Frequently asked questions

Richa Origami is an origami art studio in Indore, India, founded by Richa Pradhan. We design and hand-fold origami lamps and lampshades, gift boxes, planters and decor, sculptural pieces and large custom installations for homes, hotels, offices, exhibitions, museums, airports and events. Every piece is folded by hand by a team of women trained by Richa.

Richa Pradhan is a fashion designer (trained in Indore, 2011) who taught herself origami and began working with it professionally in 2018. She has about 8 years of experience making and teaching paper-folding art, and has taught approximately 200 students in colleges, institutes and workshops across India.

We are based in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India, and we work with clients across India and internationally, including the UAE and Gulf, the UK, Europe, North America, Australia and Singapore.

Our mission is to make girls and women in India financially self-reliant. Richa teaches origami to women and girls and then gives them real orders, so a skill becomes a steady income. Every commission supports that: more work means more women trained and paid.

No. Modern origami and paper-folding is a serious design and architectural technique. Folded structures can be lightweight, strong and sculptural, from a small gift box to a hanging art piece several metres long.

Yes. Custom, idea-led work is what we do best. Tell us what you imagine, even if it is only a mood, a story, a colour or a photo. Richa develops the concept, makes samples where needed and then builds the piece. Start with the quote request form on our Commissions page.

Any size. We make pieces from a small box that fits in your hand to large hanging installations for airports, atriums and exhibition halls. Large works are built in modules so they can be transported and assembled on site.

Yes. Pleated and faceted origami lamps and pendant lampshades are among our signature pieces. They can be customised in size, colour, paper and fold pattern.

Yes. We fold origami gift boxes, including embellished designs, and can produce them in batches with your colours, finish and branding discussed in the quote. Corporate and festive gifting orders are welcome.

Yes. We make folded planters, vases, wall pieces and table decor in a wide range of colours and patterns.

Yes. Large installations for hospitality, commercial, cultural and public spaces are a core part of our commission work. Share the venue, the approximate size and the date you need it by, and we will propose a concept and a plan.

Yes. We regularly suit designers who need a distinctive hand-made element. Send your brief, mood-board, dimensions or drawings and we will respond with a proposal.

Primarily paper and card in many weights, colours and textures. Richa also works with fabric folding techniques. The best material depends on size, location and use. We recommend one in your quote.

Venue requirements differ by country and building. Please mention any fire-safety, durability or indoor/outdoor requirements in your quote request, and we will advise on suitable materials and treatments before you commit.

Yes. Share your brand colours or a reference and we will match them as closely as paper stock allows, and send a sample when needed.

Every project is quoted individually because size, complexity, materials, quantity and delivery vary widely. A small box and a large installation are very different jobs. Send us the details and we will reply with a clear quote.

Four things are enough to start: what the piece is, where it will be placed, the approximate size, and the date you need it by. Photos, sketches and inspiration links are welcome but optional.

Richa personally reads every request. You can expect a reply within one to two working days. For the fastest answer, message us on WhatsApp at +91 70004 62884.

There is no fixed minimum. We take single custom pieces as well as large batches and installations.

For custom commissions we agree the payment terms in the written quote before work begins. The details depend on project size.

Yes. We ship origami pieces to the USA and Canada, the UK and Europe (including Germany, the Netherlands, France and Italy), the Middle East (the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain), Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. We can arrange other countries on request, so please ask. Shipping method and cost are included in your quote.

Pieces are folded flat or in modules where possible, and packed in protective boxes. Large installations are designed to be shipped in sections and assembled on site. We can provide assembly instructions or guidance.

Duties and import taxes depend on the destination country and are normally paid by the buyer. We will tell you what to expect in the quote and provide the commercial paperwork needed for export.

It depends on the size and complexity. Small items are the quickest, large installations need a production schedule. We confirm the timeline in your quote, so please tell us your deadline when you enquire.

Often yes, with enough information early. Tell us your date when you enquire, and we will say honestly whether it is achievable and how.

For large installations we can plan assembly guidance or an on-site installation. This is agreed in the project quote.

Yes. We deliver across India, and local clients in Indore can arrange pick-up or delivery.

Yes. Richa runs origami classes and sessions in Indore and at colleges and institutes, and has taught approximately 200 students. Sessions can be hands-on workshops for beginners or skill-building programmes for those who want to earn from the craft.

Yes. Use the workshop form on our Workshops page with your organisation, city, group size and preferred dates. Corporate team-building and creative sessions are also possible.

No. Sessions start from the basics. Materials can be arranged for your group.

That is the purpose of our programme. Richa teaches women and girls the craft and then gives orders to her students, so that they can earn independently. If you would like to learn or join the team, write to richa@richaorigami.com.

Please ask. Tell us what you need and we will tell you what is possible.

Yes. Every piece is designed and hand-folded in our studio in Indore by Richa and the women she has trained.

Yes. See our Work page and our Instagram @richa_origami. Tell us what you want to make and Richa will share the most relevant examples.

Yes. We can send a sample before you place an order, so you can see and feel the paper, the folds and the finish. Tell us what you are planning in the quote request, and we will agree the details and cost of the sample with you.

Care guidance comes with every piece as part of the package. In general, keep paper pieces away from moisture, direct flame and prolonged strong sunlight, and dust them gently with a soft brush.

We recommend low-heat LED light sources inside paper lamps. For orders overseas, please tell us your country so we can arrange fittings and electrical components appropriate for your local standards.

WhatsApp +91 70004 62884, email richa@richaorigami.com, Instagram @richa_origami, or use the forms on this website. We are in Indore, India (IST, UTC+5:30).