The 13th edition of First Friday, a monthly meet was organised by the Creative Community of Goa (CCG) in collaboration with the Association of Designers of India (ADI), Goa chapter, and Startup & IT Promotion Cell. The meeting held at the Surendrababu Timblo Hall, GCCI, focused on sustainable design.
The keynote session was led by architect and designer Deeksha Thind founder, Saraya Eco Stays, who spoke on permaculture and design. “Permaculture isn’t just a method. It is about designing with nature, where every element has a role, and resources are respected and reused. Goa has always attracted creative minds, but building something meaningful starts with understanding the place and the people,” said Thind.
She shared how her practice is shaped by local materials, community engagement, and sustainable living. “At Saraya, we work with the landscape rather than against it. It’s a continuous process of learning and adapting,” she added.
D S Prashant, CEO, Startup & IT Promotion Cell, introduced the draft Design Policy for Goa. “The intent is to position Goa as a destination for creative professionals- a place where ideas can take root and grow,” he said. He described the policy as a framework to align efforts across design, craft, technology, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on sustainable growth. The event included an open discussion on the draft policy with feedback invited from participants.
