Ar. Hemanth Chander is a Bangalore-based architect who believes in nature being the background for any design. Under his leadership, the design studio evolved organically, providing holistic and highly customized design solutions for architectural projects. In this conversation with The Architect’s Diary, Hemanth shares his design journey and story about his firm.
I am a B.Arch graduate from RV College of Architecture. I am a Bangalore-based architect and consider myself dynamic, determined, versatile, creative, and responsible. I am a hardworking and dedicated professional looking for opportunities to develop and explore my skills through new challenges and projects.
I can adapt to challenges during the design and construction process and find practical solutions to overcome obstacles. I always work as a team member, managing and coordinating with clients, consultants, and site workers to bring concepts to reality.
After gaining considerable experience with Bangalore-based architects Sharukh Mistry and Renu Mistry, it was time to explore individually with clients. I started concentrating more on residential projects by working closely with families. Studio HC took off during COVID when most clients used their time to plan for their future homes.
My first project was with a young couple who were referral clients. Fortunately, they trusted the process more than our past projects. It was a 5000 sq ft residence in JP Nagar, Bangalore, on a 4000 sq ft plot.
At the heart of every successful project lies a well-thought-out design approach that guides the entire process from concept to execution. Our design approach is driven by a commitment to creativity, functionality, and user-centricity, aiming to deliver solutions that exceed expectations.
We collaborate closely with our clients to understand their needs, desires, and preferences. We strive to incorporate their vision while infusing it with our creativity. Our designs respond harmoniously to their surroundings, which take into account the site’s context, climate, and cultural heritage.
A design trend or a requirement from most clients these days are spaces or designs that involve interaction with family members within the homes. We create individual private spaces, along with spaces for group gatherings, that respect each other’s spaces and privacy while at the same time spending quality time with family members in their new homes. Integrating Smart Home Technology allows homeowners to monitor and control energy usage and other resources, which promotes a more efficient and sustainable lifestyle.
Clients often bring and show us images from online platforms and request that we incorporate them. First and foremost, we hear them out and understand what they are looking for. After that, we help them realise that every design needs to be contextually strong and feasible. There is also a need to convey the importance of budget, space, and functional requirements.
Sometimes a client’s preferred design style may not be the most practical or suitable for their needs. Then it’s essential for us to educate them about the pros and cons of different design choices. We must help them understand the implications of their decisions so they can make informed choices.
One of the challenges is to break away from the preconceived notions or reservations that a client may have and introduce new concepts to them. It is important to address the concerns that a client may have while we introduce new concepts.
My dream project would be a sustainable getaway home on a remote Island. The vision would be to blend the design with the natural surroundings, preserving the landscape. The project will be self-sustaining, harnessing solar, wind, and rainwater harvesting. The reason for wanting to do this is to create a unique, luxurious haven while respecting and conserving the natural environment.
If given the chance, I would love to work with architect Sanjay Mohe of Mindspace Architects. We could collaborate and work on a group housing project.
Not every design will be a masterpiece. Learn from your mistakes and view failures as opportunities to grow and improve. Design is not just about aesthetics; it involves problem-solving. Before starting any design work, take the time to understand your client’s needs, target audience, and project objectives.
This North Facing villa opens towards the East to always soak in the cool and diffused light. Its orientation is mindful of the adjoining clubhouse and its expansive garden. The planning allows the villa’s private lawn to visually merge with it, creating a larger and cohesive space. With a connection to the open space at […]
An Urban Sanctuary Woven with Craft, Warmth, and Light Explicitly tucked into a quiet residential pocket, this home with a jaali facade is a thoughtfully layered expression of calm, character, and craftsmanship. Every surface and corner is rooted in intention — where light, material, and memory meet. The Jaali Design in this Layered Home Exudes […]
The design of the house prioritises connectivity to nature by incorporating green elements like vertical gardens or landscaped courtyards. This is achieved through various means, such as large windows framing scenic views, outdoor living spaces seamlessly merging with the surrounding landscape. The emphasis on connectivity to nature creates a serene and harmonious environment, fostering a […]
“Viraam,” a 4000 sq ft house design that embodies its literal translation: “a pause.” The vision is to create a sanctuary for relaxation, introspection, and to escape from the constant demands of daily life – an urban void for personal retreat. Editor’s Note: “Viraam is not just a house, it’s a pause. A place to […]
The facade of this Indian contemporary house design strikes a careful balance between solids and voids, with sculpted forms that reveal the inner workings of the space. The design plays with light and shadow, creating visual depth and intrigue from the exterior. The form resembles a cuboid that has been scooped out, while the outer […]
This 5 storey building takes inspiration from ancient haveli architecture. “Hailing from north India, the family held deep nostalgia for haveli, large residences with communal courtyards called chowks, projecting balconies called jharokhas and intricate brick or stone lattice screens called jaalis, vernacular to many western and northern regions of India,” said SJK Architects partner Vaishali […]
Set in the serene landscape of Nashik, the Dabholkar Residence by GDA is a home, embracing stone clad walls. Here, tradition and contemporary design exist in harmony. Designed to reflect the family’s deep connection to tradition and art while embracing the style of contemporary living, it is a space where architectural details, heritage furniture, artwork […]
This remodelling project aimed to revitalise a load-bearing house while respecting its original integrity and adapting it to contemporary needs. The design approach prioritised minimal structural intervention, allowing the existing framework to guide spatial reconfiguration. Careful consideration was given to preserving the load-bearing walls, which formed the backbone of the original construction. Openings were strategically […]
Nestled within a 30×40 ft plot is the compact house design in Banashankari 6th Stage, Bengaluru. This residence for the Ellappans, reimagines traditional Indian living in a contemporary, spatially dynamic form. Designed for a family of three- Mr. Ellappan, his wife, and their teenage son- the house expresses a deep connection to vernacular roots while […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]