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.
Editors’ Note – This colonial house in Delhi carries an ambience of grandeur, infused with the elegance of Victorian-style colonialism. Expansive living, dining, and kitchen areas open into light-filled spaces framed by large glazing that connect seamlessly to the surrounding landscape. Inside, tropical interiors with bold geometry add a contemporary layer of comfort. The residence […]
“Hilltop House” is envisioned as a contemporary yet context-sensitive residential project that harmonizes architecture and interior design to create a sanctuary perched on a scenic elevation. The design will respond directly to the topography, climate, and panoramic views, while delivering a highly functional, comfortable, and aesthetically refined living environment. This Hilltop House in Indore Is […]
In the layered urban grain of Manjeri, the Timeless House reimagines a 1970s sloping roof residence through careful transformation. It’s a home that doesn’t shout for attention, but quietly repositions itself within its time and place, a sensitive reinterpretation of memory, material, and movement. Originally built in 1972, the house was structurally sound, featuring load-bearing […]
Editor’s Note: There’s something truly special about homes crafted with thought and care—where every corner and detail speaks to its users, becoming part of their memories. For siblings Akhila and Kaushik, Sona Reddy Studio brought this vision to life in One Summer House, a rustic farmhouse tucked within the vibrant city of Hyderabad. Designed with […]
This southwest-facing bungalow, with golden accents in its interiors, is a refined expression of contextual and climate-responsive modern architecture. The home embraces its orientation with an intelligent façade design that balances aesthetic appeal and environmental performance. With the sun’s harshest rays hitting the structure in the latter half of the day, the architects incorporated a […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Aangan is a modern residence that seamlessly integrates with the lush environment of Kerala, showcasing a tropical home design. Designed to embrace the region’s warm climate, the house features a striking sloped terracotta roof at varying levels, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. The structure is enveloped in a vibrant tropical landscape, adorned […]