Kerala’s architectural landscape is experiencing a renaissance, with innovative firms championing sustainable practices while honoring the state’s rich cultural heritage. These three studios are redefining contemporary architecture through their commitment to environmental consciousness, local materials, and community-centered design.
1. Pacha Life Design Studio – Champions of Green Living
Location: Thrikkaipetta, Wayanad
Founded: 2018
Founders: Shamal NS and Srishti Verma
What Makes Them Special
Pacha Life Design Studio embodies sustainability in its truest form. The name “Pacha,” meaning “green” or “raw” in Malayalam, perfectly captures their philosophy of authentic environmental responsibility. This interdisciplinary studio operates at the intersection of art, craft, interior design, and construction, exclusively working with locally sourced materials including bamboo, wood, mud, dry flowers, and natural fibers.
Signature Approach
- Material Mastery: Specialization in bamboo handmade products, furniture, and building techniques
- Community Integration: Close collaboration with traditional artisans in Wayanad and throughout Kerala
- Circular Design: Their “I am more than a Lungi” initiative upcycles waste Kannur handloom fabrics
- Nature-Based Solutions: Using bamboo as a climate change mitigation tool
Notable Projects
- Bubble at Kings Flora Farm Resort, Wayanad: Showcasing innovative bamboo construction
- Flow Slow Installation at Silverwoods Resort: Large-scale cane and bamboo artwork demonstrating material flexibility
- Malhar Residential Villa, Kannur: Sustainable residential architecture
Why They Matter: Pacha Life proves that traditional knowledge and contemporary design can create powerful solutions for environmental challenges while supporting local craftspeople.
To know more about them, check out their interview as part of DTalks series.
2. Bhoomija – Architecture of Stillness and Sensitivity
Location: Pattambi, Kerala
Founded: Led by Ar. Guruprasad Rane and Ar. Manasi Puliyappatta
Philosophy: “Architecture as a low-impact, high-respect craft”
What Makes Them Special
Bhoomija represents the thoughtful integration of vernacular wisdom with contemporary needs. With over two decades of experience in sustainable, context-responsive architecture, the firm specializes in earth and bamboo construction while serving as advocates for socially responsible design through their involvement with Architecture Sans Frontières International.
Signature Approach
- Material Innovation: Expertise in rammed earth, compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEB), and cob construction
- Climate Responsiveness: Designs that breathe naturally, utilizing passive cooling and natural ventilation
- Social Impact: Projects supporting marginalized communities, including facilities for children of sex workers
- Regenerative Design: Buildings that use less material and energy while serving with “honesty and grace”
Notable Projects
- Rammed Earth Residence, Trivandrum: Demonstrating the structural capability of earth construction
- Cob House, Palakkad: Showcasing traditional building techniques with contemporary applications
- Girl’s Home, Chathannur: Community-focused architecture with social impact
- Lord’s House Chapel: Spiritual architecture rooted in place
Recent Recognition
- UN-Habitat UIA 2030 Award (2024): Commendation for “Adequate, Safe and Affordable Housing”
- ID Honours 2025: Vernacular Architecture category winner
- Designer Magazine 2024: Listed among 25 Most Influential Practices in Kerala
Why They Matter: Bhoomija demonstrates that sustainable architecture isn’t about compromise—it’s about creating buildings that are “resilient, responsive, and respectful to both people and planet.”
To know more about them, check out their interview as part of DTalks series.
3. Aavishkar Architects – Innovation Meets Functionality
Location: Kochi, Kerala
Founded: 2011
Founders: Subi Surendran and Athira Prakash
What Makes Them Special
Aavishkar Architects stands out for their multidisciplinary approach and commitment to innovation without sacrificing functionality. The firm has built a reputation for creating diverse, client-specific designs that push the boundaries of conventional architecture while maintaining deep respect for context and culture.
Signature Approach
- Adaptive Design: No fixed signature style—each project reflects the client’s unique personality and needs
- Biophilic Integration: Incorporating natural elements to enhance well-being and connection to nature
- Sustainable Innovation: From container architecture to material upcycling
- Comprehensive Services: Architecture, planning, landscape design, interior design, and project management
Notable Projects
- Container Restaurant: India’s first two-storey container structure, showcasing circular design principles
- Karikuzhy House: Collaboration with local artisans to upcycle furniture and create decor from discarded materials
- The Box House: Demonstrating contemporary residential design
- Elengikal House: Context-sensitive architecture
Design Philosophy
The firm operates on four fundamental pillars: aesthetic appeal, practical functionality, technological innovation, and environmental consciousness. Their belief that “architecture possesses a unique power to influence both individuals and society” drives every project decision.
Why They Matter: Aavishkar proves that innovation and sustainability can coexist beautifully, creating architecture that is both forward-thinking and deeply rooted in place.
To know more about them, check out their interview as part of DTalks series.
As India grapples with rapid urbanization and climate challenges, these Kerala-based firms offer compelling models for architecture that is both environmentally responsible and culturally grounded. Their work demonstrates that the future of Indian architecture lies not in global uniformity, but in local intelligence, material honesty, and community connection.
Each firm, in its own way, proves that sustainable design isn’t just about being “green”—it’s about creating architecture that truly serves people, place, and planet for generations to come.
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