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1. RIJESH K | M.DES. INDUSTRIAL DESIGN | YEAR ONE | IDC, IIT BOMBAY
SELECTED PROFESSIONAL AND ACADEMIC WORKS | 2009-2023
portfolio

2. I, Rijesh K , after completing my B.Arch degree from National Institute of Technology, Calicut, in
2009, worked with Dr. Benny Kuriakose on the Muziris Heritage Project in Kerala.
I was involved in the research and documentation of heritage sites namely Kottapuram fort and
Paravur synagogue. I also documented the Chettinad mansion in Karaikudi during this period. These
experiences helped me gather knowledge of traditional construction and details.
Subsequently, I worked with Ar. Niels Schoenfelder of Mancini Enterprises in Chennai, in 2010. I was
exposed to multi-disciplinary approach for design of furniture, interiors, architecture and landscape
projects. Under the tutelage of Ar.Niels, I learnt the design methods influenced by the European
modernism and the local construction practices.
After gaining experience in handling projects independently ,I started my own practice along with
Ar. Varsha Chella, in 2016. I was faced with the challenges of adapting to the requirements of the
middle income residential clients and applying the design principles learnt so far. In the process I was
able to arrive at my own methodology and have completed residential architecture and furniture
projects.
Currently I am pursuing M.Des degree in Industrial design at Industrial Design Centre , IIT Bombay.
profile

3. contents furniture
Seating
• chair one
• horse shoe
• palm
• float
• pole
Storage
• moon
• transform
• illusion
• prism
• assistant
Tables
• squares
• disc
• rings
• desk
• tusker
architecture
Dr. Benny Kuriakose
• documentation
Mancini Enterprises
• mandapam
• house of 8 gardens
Rijesh Architecture
• garden house
• not a chettinad house
• lake house
• courtyard house
academics
M. Des Semester 1
• fractals
• tessellation
• form study
• alien
• flame
• feeder
• tetra
• modular
M. Des Semester 2
• wail
• architect
• eyes closed
• caddy

4. furniture
I was exposed to the design of furniture during the time I spent at Mancini Enterprises.
We designed customized furniture as part of the architecture and interiors projects ,
which helped me understand the materials and techniques used for wood working. I was
inspired by the works of masters like Carlo Scarpa, Frank Lloyd Wright, Josef Hoffman,
Gio Ponti and learnt importance of using joints and detailing appropriately.
My approach towards furniture design is based on respect for material i.e., their tactile,
visual and structural properties, catering to the client requirements and at the same time
create elements of delight that brings joy to the user and uniqueness to the furniture.
After I started my own practice in 2015, I started taking up stand alone furniture projects
and with the help of carpenter Mr.Sudhakar, we explored different materials and joinery
details. After his unfortunate demise in 2018 , we focused mainly on cabinetry for kitchens
and wardrobes. I have worked with 3-4 carpenter teams based in Chennai and Kottayam,
using mostly reclaimed teak wood and recently rubber wood for cost effective projects.

5. chair.one
design of arm chair
This is the first chair that I designed hence the
name ‘Chair One’.
Though the basic form of the chair is inspired
from mid-century chairs, we improvised the
elements, adding more volume to the arm rest
and legs, playing with angular profiles and
facets
The combined armrest and leg frame carries the
entire seat and backrest at 2 points of contact.
This is made of reclaimed teak wood and
supplied with detachable fabric upholstery

6. horse shoe
design of chair
This chair is partly inspired by Scandinavian
aesthetic and traditional Indian joinery. The
overall idea was to make an elegant form with
slender elements but also provide strength and
comfort.
We started with U profile of the horse shoe as
inspiration for the armrest which is connected to
the curved back rest with thin members which is
an abstraction of the details seen in traditional
furniture. The legs are connected to the U
shaped frame which in turn carry the seat.
This is made from reclaimed teakwood planks.

7. palm
design of folding chair
This is a folding chair for a client who wants to
carry the chair to his verandah when required.
The concept for this chair is inspired from folded
palm which is also similar to scissor mechanism.
The angle and length of the legs, back rest and
seat were decided based on the folded and
seating positions , keeping the section sizes
necessary for strength and at the same being
light enough to carry.
Material used in reclaimed teak wood and cane
webbing.

8. float
design of sofa
The requirement was to design a seating that
appears light as a furniture in a verandah. The
seating plane becomes the main feature which
extends on either sides as side tables. The legs
extend as armrest and also carry the seating.
The backrest is a horizontal beam supported on
slender supports.
The language of the sofa is loosely inspired
from George Nakashima furniture.
Material used in reclaimed teak wood.

9. pole
design of cot
The Client came to us with the requirement of a
cot design with 4 post for the mosquito mesh.
We came up with a retractable design for the
posts so that it wont be a hindrance when not in
use. The posts can be lifted to vertical position
when required to hang the mesh. For this we
customized the spring mechanisms underneath
the cot.
The head board is made of solid teak wood
planks and hold the switches , light and side
tables.

10. moon
interior décor for boy’s room
The concept for this boy’s room interior is
inspired from Galaxy, accordingly we arrived at
the Moon as the central element in the
headboard which also is an element of surprise
and playfulness. The shutters when open will
cover the moon, ie, the onyx marble and can be
adjusted as per the light requirement.
We have used mahogany wood, veneer, white
Italian marble, onyx marble and leather lining.

11. transform
design of cot for master bedroom
This cot is part of a interior project that is
inspired from the existing architectural style of
the house ,i.e, art deco. The choice of material
and the details were designed to reflect the
sophistication of the art deco furniture.
The concept for cot backrest and side table was
inspired from the Roentgen furniture of the
eighteenth century, where the elements
transform to provide various utilities which are
otherwise concealed.
The design process involves preliminary studies
through sketches and further design
development at workshop.
We explored various materials including walnut
wood, veneers, leather, felt, brass, wood etc.

12. illusion
interior décor for walk-in closet
This is part of a interior project that is inspired
from the existing architectural style of the house
,i.e, art deco. The choice of material and the
details were designed to reflect the
sophistication of the art deco furniture.
The concept for the walk-in closet is to create an
illusion using reflections and surprises by means
of different opening mechanism and materials.
We explored various materials including walnut
wood, veneers, leather, felt, brass, camphor
wood etc.

13. prism
design of console
The concept was to incorporate the facets of
prism on the shutters using solid planks. In order
to avoid the handles, a slot was provided all
around it which also helps the shutters to
differentiate from the structure.
The leg was designed in such a way that, it
lightly touches the side of the heavy table and
make it appear lighter.
We used chamfered marble top with custom
brass edge and customized wood/ brass
handles.

14. assistant
design of storage unit for architect
This is a multi-use working console designed for
an architect with different configurations for
usage.
The table functions as a storage unit as well as a
working table that can be extended further as
per requirements.
The table is made from rubberwood board and
brass hardware, with provision for electrical
socket.

15. squares
design of centre table with chess board
The client had a requirement for a centre table,
which we conceptualized as a chess table, with
hidden drawers below.
This is made of reclaimed tea wood and
Kalimaruthu wood for the darker shades. The
brass inlay defined the edges of the chess
board. The drawers are lined with leather.

16. disc
design of centre table
The concept was to design a glass table without
any side frames or patch fittings available in
market. Instead we designed the glass holders
with brass discs and the slender teak wood
frame which is held together by concealed MS
rods.
The brass discs add an element of interest and
contrast for the wooden frames.

17. rings
design of side table
The concept was to highlight the structural joint
of the 3 legs where it meets the table top.
Hence we added the brass rings which also
adds as an accent for the table top.
The table is made from reclaimed teakwood
and brass ring inlay

18. desk
design of desk for architect
This is a desk designed for an architect, which
was made from rubberwood board. The idea
was to use minimal material and reduce the
profile thickness of the legs, also to create a
floating appearance for the table top.
The legs can be dismantled and re assembled
using bolts. The drawers were customized for
the needs of the architect.

19. tusker
design of centre table
The table is designed for a client who has a
liking towards elephants. We designed the legs
by taking inspiration from the head and trunk of
the elephants.
The table top contains the hidden drawers with
chess pattern. This is made from reclaimed
teakwood and cane for the shelf below.

20. architecture
During my B.Arch degree, I was very much inclined towards Laurie Baker’s architectural
philosophy which lead me to do internships with one of his followers Dr.Benny Kuriakose.
After college I joined his office and learnt the basics of traditional architectural practices
through his projects.
At Mancini Enterprises, the projects I had worked on helped me understand a project
from the design conception to execution. The design approach evolves based on site and
context specific requirements and with inputs from Mr. Niels, each projects takes a unique
creative path and development. I thoroughly enjoyed the multi-disciplinary approach
integrating architecture with landscape and interior design.
After I started my practice, the scale of projects and budget limitations changed my
design approach. I was trying to incorporate the lessons learnt from my mentors in my
current works and develop my own methodology.

21. documentation
measure drawing of Chettinad mansion
With Dr. Benny Kuriakose, the project was to
make detailed measure drawings of the
floorplans, sections, elevations and details of
over a century old mansion in Karaikudi.
This exercise gave me better understanding of
old architectural practices and structural
systems.
Courtesy: vedika

22. mandapam
adaptive re-use of an old structure
This project involved translocation of a
dilapidated mandapam (pillared structure ) from
Erode to Pondicherry, for adaptive re- use.
The old structure was documented before
dismantling and the overall structure was re-
built based on the measurements. This was
designed as a suite room. A new foundation
was built, services integrated, furniture and
additional facilities of washroom were added.
The interventions were meant to be minimal
and that blends with the design aesthetics. A
wooden frame and glass enclosure was inserted
in this stone structure with curtains for privacy
and screening.

23. house’o’8 gardens
design of house with views to gardens
The design concept for this 15000sq.ft house
was evolved from its layout, where the plot was
divided into 8 segments with a garden each.
Subsequently it was refined and developed
volumetrically after studying the massing.
The ambition was to create floating volumes
and planes, in the form of the study room
above the pool and the cantilevered sunshades.
These horizontal elements were held together
by massive vertical volumes like the lift, stair and
ducts. Slender columns and window openings
dissolve the volumes further connecting the
interior and the exteriors.

24. garden house
design of house in a narrow plot
This was the first project after starting my own
practice. The challenge was to design a duplex
house in a narrow site of 19’ wide, in a dense
locality with setback on only one side.
This was conceived as a model house for similar
site conditions where an open courtyard in the
first floor becomes the core of the house,
providing light and ventilation.
The form is minimalist in nature reflecting the
value of Client, and every window/
shelving/furniture details are customized to the
needs of the Client. Built-in furniture are
integrated as part of the construction.

25. not a chettinad house
design of house inspired by traditional elements
The client came with the requirement of house
inspired from Chettinad architecture in Chennai
within the available plot of land. Our approach
was to take inspiration from the form, volumes
and detailing of the Chettinad architecture, at
the same time catering to the contemporary
need of the client.
We brought in the character through wooden
elements, door, railings, roof, flooring etc. The
central staircase act as a double volume space
bringing in light from the skylight above.

26. lake house
design of farm house in slope terrain
This was an important and challenging project
to design a 2500 sqft farm house for a client in
the hills of Nilgiris with sloped terrain. The site
faces a lake with views from higher parts of the
site. The design concept is based on the contour
, the views towards the lake and the accessibility
from the main road.
The form is inspired from the bungalow
architecture of the hills. The volumes are
distributed in 3 levels based on the functional
needs, views to the lake and at the same time
integrated using different volumetric
arrangements.
There are variety of spatial configurations -
compact bedrooms, basements with thick walls,
double high living rooms, gable roof ceilings,
deck spaces.

27. courtyard house
design of an urban house with courtyard
The layout for this 4500 sqft house was
developed around three existing trees in the
site. The design is an attempt to create a
contemporary urban house with a courtyard
that provides not only light and ventilation to
the rooms, but also acts as a space for
contemplation and coming togetherness.
Most bedrooms share openings of different
configurations with either exterior setbacks or
internal courtyards, integrating nature into the
indoors.
Extended cantilevers and large span openings
enhance the spatial quality and also
complements the modern aesthetic.

28. Architecture
2009- 2010: Research and documentation of heritage structures as part of the Muziris heritage project in Kerala and later in Chettinad.
2010-2012: Design development of interiors and landscape design for a farm house in Coimbatore.
2011-2012: Translocation and reconstruction of Chola- period mandapam from Erode to Pondicherry and arrive at an architectural
solution to accommodate a guest suite .
2012-2015: Conception and design development of a15 000 sq.ft residence in Coimbatore, where the built spaces in the form of
pavilions merge with the surrounding gardens.
2012-2014: Conception and design detailing of interiors of an Art deco house in Coimbatore keeping the spirit of the design intact and
relevant to the context.
2012-2013: Design development and detailing for interiors of a Corporate office board room and a bar interior for a Club
2013-2015: landscape design conception and development of a 50 acre resort project along ECR .
2014–2015: Conception and design development of interiors of the 15000 sqft residence. Specific themes were propsed and
incorporated into various elements of the interiors like furniture detailing, hardware, soft furnishings, graphic patterns in fabrics, stained
glass, floor inlays, etc.
2014-2015: conception and design development of 3500 sq ft residence in Muthukad
2015-2017: Design of 1400 sqft residence in Vinayagapuram for Mr.Venkatesh
2016-2017: Design of 1600 sqft guest house in Srirangam for Mr.Satish Parasaran
2016-2018: Design of 2200 sqft residence in Velachery for Mr.Alagar
2017-2018: Design of 2500 sqft apartment building in Tambaram for Mr.Vasister and Mr.Senthil
2017-2018: Renovation of a residence in Thiruvanmiyur for Mr. Rahul Balaji
2017-ongoing: Design of 2500 sqft farm house in Nilgiris for Mr.Satish Parasaran
2017-ongoing: Design of 4000 sqft residence in Kesavaperumalpuram for Mr.Vishnu Mohan
2018-2019: Design of elevation façade for textile showroom in Ponneri for Mr. Damodaran
2019-ongoing: Design of 4500 sqft residence in Ambatture for Mr. Chellababu
2019-2020: Design of 1500 sqft residence in Kerala For Mr. Ravindranathan
2019-2021: Renovation of 3000 sqft residence in Defence colony for Dr.Rajesh
2019-2020: Renovation of 2500 sqft residence in Mylapore for Mr.Shivashankar
Interiors
2016: customisation of furniture for 2700 sft residence in Kipauk for Dr.PV Jayasankar.
2016: Design of interiors for 1300 sft apartment in Porur for Mr.Rathinasankar
2016: Design of interiors for 1500 sft apartment in Porur for Mr.Ganesh Chella
2016: customisation of furniture for Ar.Arun Karthik
2016: Design of interiors of residence in Sterling road, Chennai
2017- 2019: Design of interiors for 3200 sft residence in ECR for Mr.Kalaivannan
2017- 2019: Design of interiors for 3200 sft residence in ECR for Mr.Babu
2017- 2018: Design of interiors for 1600 sft apartment in Velachery for Mr.Muralidharan Alagar
2018- 2020 completed: Design of interiors of 4 nos 1700 sft apartments in Mylapore for Mr. Ramachandra Rao and family
2018: Design of interiors for 3000 sft guest house in Vellore
2018: Design of interiors for 1500 sft apartment in Kotturpuram for Mr.Sridhar
2018: Design of interiors for apartment in Casagrande, Thiruvanmiyur for Mr.Rabindran
2018- 2019: Design of interiors for 2500 sft residence in Ponneri for Mr.Damodaran
2019- 2021: Design of interiors of an apartment in Appasamy Azure for Mr.Rahul Balaji
2020- 2021: Design of interiors for 3000 sft residence in Defence colony for Dr.Rajesh
completed projects
Architecture : 2009 -2022

29. academics
I decided to take a break from professional practice to learn the nuances of product
designing. Though I have designed customized furniture, I wanted to understand the
processes behind mass manufacturing of products. Currently I am pursuing first year of
M.Des and I have been exposed to the fundamentals of design.

30. This was part of the elements of design module
where we had to explore the concept of three
dimensional fractals through physical model
making. I chose a cube with central void that is
further divided into 12 cubes with voids.
This exercise gave an understanding of looking
at objects from part to whole.
fractals
exploration of elements of design

31. tessellation
exploration of geometric principles
This was part of the elements of design module
where we had to explore the concept of three
dimensional tessellation using Archimedian
solids, through physical model making. I chose
a truncated in which we had to create negative
and positive volumes integrated with the
geometry of the solid.
This exercise gave an understanding of
manipulating 3D geometrical forms.

32. form study
exploration of forms
These were part of the form studies module
where the above task was to pick 3 regular
solids and fuse them into a form that will be
balanced and has dominant, sub dominant and
sub ordinate forms in them.
The below task was about picking 2 planar
surfaces, a point and show the transition from
one to the other.
These exercises helped me break away from the
rectilinear forms I was used to do and
understand the potential of curvilinear forms

33. alien
exploration of joinery
This is part of material exploration module
where we had to use sheet metal and explore
the joinery possibilities. Also use the detail to
celebrate the joinery between different parts.
This exercise gave me understanding of
potentials and limitation of working with sheet
metal and joining them. In the process also
learnt basic of sheet metal cutting and bending.

34. flame
exploration of material
This is part of material exploration module
where we had to choose any 2 materials and
explore their potential, with hand-on experience
in the work shop.
I explored the curvilinear forms with paper
models, aluminum sheet metals and then
worked with copper sheet and wooden base.
This exercise gave me real time experience in
transforming what I visualize into a tangible
product. In the process also learnt basic of sheet
metal cutting and bending.

35. feeder
design of functional product
This is part of product design module, where we
were asked to visit south Bombay for a day and
identify a problem and come up with a solution.
I noticed that there was a lack of bird water
feeders and came up with this proposal. This is
a refillable portable container with 2 parts. The
top part is inverted and the base gets filled as
the bird drinks water.
This exercise helped me understand to see a
problem from a different perspective of that of
a product designer, where the smallest details
can make a difference.

36. tetra
design of a emotive product
This is part of product design module, where we
were asked to visit south Bombay for a day and
identify a problem and come up with a solution.
Unlike the previous product, here we had to
explore formal aspects and create an emotional
connect with user through literal use of forms
seen during trip. I chose the tetrapod of the
marine drive and sun as a metaphor to create a
lamp design.
This exercise let me explore the playful side of
arriving at formal concepts.

37. modular
exploration of modularity
This is part of product design module, where we
had to study the principles of modularity.
I started with basic rectangular units which had
a core and 4 wings that can be added on to the
wings of other similar units. But the volumes
created by these modules were not interesting
and hence further explored using curves and
triangles. This lead to the forms shown below
and with unique joinery detail that could
facilitate the repeatability and additions.

38. wail
form studies based on musical composition
This is part of form studies module of second
semsester , where we had to listen to a musical
composition and try to study the melody,
rhythm, harmony and depict the intangible
aspects to tangible 2D graphical forms.
I chose the song Light in Babylon which has
sense of wailing and tried to dissect the
vocalsmusical instrumentation and depict them
using different lines forms and colors.

39. architect
design of door handle for a professional
This is part of form studies module of second
semester , where we had to choose any
profession and design a door handle that would
represent the persona of that particular user.
I chose the architect profession and depicted
the idea of brining things together in the form
of 4 arcs which meet at the center and the
handle coming out from this confluence,
representing the process and end product.

40. eyes closed
design of dinnerware for visually impaired
This is part of Ergonomics module of second
semester, where we had to design a dinnerware
for visually impaired. We chose a container for
gulab jamun as product. We visited a special
school and understood their needs.
Based on that we arrived at different concepts
and developed prototypes and did role-play to
arrive at the most suitable form that satisfies
their needs.

41. caddy
design of container for shower essentials
This is part of product design module of second
semester, where I designed a caddy to carry
shower essentials in hostels. I studied the activity
patterns and needs of the users. Based on which
developed a form that is portable.
Subsequently I tried to make each
compartments as modules that be fitted to each
other and can be customized as per the need of
the students.
.

42. I would like to thank all my teachers, mentors,
clients, carpenters, masons, contractors and
colleagues who were part of the projects that I
have presented here for their contributions..
Education
SSC : Bharatha Vidyalaya Matric higher secondary school ,Chennai | 2002
HSC : Railway Mixed Higher secondary school, Chennai | 2004
B.Arch : National Institute of Technology Calicut | 2009
M.Des : Indian Institute of Technology Bombay | ongoing
Work experience
Junior Architect : Dr.Benny Kuriakose, Vedika,Chennai | Jun 2009 - May 2010
Design Associate : Mancini Enterprises, Chennai | July 2010 - September 2015
Principal Architect : Rijesh Architecture ,Chennai | October 2015 - March 2022
Design tools
sketching | model making | Autocad | Photoshop | Sketchup
Contact
5015| Hostel 18 | IIT Bombay | Powai | Mumbai - 400076
9962633615
rijesh.k@hotmail.com
www.rijesh.in
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