In Detail
Ar. Jyothika Baleri
Jyothika grew up in a home where design and art were a way of life, influenced early on by her father, a furniture designer. This environment nurtured her natural inclination towards design and sparked a deep fascination with creating homes, leading her to pursue a career in architecture.
She studied Architecture at MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore, graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 2001. Early in her career, she gained hands-on experience working on residential projects with Architect Alex Jacob and Nandish Associates. She also explored furniture design through a brief stint with Sandeep Mukherjee of Quetzel and a short engagement at NID Ahmedabad.
Jyothika began freelancing while still in college, starting in the sixth semester of her B.Arch program. Building on years of independent practice and professional experience, she formally established Destination Designs in 2006.
Incorporating Chettinad designs into homes
Chettinad homes are synonymous with grandeur, evoking the richness and elegance of a bygone era. Translating these opulent design elements into contemporary homes, however, comes with its own set of challenges, most notably space and budget.
In many projects, we work within existing structures rather than building from the ground up. Limited space and the constraints of remodelling mean we must be intentional about the elements we choose to incorporate. While the inspiration is rooted in opulence, the execution is carefully curated selecting key details that capture the essence of Chettinad design without overwhelming the space.
Budget also plays a significant role in determining the level of detail that can be achieved. That said, Chettinad-inspired design need not be extravagant. With thoughtful planning and design decisions, we are able to work across a wide range of budgets, ensuring clients can achieve the character and warmth they desire without feeling pressured into excessive spending.