N. Praveen Kumar and N. Sandhya co-founded Tru Designs Planners in 2004. A multi-faceted, award-winning architectural design practice, the firm’s vast portfolio of work includes residences, corporate offices, commercial spaces, and super specialty hospitals.

From a young age, Kumar was intrigued by construction sites, drawn to the intricate process of creating structures from the ground up. This passion and his inclination for sketching and creative expression, further nurtured by family and mentors, encouraged him to explore architecture as a career.

With a background in science and a passion for environmental sustainability, Sandhya pursued interior design. Her work seamlessly integrates sustainability with aesthetic brilliance.

At Tru Designs they strive to create designs that balance innovation with clients’ practical needs by integrating energy-efficient solutions using smart materials and employing intelligent building systems. It is imperative to understand the client’s requirements, vision, philosophy, and the context of the area, its geography, climate, culture, and environment while creating the designs. The use of technology in design enhances safety, security, and sustainable use of resources.

Kumar and Sandhya are committed to creating sustainable, culturally rooted, and timeless spaces. ‘The Courtyard House’, a 20,000 sq ft. independent residence is a project whose design draws inspiration from traditional Indian courtyard houses that integrate the five elements of nature. Features like natural ventilation, use of earthy tone and natural materials, and an outdoor treehouse tend to blend the house seamlessly with its surroundings. A crowning glory is Tru Design’s office that has been awarded a platinum rating by IGBC for its sustainable and green design.

Kumar and Sandhya believe that advanced tools and systems like AI (Artificial Technology) help create functional and future-ready spaces. AI has the potential to transform architecture by enhancing creativity, efficiency, and sustainability. It can analyse data, and speed up time-consuming tasks of drafting and execution, enabling architects to focus on creative thinking and client interactions. They visualise AI as a valuable collaborator, complementing architects’ skills and as a tool to connect people globally, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.

They envision an evolution of the architecture industry driven by innovations and where creativity, technology, and sustainability are seamlessly integrated to enhance functionality and design. Their advice to young architects and designers is to stay consistent, take risks, and design with responsibility using a human centric approach to design. Embracing new technologies is essential, but a strong foundation in design principles remains crucial.