About
Mission
Mara Labs was born from a passion—Amar Ramesh’s drive to celebrate and preserve South Indian heritage in a completely new way. What started with the photographic success of Mogappu, documenting the stunning facades of Chettinad houses, grew into a desire to create high-end coffee table books that go beyond just being reading materials. Our mission is to redefine how books are experienced in India, blending rich cultural narratives with modern design, and making each book an immersive journey into the heart of South India.
Design
At Mara Labs, design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating experiential books. Our approach is to treat each book as a unique project, experimenting with materials, typography, and layouts to bring the subject matter to life. We want our books to feel like artifacts—timeless, yet contemporary. Each book is an opportunity to showcase the beauty of South Indian heritage through a modern lens. Whether it’s the use of bold typography, experimental structures, or carefully chosen materials, we aim to create books that surprise and engage the reader on every level, leaving a lasting impression that goes beyond the content.
Giving Back
While our focus is on modern design, we also aim to give back to the communities that inspire our work. We celebrate artisans, craftspeople, and the traditions of South India, ensuring that our books highlight the richness of this culture. We believe that design can be a tool for preserving heritage and fostering appreciation for the craftsmanship that has shaped it. Each book we release is an effort not only to create something beautiful but to support the continuation of the culture it represents, ensuring that the stories we share continue to resonate with readers and future generations.