Profile & Biography
Dr. Rambabu Muppidi is a distinguished Senior Faculty Grade-II at FDDI Chennai, previously associated with the Hyderabad campus. He holds an extensive academic background, including a PhD with a Gold Medal in Handicrafts History, a BFA, an M.Des from NIFT, and an M.Phil. His multidisciplinary expertise spans the Design Process, Fashion Illustration CAD, Fine Arts, and Leather Goods and Accessories design. A prolific researcher and scholar, Dr. Muppidi has authored 8 books and published over 95 research works, including 10 high-indexed Scopus/ABDC papers, 35 conference papers, and 35 book chapters. Beyond academia, he has significantly contributed to the Telugu film industry as an Assistant Art Director and Production Designer for eight films, including Gayam 2 and Maa Annayya Bangaram, where he integrated craft-based aesthetics into visual storytelling.
Recognized by major media outlets as the "Design Patent Man of the Telugu States," Dr. Muppidi is a leader in innovation with a portfolio of 42 design patents (22 granted and 20 pending), making him the highest individual filer in South India. His patented designs, such as a coconut-inspired jewelry box and leather-wood bird toys, exemplify the fusion of traditional Indian heritage with modern CAD/CAM functionality. He has spearheaded over 70 craft documentation projects and 10 training programs for crafts like Kondapalli toys, Bobbili Veena, and Etikoppaka lacquerware in collaboration with bodies like Lepakshi, DC Handicrafts, and the National Jute Board. The recipient of 22 national and international awards, Dr. Muppidi remains a pivotal figure in sustainable fashion, artisan development, and the preservation of India's cultural heritage.
