasekaran

Member

Michael Foley

Member

Niels Schoenfelder

Member

Jasjit Singh

Member

Vydianathan Ramaswami

Member

Campus Tour: Experience the Beauty of DJ Academy
D J Academy is nestled in a picturesque 24-acre eco-friendly location just 18 kilometres from the Coimbatore city, offering a breathtaking view of the Western Ghats. Our architecturally stunning building, designed by renowned architect and Chair of the Department of Urban Planning and Design at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, Mr. Rahul Mehrotra, provides the perfect backdrop for students to unleash their creativity and bring unique ideas to life, often leading to copyright registration and patenting.
DJAD's Design Centre: Where Students Engage with Renowned Partnerships
DJAD's Design Centre, where industry-aligned design services are curated by our faculty and professional designers. Students play a vital role in diverse client projects, covering product, package, interiors, and graphic design. Partnering with renowned companies such as Pricol Tech, LMW, Sara Elgi, Quattro, T.Stanes & Co, and Leela Group of Hotels, our design centre ensures faculty stay current with industry trends and continuously updates skill sets.
Research Centre

DJAD is gearing up for funded research and publications in design fields like Design Education, Indian Aesthetics, Traditional Design, Universal Design, and Future of Design.

In the world of Indian Aesthetic, our focus lies in exploring and promoting the rich cultural and artistic heritage of India, infusing it into contemporary design practices. In Traditional Design, we learn how to preserve and adapt age-old artistic techniques and craftsmanship, ensuring they thrive in the modern design landscape. Universal Design is a key area of our research, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility in design, aiming to create solutions that cater to a wide range of users regardless of age, ability, or background. Additionally, our exploration into the Future of Design involves forecasting emerging trends, innovative technologies, and sustainable practices that will shape the design landscape globally.

Keep an eye out for the publications featuring the selected works of our students and faculty.

Outreach & Training

Learn & Grow in our Gurukul!

To connect with more people, DJAD frequently holds training sessions, workshops, and seminars about design at various colleges, companies, and schools. Our outreach extends to the public and policymakers, leading to the organization of the International Conference on Universal Design (UDAD) in 2015.

Campus Talks

Designer Guru’s sharing the creative mind

Welcoming design experts to share insights and engage with our student community, where they discuss design trends, challenges, and generate new ideas, exploring uncharted territories in the field.

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