Yes, Abin V Benny and Minna Saju are registered Architects, under the Council of Architecture (COA), which enables us to practice as Architects across India. They are also members of The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA).

Ar. Minna Saju since 2017 and Ar. Abin V Benny since 2014. DE.SIGN Architects was founded in the year 2014.

At present, our designs can be broadly characterized as Contemporary and Minimalistic. However, we are continuously exploring and evolving our unique architectural language. Depending on our clients' requests and preferences, we also occasionally deviate from these categories to create bespoke and personalized designs.

Ideally, yes. Visiting our studio allows you to experience our work process and approach. We highly recommend at least one in-person meeting before we embark on the project together.

We can direct you to our ongoing projects currently under construction. However, out of respect for our clients' privacy, we refrain from providing direct access to our finished works. Instead, we offer documentation of these projects, such as photographs or videos available online. To ensure a smooth visit to our studio without any waiting, kindly schedule an appointment in advance via email or phone.

Feel free to reach out to us on any regular business day between 10:30 am and 5:30 pm, except on Sundays and holidays. If, for any reason, we are unable to answer your call, it might be due to ongoing meetings. In such instances, we kindly request you to call again later or leave a message, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

For a productive first meeting, the following documents are usually helpful:

a) A copy of the village sketch of the site.

b) Detailed requirements for the project.

c) Photographs or video clips of the site, if available, would also be beneficial.

After our first discussion for the project (which happens in our design studio) we would let you know a comfortable date by which we can visit your site.

Yes, for sites located outside Kottayam city limits, we do charge a nominal fee along with the actual travel fare for the first site visit. This approach is taken because numerous inquiries we receive may not ultimately result in full-fledged projects due to various reasons. Charging a fee helps us ensure that our time and resources are utilized efficiently.

For comprehensive details about our scope of works and fee statements, please refer to the relevant documents. In case you haven't received them yet, feel free to get in touch with us, and we'll be glad to share the information with you.

To ensure accuracy and alignment with your project requirements, we typically share the 'services and fee statement' with prospective clients only after engaging in a detailed discussion over the phone regarding the project. Understanding the project brief is essential before providing you with the comprehensive document. Feel free to contact us using the numbers provided in the contact section to initiate the process and receive the necessary information.

Yes, the advance amount varies depending on the specific project. For detailed information on advance payments and other financial aspects, please refer to our services and fee statements. If you haven't received this document, please get in touch with us, and we will be happy to provide you with the necessary details.

Upon embracing our architecture and design ideas, we arrange an in-studio meeting, followed by a site visit, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the project's context. To ensure utmost accuracy in site details, we provide the clients with a list of essential points when conducting the digital survey. During an extensive discussion with the clients, we meticulously record all project requirements, guiding them through every aspect, from the entry gate to the backyard, to grasp their vision completely.

Next, we craft a core concept that serves as a guiding beacon for the project. Presenting the initial layout, we invite the clients for another meeting, collaboratively refining the design until mutual satisfaction is achieved. Clients who have effectively communicated their preferences in the initial stages typically find alignment with our proposed design.

Once the design is solidified, we proceed with detailed drawings for approval and construction, adhering to the agreed-upon schedule. This meticulous approach ensures a seamless and successful transformation of their vision into a stunning reality.

Both Ar. Abin V Benny and Ar. Minna Saju actively participate in all crucial meetings, ensuring a collaborative approach in developing the design for each project. Once both architects are satisfied that the project has reached the desired level of refinement, one of them takes over the project's management. This decision is based on their respective availability at that time. From that point onward, clients primarily interact with the architect responsible for handling the project, streamlining communications and ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow.

As previously mentioned, based on our experience, when clients effectively communicate their preferences during the initial two sessions, they often approve the design we present at the outset. Our design process involves exploring various possibilities and meticulously detailing each project. In the end, we showcase to our clients what we believe to be the optimal solution tailored to their specific needs. When clients wholeheartedly share their insights with us, we can confidently deliver the best design outcome that perfectly suits their project requirements.

No.

As a small design-focused studio, our primary focus lies in providing design-based solutions rather than project execution services like regular supervision, project management, or bill checking. However, we do offer timely site visits at different stages, depending on the chosen scheme, to ensure that the construction aligns perfectly with the finalized design. Our commitment to maintaining design integrity and quality during the construction process remains a top priority.

No.

Vastu Shastra is an ancient Indian architectural system that lays down guidelines for the design and layout of buildings to enhance harmony and well-being. While some individuals and cultures strongly believe in Vastu principles and incorporate them into their construction and design practices, others may not consider them as significant.

Ultimately, the decision on whether to design with Vastu principles or not depends on the clients' preferences and the design firm's approach and willingness to adapt to those preferences.