Shanmugam Associates (SA) is a professionally managed architecture and design firm having its offices in Trichy and Chennai. The firm had its inception in 1982 under Ar. A. Shanmugam, who was the pioneer in creating awareness of architecture as a profession in Trichy, India. With a huge clientele, rich experience in the field and exploration into various typologies, SA has its growth laid on strong foundation.
The architecture at Shanmugam Associates is simple, rational, powerful, experimental and pragmatic. The essence is to deliver minimal and timeless solutions taking into consideration nature’s sensitivity, economic barriers and client’s requirement. Immense focus has always given to sustainability and sensitivity to nature in SA even before the emergence of green buildings concepts. The intent is to create landmark buildings in response to the surrounding conditions and climate, providing in parallel immense satisfaction to the end user. With in house LEED certified professionals, SA is able to offer sustainable solutions and intelligent built space thereby creating a healthy and livable environment.
The firm is further strengthened with the collaboration of Rajakrishnan, Santhosh Shanmugam & Ramya Sankara Raman.
All were part of School of Architecture & Planning, Chennai.
-
A Shanmugam
Founder / Principal Architect
The firm had its inception in 1982 under Ar. A. Shanmugam, back in the 80’s when the quaint temple town of Trichy did not have any practising architects in the city. Underneath his calm demeanour, lies a wealth of design knowledge that comes out each time issues both at site and drawing table crop out. His sense of candour that comes with age & experience helps give a new perspective every time a critical problem crops up therefore pushing the team to think out of the box.
-
Kalavathy Shanmugam
Director - Finance
She is our very own Iron Lady who laid the strong foundations along with Ar. A. Shanmugam. A plethora of suffixes may be added to her considering the kind of work, problems she addresses and people she meets every day. You would not be surprised to find her on one hand convincing the district commissioner to sanction funds for Public buildings and on the other arguing with the street vendor on civic cleanliness. She is a go-to person for all of us be it financial, medical and personal apart from professional.
-
Balasubramani D
Director - Structural Design
With many degrees and qualifications to his name it is always a wonder to all of us where his zest for learning comes from. Our in house structural expertise lies with Balu sir, as he is affectionately called. He joined SA in 1984 and has grown with the company. His expertise is in handling corporate projects, govt. buildings and UGC related works.
-
Senthil Kumar R
Director - Projects
Senthil is our senior engineer who has been with SA since 1984. Trustworthiness and assurance are the two qualities that one can vouch for when it comes to him. He handles multiple private projects comprising hotels, commercial projects, mixed-use development and high-end residences. His expertise lies in post-tensioning and has done multiple projects with long span structures and sleek slabs.
-
Raja Krishnan D
Principal Architect
Raja Krishnan is a passionate designer who enjoys challenges and consistently pushes the design barriers in conventional practice. He has previous professional experience at Rafael Vinoly Architects, London and Massimiliano Fuksas, Milan. He also worked with Chandavarkar & Thacker & Architecture Autonomous, Goa before joining as a partner at SA. He has completed his post-graduation at Bauhaus Kolleg, Dessau, Germany.
-
Santhosh Shanmugam
Principal Architect
Santhosh Shanmugam worked with Oppenheim Architecture + Design, Miami for around 5 years before joining SA. He has worked on a wide range of Hospitality, Apartments, High-End Villas & Competition projects around the world. He credits a lot to architect Chad Oppenheim for his guidance on timeless design ideas within the realm of architectural practice. Santhosh has completed his post-graduation in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University, New York.
-
Ramya Raman
Director - Development
Ramya Raman brings with her to SA knowledge of corporate experience and large-scale project expertise. She has been involved in managing design development, monitoring the quality of construction, coordinating with a multi-disciplinary team and tracking finances for large-scale projects. Ramya has worked previously at CCCL, C B Richard Ellis and Virtuous Retail (The retail arm of Xander). She has done her Masters in Real Estate Development from Harvard Graduate School of Design, Cambridge.
TEAM
We take immense pride in collaborating with a dynamic and diverse team comprising young, energetic architects, engineers, sustainability experts, and visualizers. Our close-knit network includes highly skilled professionals, consultants, designers, and clients who bring their unique backgrounds and experiences to the table. Embracing fresh perspectives, we foster an environment that encourages innovative solutions. At our studio, we strongly believe in the design process as a platform for intensive dialogue and meaningful exchanges.
-
Mohamed Ismail
Sr. Engineer - Approvals & Bye-Laws
Ismail is our senior draughtsman and engineer who has been with SA for more than ten years. This guy's got the DCR codes tattooed in his brain. Ask him anything, and boom! He whips out the exact page and line. Be it Biryani or approval drawing's Ismail can pull if off at ease in crunch deadlines!
-
Senthil Kumar R
Sr. Engineer - Projects
aka ‘Chinna Senthil’ - Irrespective of the scale and size, Senthil ensures what is on the drawing board gets built as per client’s satisfaction. He is smooth when dealing with a difficult labor, a demanding client and even a demanding boss! His repertoire is in managing construction for residential, commercial and institutional projects. He has his own paddy cultivation back at his native to satisfy his own ravenous appetite.
-
Sakthivel V
Project Lead
Sakthi, our relentless taskmaster, chases us architects for drawings with a mission to avoid any delays on-site. With no room for excuses, he gets things done. But when he's not busy, you'll catch him passionately discussing business ideas or swiping through OLX or Quikr, always on the hunt for hidden treasures.
-
Hanush Praveen
Project Manager
Hanush balances his newly married life with an unwavering dedication to work. While his trips to Pondicherry may serve multiple purposes, including managing our exciting project, there's always an element of mystery surrounding them. Regardless of the reason, one thing is for certain—Hanush consistently gets things done!
-
Karthikraja
Project Manager
Karthikraja’s words slide out so fast, they're like butter on a hot skillet—quick and slippery. Understanding him can be a challenge, but when it comes to work, he's a shining star. With a pace that matches his speech, he gets things done efficiently, proving that even amidst the linguistic whirlwind, productivity prevails.
-
Hemanathan M
Structural Design Engineer
Meet Hemanathan, our office's skyscraper. A Structural Design Engineer who towers over his problems—literally and figuratively. Always thrilled to tackle any design challenge. Always up for a chat, Hemanathan engages everyone with tales of beams, columns, and the occasional structural epiphany.
-
Gokul Nath
QS / Project Engineer
Gokul approaches his work with a steady focus, demonstrating his commitment to long-term success without seeking the spotlight. His reliable presence adds a layer of assurance, helping the team navigate the complexities of each project with ease. Alongside his expertise in quantity surveying, Gokul's site knowledge further enhances his ability to keep everything on track, making him an invaluable resource for the team. -
Bastes Praveen
QS/ Project Engineer
Praveen brings solid site knowledge to the table, making him a go-to person for on-ground insights. He’s always open to chat and easy to engage with, whether it's about work or something more casual. And when he's not discussing architecture, you can bet he's talking about his favorite—Thalapathy, as he's a hardcore fan! His approachable nature and enthusiasm make working with him a breeze. -
Keerthivasan
Project Engineer
With a strong preference for the outdoors, it’s no surprise he became a site engineer. He excels in the field, always ready to tackle any on-site challenge with a proactive approach. His problem-solving skills and hands-on attitude make him the go-to person for efficiently managing and overcoming obstacles. -
Ajith Kumar A
Design Lead
The development of the initial concept design hinges on Ajith's expertise. He works magic with renders to make them look almost real. However, one must be prepared to be blown away right in the middle of presenting a pitch to the client. Despite his lean and lanky build, Ajith is a bundle of energy who delivers with sincerity. At SA, we hope that both his built and energy grows exponentially.
-
Denis Amirtharaj
Design Lead
Denis is a stickler for perfection, determined to do things his way flawlessly. He's all about simplicity, creating a clutter-free world with folders so organized like its an OCD dream. But hey, he's not just an architect, he's our go-to guy for all things exciting and creative. With a passion for diverse experiences, he eagerly embraces all facets of life, not just architecture.
-
Sabrinath S
Senior Architect
Sabri is a multitasker who makes juggling between his work and tiresome phone calls look easy. you'll find him glued to his laptop meticulously refining architecture details, or caught up in endless meetings. His unquenchable thirst for knowledge is only rivaled by his delightfully corny sense of humour. We witness his leadership abilities growing exponentially, making him an admirable force to reckon with.
-
Sofiya Johnson
Senior Architect
She's got it all figured out, from developing schemes to untangling those curly locks of hers. Sofia, knows the art of juggling architecture and family with grace. With two adorable kiddos by her side, her passion for architecture continues to soar.
-
Sai Swathi
Senior Architect
Our in-house healthcare architecture specialist, she’s the one who, more often than not, pulls the group together with her steady presence. Aspiring to be an architectural photographer, she has a natural eye for aesthetics, effortlessly finding beauty in every space and capturing it with style. Her ability to blend design and functionality makes her invaluable, both in her professional work and in the way she brings people together. -
Surya Narayen M
Senior Architect
Surya, lets his work speak for itself. It's clear that he's very passionate about what he does! the perpetual nodder, has a unique head-nodding style that accompanies every conversation and he believes that cycling to work will magically sculpt his muscles. Well, let's hope that his dream doesn't pedal away!
-
Suriya Kumar
Architect
Suriya Kumar has been in various positions at our office starting as an intern, then a junior architect, he's now shining bright as a full-fledged architect. We have high hopes for his continued growth and success within our team. But he's not just about the serious stuff. Suriya is our go-to guy for laughter and relief, cracking goofy jokes that bring cheer and much-needed breaks to everyone around.
-
Prasath A
Architect
Prasath, our in-house artist, creates masterpieces stroke by stroke. He is a night owl, passionately working until the wee hours. You'll often find him locking the office doors, lost in his creative realm. Prasath, the nocturnal artist, painting his way into the night!
-
Priyal Saravanan
Junior Architect
Quiet as a mouse, she's the ultimate observer, taking in every detail without saying a word. Positioned at the center of the office, she seems to have a knack for knowing everything that's going on around her. While she might be silently judging us (or not), one thing's for sure: she's always ready to learn and tackle any task thrown her way, no questions asked.
-
Jaya Grace A
Junior Architect
Grace is a eager learner with an eye for detail. Extremely reserved, she's like a snail, slowly emerging from her shell when around the right crowd. Though quiet, her dedication to learning and precision in her work speak volumes, making her an invaluable part of our team.
-
Deeksha Anantha Kumar
Junior Architect
Deeksha, our office's aspiring architecture journalist. She's not just about buildings; she's all about the stories behind them. She thrives when surrounded by a lively crowd, preferring the company of a gang. Described as "happening," she's someone you'll find at the center of things. Her curiosity drives her thirst for knowledge, and her strong work ethic ensures she's constantly striving for excellence.
-
Santhosh Sivan
Junior Architect
Santhosh, our artist-architect, harbors dreams of directing cinema. Though he currently shapes spaces, his heart beats for the silver screen. Sincere and dedicated, he pours his soul into every endeavor, striving to deliver his utmost. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, he paves his path towards his cinematic aspirations, painting his journey with passion and precision.
-
Gowtham Sibi
Junior Architect
Gowtham Sibi has keen interest learning, but only when he's truly hooked. His calm demeanor hides a treasure trove of personal stories that surface when he gets close to people. When he's not engaged in discussions or working, you'll likely find discussing a good movie, appreciating the art of storytelling. Whether it’s dedication or his love for films.
-
Janani
Junior Architect
Detail drawings are where she truly shines. No matter how complex or demanding the task, Janani is always up for the challenge. We can ask her to draft the most intricate and excruciatingly difficult details, and she never hesitates. With a calm demeanor and a smile on her face, she tackles every request with precision and enthusiasm, making her an invaluable part of the team. -
Chandra Adithyan
Junior Architect
Chandra Adithyan is not just jolly and helpful; he’s also incredibly quick with his work! Eager to learn, he dives into projects headfirst, bringing a refreshing enthusiasm to the team. When he’s not immersed in a task, you can find him sharing recommendations from his extensive knowledge of local food shops, always ready to guide you to the best bites around. -
Pramodh
Junior Architect
Meet Pramodh, our very own office batman. Always ready to lend a helping hand, admired for his dedication, problem-solving skills, and kindness. Whether it's a challenging task or a supportive word, Pramodh shines, making the workplace brighter for everyone. -
Adelyn Jeffrey
Junior Architect
At first glance, she seems like a quiet, hardworking girl, deeply focused on her tasks. But her desk mates know better—there’s so much more to her. She’s a quirky character, effortlessly slipping Gen Z references and witty remarks into every conversation. Though she always maintains a straight face, her humor never fails to have her friends laughing and brighten up the atmosphere around her. -
Keerthikambikai S
Draftsman
Once extremely shy, she now thrives with songs playing in the background. The more vibe she gets, the more productive she becomes. From humming tunes to tapping along to the beat, music is her secret to staying focused and getting the job done.
-
Harini Sheshathri
QS/ Structures
Harini is the definition of a dedicated learner. Always quiet and focused, she’s eager to dive deep into her studies and work, making her a first-bench student through and through. Her sincerity shines in everything she does, and she doesn’t get easily distracted by entertainment or distractions. With a keen focus on learning and improving, Harini brings a thoughtful and disciplined approach to the team. -
Radhakrishnan
Accountant
As our meticulous accountant, he keeps everything in perfect order, making sure we stay in line. With his eagle-eyed attention to detail, no number escapes his scrutiny.
-
Viji
Office Manager
Viji Mary ensures that accounts/ finances for both Chennai and Trichy offices are in proper order. She is the go-to person to order that cake of your choice for b’days at SA. With a cherubic smile, she does multiple treks to the bank over the course of the day to ensure that the teller is kept busy.
-
Aashiq
Driver
Asiq would have traveled more across the geographies of Tamil Nadu over the last ten years that he knows most of the routes like the back of his palm. Reliability resonates closely with Asiq and he ensures that the SA team reaches even inaccessible site locations on time. He has a hidden talent for making the softest yet flakiest of Barottas that some of us have had the pleasure of delving on.
-
Ranjani
House Keeping
Ranjani ensures our office stays spick and span. As a much-needed helping hand, she effortlessly tackles various tasks with efficiency. With her swift movements, she glides through rooms, leaving behind a sparkling shine.
-
Paraas
House Keeping
Paraas, a master in the art of coffee making, has the power to transform moods with his perfect brew. And let's not forget his legendary chapati-making skills, rumoured to be unbeatable. Though his everyday contributions may seem to fly under the radar, they're absolutely crucial to keeping our team running.
INTERNS
-
Laya Roobini
Intern
-
Piruthvi
Intern
-
Surya Narayanan
Intern
-
Harish
Intern
-
Nuha
Intern