Founded in 2021, MESEME by Riya Panchal is a London-based studio crafting sculptural, evocative decorative lighting that blurs the line between function and art.

Through the poetic interplay of light, form, and materials, the studio’s designs balance traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. Exploring the direction and diffusion of light, reflection, and shadow, each piece forms a dynamic composition that enhances interiors. With modular and customisable collections, the studio invites personalisation, allowing spaces to be sculpted with light and emotion.


Portrait of London based Designer Maker Riya Panchal in the studio at Blackhorse Workshop wearing a Parrot Green Jumper

Founder &

Designer Maker

Riya Panchal is a London-based designer and maker of expressive, sculptural lighting and objects. Blending modern aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship, her work is defined by meticulous attention to detail and a playful imagination. Originally from India, Riya’s designs reflect her rich cultural heritage and personal experiences, adding emotional depth and narrative to each piece.

Drawing inspiration from life's varied themes and references, she creates lighting that goes beyond function, exploring narration, form, colour, texture, and composition to craft captivating, sensory-driven pieces.

With her family's background rooted in paper machine engineering and enriched by her extensive experience in sculptural and decorative lighting, Riya has developed a deep understanding of materials and processes. Overtime, her practice has evolved into a more artistic and expressive approach. While crafting many pieces herself, Riya collaborates closely with talented craftspeople, incorporating dynamic elements and challenging traditional notions in lighting design to create sculptural pieces that push beyond conventional boundaries.

Riya holds a master's degree in Product & Furniture Design from Kingston School of Art and a bachelor's degree in Product Design from Bournemouth University.


Studio & Making

MESEME Studio - Glass Pendant Lights on Workbench

Pronounced as ‘meh-seh-meh’

The name ‘MESEME’ derived from ‘mesmerising’, perfectly defining the awe-inspiring effect our sculptural lighting is to have on our clients, captivating their full attention.

/meseme/

In a deep exploration of materials, collaborative artisan partnerships, and a passionate commitment to colour and meticulous detailing lies the heart of our studio's philosophy.

Our lighting collections - both self-directed and collaborative, feature an evolving range of made-to-order pieces, including table lamps, pendant lights, ceiling lights, and wall lights. 

Conceptualised, crafted and assembled in our London-based studio -  from the genesis of intuitive paper models, refinement of prototypes to finished pieces - each design seamlessly marries traditional and modern aesthetics.

MESEME Studio Brass Metal Fittings for Lighting
MESEME Studio - Metal Work Production on Lathe
CONCHA Pendant Light Glass Bulbs
MESEME Studio MARSHA Lamp Glass in Production

With in-house manufacturing capabilities, we craft many of our collections while also collaborating with skilled glassblowers and metalworkers both locally and globally. This fusion of expert craftsmanship and diverse cultural influences weaves a rich artistic narrative that transcends boundaries.

While we continue to celebrate these global partnerships, we are increasingly working with local and UK-based artisans, embracing small-batch production to cultivate a truly distinctive design practice. This approach allows us to maintain exceptional quality, reduce waste, and create pieces with a unique, handcrafted character. At the heart of our work lies a deep commitment to quality, sustainability, and cultural enrichment.

In the realm of decorative sculptural lighting, our designs embody not just artistic expression but a thoughtful approach to their entire lifecycle. By seamlessly integrating efficient light sources with responsibly sourced materials, we create pieces that are both timeless and environmentally conscious.

SELECTED PRESS
DARC AWARDS 2021 | DARC MAGAZINE | DARC MAGAZINE - LDF 23 | CRAFTS MAGAZINE | ART & DESIGN MAGAZINE CHINA

SELECTED FEATURES (Online)
INTERVIEW - MKDL MEETS RIYA PANCHAL | ESTILA | DEZEEN | SEASON_ZINE | G.F SMITH - RETROSPECTIVE | ADORNO | MIX INTERIORS

SELECTED CLIENTS
ANGLOTHAI | ECHLIN STUDIO | ELLIPSE DESIGN STUDIO | ICONIC SHOWCASE | MAY REDDING | LOOP AGENCY | RODMAN PAUL ARCHITECTS | SLOWBURN LONDON | STUDIO B DESIGN

Awards & Recognition

2024 GMUND AWARDS - CONCHA Collection nominated in art’s category.

2021 DARC AWARDS
- ALMA Table Light Shortlisted Top10 (3rd Place)

2020 LAMP - Student Pendant Lamp Winner (Dec 2020) - ‘Caustica’

2020 - KSA Studentship x Palomar Labs Award

Talks & Workshops

WORKSHOP (SEPT 2024) - MESEME x Make Stuff Club Collaboration on fixing and illustrating MANTIS Table Lamp Paper Shades

WORKSHOP (SEPT 2024)
- MESEME x Make Stuff Club Collaboration on fixing and illustrating CONCHA Pendant Paper Shades, SEN Group.

PANEL TALK (FEB 2024)
- Kingston School of Art, Alumni Panel Discussion “Our Creative Futures”

PANEL TALK (AUG 2021) - Getting started, The first 5 years after graduation, London Desing Festival, Panel Discussion Hosted by Sebastian Bergne

Exhibitions & Shows

SEPTEMBER 2024 - ‘MANTIS Table Lamp in Aluminium Finish’ at Makers Showcase by Blackhorse Workshop

JUNE 2024
- ‘MARSHA Table Lamp in Honey Amber’ at Wow! House as art of ‘A Sitting Room’ by Studio Ashby and United in Design

MAY 2024
- ‘CONCHA Feature Installation’ at Future Icons Selects 2024 as part of London Craft Week

NOV 2024
- Iconic Showcase - pop-gallery space at New Bond Street

OCT 2023
- Formed with Future Heritage 2023 at Design Centre, Chelsea as Blackhorse Workshop Collective

SEPT 2023
- London Design Fair as part of London Design Festival 2023

2023
- MESEME x Blackhorse Workshop Cafe - CHRYSALIS Private Pre-Launch Showcase

2022
- New Designers One Year In 2022 curated by Sally Angharad

2021 - ALMA Table Lamp Debut at Herman Miller x Kingston School of Art Showcase

Representation