Living in a Kham Design Home: Client Stories
A home is more than just a structure; it is a feeling. Here, my clients share what it is like to live in spaces we have designed together, where every wall, window, and courtyard is built to hold a memory.
The owner of the Arivu Home, Mr. Shashidhar, shares his favorite spots in the house. It's rewarding to hear a client speak about how the spaces we designed, like the terrace with its jali screen and the courtyard swing, bring him a sense of joy and peace.
Dr. Rehmat Tarikere reflects on the home we built for him two decades ago. He speaks about his desire for a house that had the architectural soul of Hampi and the heart of Malenadu, a unique blend that became the guiding principle for our design.
The owners of the Raghavendra Residence discuss their initial requirements for a home with a puja room, a library, and a welcoming space for guests. They share their reaction to the first sketch and how the design evolved into a home they are truly happy with.
In this conversation, the owners of the Gopal Residence share their experience. They wanted a spacious and creative home on a small site, and they talk about how the final result, with its open volumes and play of light, went beyond their expectations.
Mr. Shashidhar discusses his favorite spaces in his home, including the study room and the terrace. His words highlight how specific architectural elements, like a jali screen or a swing, can create moments of unexpected happiness and connection within a home.
The owner of the Manjunath Residence, Padmaja Rao, shares her feelings about her new home. She speaks about the sense of tranquility the design provides, affirming that the final space is more than she had imagined.
A client shares feedback on the construction process, noting our frequent site visits and unique design concepts. This is a core part of my practice: being deeply involved at every stage to ensure the vision is realized perfectly.
About Client Conversations
When I sit with a family, we do not start with floor plans. We start with sketches and your personal stories. I need to know your quirks and your fondest memories because that is what dictates where the sunlight falls in your living room or where the puja room finds its quietest corner. This collaboration is the most important part of my design process.
Architecture is an exercise in empathy. When I design a home, I am not just creating a roof over your head; I am creating a container for your life. That is why my approach, which I call 'Arivu' or 'to sense', relies heavily on these conversations.
The Architecture of Listening
Take the case of Dr. Rehmat Tarikere, whose home I designed two decades ago. He came to me with a specific tension: he wanted the architectural soul of Hampi but the heart of his native Malenadu. To achieve this, I had to look beyond standard layouts. We used materials and spatial volumes that echoed the stone-heavy, grounded feel of Hampi, but opened up the house to light and ventilation, mimicking the airy, nature-connected homes of the Malenadu region. When a client tells me they have found 'peace of mind' in a home, that is the metric of success I care about.
Designing for Experience
In our conversations, clients often talk about the spaces they didn't know they needed. A client like Mr. Shashidhar might point to a specific jali screen or a swing in the courtyard as their favorite spot. These aren't just aesthetic choices; they are functional responses to the need for tranquility and connection.
Our Collaborative Process
- Initial Discovery: We sit down to map your lifestyle, not just your requirements. We discuss what brings you calm and where you spend your time.
- Sketching Together: As seen in my client testimonials, I prefer sketching with the family. This allows for immediate improvisation and ensures the design feels like yours from day one.
- Site-Responsive Building: We visit the site frequently. If a rock is in the way, we don't break it; we build around it. This is how we ensure your home belongs to the land, not just the plot of land you bought.
Building a home is a long journey, and it is a privilege to be a part of it. If you want a space that truly understands how you live, let us talk.
Kham Design
I am Chetan Shivprasad. I believe a house should breathe with you and hold the stories that matter most. My work is not about blueprints as much as it is about creating a space where you can simply be.
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