About us

Inspiration is a multidisciplinary collective based in Kochi, Kerala, India working towards sensitively created living environs, founded with a vision of responding to the changing needs of the day and projecting new possibilities for the future. We combine a team of architects, urban designers, planners, interior and product designers, landscape designers, project management personnel, infrastructure engineers, structural engineers, horticulturists, trained artisans and technicians – helping us implement a wide range of projects for a clientele cutting across different sections of the society.

At Inspiration, we believe that every project has to be designed in a way that is sensitive to the terrain, natural resources and natural heritage of the region; yet in a way that balances aesthetics, budgets and high quality expectations of today’s discerning clientele. There is an emphasis on the need for conservation - through bioclimatic designs, promoting adaptive restoration, and integrating water and energy management at all scales.

In our practice, we take pride in being socially responsible and inclusive in a world aspiring to be more democratic. 

Services offered

Design + Build

For select projects ranging from individual residences to resorts, campuses and small townships, Inspiration offers a total turnkey design – build service.  A project is conceptualized, detailed, implemented and handed over within time and budget commitments.

With Inspiration as the one point of responsibility, there is scope to bring about multiple value additions within budget, demonstrate pioneering ideas, and create buildings that have a unique custom designed and crafted ambience. There is also a provision to adapt and restore existing, especially heritage, buildings.

Total Design Consultancy

Inspiration as a multi-disciplinary collective, offers integrated total design consultancy services including master planning, urban design, architectural design, structural design, interior design, landscape design and utilities design for a wide range of projects in housing, hospitality, commercial, institutional and industrial sectors.

Nature Based Solutions (NBS)

The need to work for climate resilience and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is at the heart of our practice. Together with our in-house strength and our associates, we integrate concepts of total water management, nature based solutions for solid and liquid waste treatment and applications of renewable energy in our works. systems.
A conscious land-use planning balancing built-up spaces along with nurturing the soil, the biodiversity and natural resources, we understand, holds the key towards a sustainable world for our future generations.

Research

We initiate research, training and motivational campaigns for ecological sustainability especially in the built environment and related fields, nurturing young professionals in the process. 

Awards & Recognitions

  • Project Stone Hedge, Nubra Valley, Ladakh, won the overall Gold and category Gold in Hospitality for Outlook Traveller Responsible Tourism awards; the Jury Recommendation for IIA National Awards 2020 in Hospitality section and was in top five for INDE Award Asia Pacific.

  • Principal Designer, Inspiration is the Member of Special Advisory Group, State Finance Commission Government of Kerala, State Planning Board and Kochi Corporation Master plan committee.

  • ‘Rejuvenation of Canal Network of Alappuzha’, initiated by Inspiration, won Alappuzha Municipality the Swachh Survekshan Award in 2020 for Best Small City in Innovation and Best Practices.

  • Head of Projects Inspiration, Latha Raman, is the current president of CDD Society, Bangalore. CDD Society won the Barry & Marie Lipman Family Prize 2022 instituted by Wharton School and University of Pennsylvania, from approximately 100 participants around the globe.

  • Principal Designer Jaigopal Rao is the 1st Recipient of Prestigious ’Laurie Baker’ national award by Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy.

  • Invited to participate in the prestigious World Architecture Biennale – Venice 2014 & 2023.

  • Project ’Chittoor Kottaram’ nominated for Agha Khan International Award in architecture in 2010 and ranked among top ten offbeat honeymoon destinations in India in 2020.

  • Project Xandari Pearl shortlisted among top 1% of Hotels Worldwide by Traveller’s Choice in 2021.

  • Project Poetree Resorts won Travellers’ Choice ‘best of the best’ award in 2021.

  • Category top position in international Bamboo Buildings design competition, Hawai, USA 2007.

  • Project SwaSwara selected as one among the 100 Best Spas and resort hotels in the World by ‘Quintessentially Pure’, London in 2007.

  • Recognized four consecutive times among ’Hot 100’ Indian architects by ‘Architecture and Interiors India’; among ‘Thinking 250 practices of the world’ by Future of Architecture and Building (FAB); as one among the 50 Indian professionals to influence construction industry in India by Indian Architect and Builder (IAB) ; among the 50 leading influential architectural firms in Asia by academic body SAARC-NASA, Asia.

  • Labhishas international award by KESNIK.

  • HUDCO National Award for Design Idea Competition – 2004.

  • Invitation as keynote speakers/ paper presentations for several international conferences including the World Canals Conference, Liepzig, Germany 2022; Water sensitive Cities Conference Berlin 2018; Sustainable Development Talks by University of Iowa, US; Business Unusual, Bremen, Germany; International Bamboo Conference, Bogota, Columbia ; International Bamboo Conference, Bangkok among others.