In this talk to the design and architecture students and faculty at SPA Bhopal, India, the Chandigarh Chairs research group explore the importance and relevance of design history for practicing architects and designers. Using their ongoing research on the modernist furniture of the city of Chandigarh, India, as a starting point, the team discuss how design historical research on the use, attribution and context of objects can help establish a better understanding of design practices in the present.