The architectural compass now points to Chennai, as Design Perspective 2025 makes its next stop in this historic city known for its deep cultural roots and growing design consciousness. After unforgettable editions across India, the Chennai Edition promises an evening of insight, inspiration, and idea-sharing at its finest.
📍 Venue: ITC Grand Chola, Chennai
📅 Date: 21st March 2025
🕔 Time: 5:00 PM Onwards
Two Voices Shaping Contemporary Architecture in Asia
This edition features two acclaimed keynote speakers who are redefining the architectural conversation across Southeast Asia — Nicholas Gomes of HYLA Architects, Singapore, and Kelvin Thengono of K-Thengono Design Studio, Indonesia. Together, they bring regional insights, global perspectives, and a deep commitment to architecture that is both meaningful and forward-looking.
Nicholas Gomes: Reimagining Tropical Modernism
As Director at HYLA Architects, Nicholas Gomes leads one of Singapore’s most respected architecture firms, celebrated for its poetic yet pragmatic approach to modern tropical housing. With multiple awards under his belt, Nicholas is known for integrating light, texture, and landscape into serene, detail-driven homes that reflect the nuances of local climate and urban context.
His keynote at Design Perspective Chennai will delve into how tropical architecture can evolve without losing its essence — how design can respond to climate, density, and materiality while still offering spatial calm and emotional richness. For architects and designers working in similar climates, Nicholas’s philosophy offers a much-needed roadmap to stay grounded yet innovative.
Kelvin Thengono: Designing with Culture and Community
From the heart of Jakarta, Kelvin Thengono, founder of K-Thengono Design Studio, brings a unique sensitivity to contextual and sustainable design. His work reflects an ongoing dialogue with heritage, craftsmanship, and community — creating spaces that are not just functional, but deeply rooted in their place.
With projects that span adaptive reuse, hospitality, and residential design, Kelvin’s practice demonstrates how traditional knowledge systems can coexist with contemporary aesthetics. At Design Perspective Chennai, he will speak on architecture as a cultural responsibility — one that not only respects but also reinterprets the stories embedded in space, material, and memory.
His talk will particularly resonate with designers and practitioners working in regions like Tamil Nadu, where tradition and innovation constantly intermingle.
More Than a Talk — It’s a Gathering of Ideas
What makes Design Perspective special is not just its world-class speakers — it’s the atmosphere. This is a space where ideas flow beyond the stage. Over coffee, over prototypes, and over meaningful conversations, architects, designers, students, and industry leaders come together to engage in real dialogue about the future of design.
From product showcases to impromptu idea exchanges, the Chennai Edition promises not just insight but interaction. Whether you’re seeking design inspiration, looking to collaborate, or just want to listen to powerful perspectives, this is the room you want to be in.
Chennai Awaits. Are You In?
If you believe in architecture that connects — to climate, culture, and community — this evening will speak directly to you. Join us for a compelling edition of Design Perspective 2025, where thought meets action, and design meets dialogue.
Stay tuned and follow our social media channels for updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and registration info.