Architects in Kerala

Many of the top design trends in India right now have their origins in Kerala. For instance, what is referred to as “tropical modern” seems to be a continuation of the traditional Kerala homes that were built here decades ago,thanks to its popularity among tourists and even interior magazines.In recent years, architects and designers in this southern Indian state have started to make a name for themselves, winning local and national awards for their work.

There are 6500 registered architects in Kerala as of 2021 Council of Architecture (COA) records. From early players such as Iyer & Mahesh and Chandramohan Associates, tony joseph to names like Design Combine and TM Cyriac, the industry has grown so much that today the state has more than 6000 practising architects and close to 40 institutions offering architecture studies.

Why you should consult an architect ?

5 years of academic training and couple of years experience on field makes architects capable to execute right techniques and ideas to bring your vision to life,they can help you get most out of your budget, Architects think out of square to design solutions tailored to meet your specific needs, Architects in Kerala are trained to understand location, the impacts of building orientation and the importance of shading, natural lighting and ventilation in reducing the demand for artificial lights and air conditioning,they can make your building more sustainable,Architect could help you avoid any surprise costs and timely finish your project.

Types of architects in Kerala for your projects

The different types of architecture are often characterised by the structure’s design and period of construction. When it comes to the different types of architects, licensed professionals are categorised based on the types of structures they most frequently design.

There are many architects in Kerala specialized in branches of architecture like landscaping, urban planning, conservation, renovation projects,sustainable architecture etc,some of them are focused on the hospitality sector and commercial projects.

Services provided by Kerala architects

Majority of architectural firms in Kerala are multidisciplinary firms involved in Architecture, Planning, Landscape design, Interior design and project management. A team consisting of junior architects, interior designers,3D modelling design professionals and trainee architects led by the principal architect operates the design process. They design spaces for residences, interiors , home renovation projects, hospitality buildings, institutions, town planning and turnkey construction projects.

COA has clearly defined the services architects should provide as follows,

Taking Client’s instructions and preparation of design brief. Site evaluation, analysis and impact of existing and / or proposed development on its immediate environs. Design and site development, Structural design, Sanitary, plumbing, drainage, water supply and sewerage design. Electrical, electronic, communication systems and design, Elevators, escalators, etc, Fire detection, Fire protection and Security systems etc. Periodic inspection and evaluation of Construction works.

ALLIED FIELDS : Landscape Architecture, Interior Architecture, Architectural Conservation, Retrofitting of Buildings, Graphic Design and Signage

Visit COA website here

Different stages of services

Concept design

This stage includes determining client’s requirements, examining site constraints & potential ; and preparing a design brief for client’s approval. site evaluation, impact studies,mitigations,soil investigation and prepare conceptual designs and rough estimates.

Preliminary design and drawings

Modify the conceptual designs incorporating required changes and prepare the preliminary drawings, sketches, study model, etc., for the Client’s approval along with preliminary estimate of cost on area basis.

Drawings for statutory approvals

Prepare drawings necessary for Client’s/ statutory approvals and ensure compliance with codes, standards and legislation, as applicable and assist the Client in obtaining the statutory approvals thereof, if required.

Working drawing and tender document

Prepare working drawings, specifications and schedule of quantities sufficient to prepare estimate of cost and tender documents including code of practice covering aspects like mode of measurement, method of payments, quality control procedures on materials & works and other conditions of contract

Appointment of contractors

Invite, receive and analyse tenders; advise Client on appointment of contractors

Construction

Provide drawing and details for proper execution of works during construction of projects

Approve samples of various elements and components.Visit the site of work, to inspect and evaluate the Construction Works and where necessary clarify any decision, offer interpretation of the drawings/specifications, attend meetings to ensure that the projects proceeds generally in accordance with the conditions of contract and keep the clients informed and render advice on actions, if required. Day-to-day supervision to be carried out by a Construction Manager (Clerk of Works/ Site Supervisor or Construction Management Agency in case of a large and complex projects), who shall work under the guidance and direction of the Architect and shall be appointed and paid by the Client, and finally issue Certificate of Virtual Completion of works.

Completion stage

Prepare and submit completion reports and drawings for the project as required and assist the Client in obtaining “Completion/ Occupancy Certificate” from statutory authorities, wherever required.Issue two sets of as-built drawings including services and structures.

Architects fees in Kerala

Most of the architectural firms in Kerala charges based on proposed build-up area of the project, This varies from ₹ 60 / sq. ft to ₹ 600 / sq. ft for residential units, COA guidelines for Single Block Housing and sites upto 0.5 hectare are 5 % on the cost of works for Comprehensive Architectural Services, and 7.5 % each for interior designing and landscape architecture, 1 % on the cost of works assigned, to be computed at a rate of Rs 6000 per Sq m of proposed built-up area, for urban design projects subject to a minimum of ₹ 240000. Learn more..

Best architects in Kerala

Ar G shankar (habitat technology), Eugene Pandala are world renowned architects for sustainable architecture and Green building projects, Hasan Naseef (URVI Foundation,Trivandrum), P B Sajan (Costford,Thrissur), Vinu Daniel (Wallmakers), George P J, are the architects gained awards and commendation in the HUDCO Design Awards, Shyam Kumar Puravankara, Vinod T (Bhoomi, Kannur), Binumol Tom are some of the other architects in kerala belongs this group.

Fahed abdul majeed (Fahed + Architects, Kochi), Deepa Mathai (Arkind Architects, Kochi), Faris Abdulla Mahamood (F.Architects, Kannur), Nima Noorudin (NNI Associates, Doha), are the charter members of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) from Kerala

Arjun Rajan (A’factree Architects, Ernakulam), Hamid M M and Hafeef P K (Zero Studio, Malappuram), Madhushitha C A (Cochin Creative Collective,Kochi) Mohandas P (Stapati, Calicut) are among the winners of IIA National Awards for Excellence In Architecture recent years.

S Gopakumar (BKRG, Kochi) is one and only architect from Kerala to win the Indian Institute of Architects’ Baburao Mhatre Gold Medal in 2020.

How to verify your architect in Kerala ?

There are many organisations in Kerala practicing home designing,architecture and interior designing, construction works,project management consultants etc, in the name of an architectural firm, Practicing as an Architect without a degree and registration under Council of Architecture (COA) is a punishable offence under Architect’s Act, 1972.

Enter your architects CA registration Number (Example: CA/XXXX/XXXXX

CA/1975/Reg.No.) here for quick verification