Design Partners
Collaborating with Experts in Architecture & Design
About Kattam Design Collective
In Tamil, Kattam refers to a singular unit, block, or phase – the fundamental part of a larger whole.
We, at Kattam Design Collective, perceive architecture similarly: as a collection of deliberate design decisions that form a space; every idea, material and element converging to be part of it.
Based in Chennai, Kattam Design Collective is a young, interdisciplinary firm involved in Architecture, Interior design and Project Management. As a design-first team, we believe in a grounded and contextually rooted design approach, thus crafting environments that grow naturally from their places and people. Our work focuses on creating human-centric, functional, adaptable and experiential spaces through careful spatial organisation and the coalescence of materials, texture and light.
About The Founders
Kattam design collective was co-founded by Ar. Shalini Padmanabhan and Ar. Khyati with a collective vision of creating holistic and functional design. Both are alumni of the School of Architecture and Planning (SAP), Anna University, Chennai which shaped their foundational understanding of Design and Architecture. In collaboration, they bring complementary experiences and perspectives, united by a belief in context-driven design and meaningful spatial experiences.
Ar. Shalini Padmanabhan began her professional journey under the mentorship of Ar. Rajashree Sharath after completing her Bachelor’s of Architecture in Chennai before establishing her independent practice – collaborating with architects in Chennai.
She has worked on a varied range of projects in India and internationally, with experience spanning residential design, schools, offices, commercial spaces, landscape design, and interior design. Parallely, she also collaborates on the development of emerging digital tools powered by AI for architects.
Her work focuses on thoughtful, context-driven design, responding to climate, site and culture. She is detail oriented, blending old world charm with new world comforts, particularly focusing on the sensory dimension to architecture, using light and materials to create spaces that evoke deep emotions.
Ar. Khyati is an architect and interior designer with professional experience spanning residential, commercial and hospitality projects. Her internship and initial working years helped her curate a personal portfolio of several high-end projects in India- allowing her to explore materiality and design specific to the region.