Frequently Asked Questions
What does DLEA do?
DLEA (Design Lab for Experimenting Architecture) is a multi-disciplinary design studio in Chennai, offering services in architecture, interior design, master planning, landscape design, urban design, and graphics. The firm takes on residential, commercial, institutional, and urban-scale projects, combining innovation and research with construction realities to deliver unique, context-responsive design solutions.
Where is your studio located?
Our design studio is based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Please contact us for the exact address and to schedule a visit by appointment. Find us on Google Maps and our website for detailed directions.
Do you have branches elsewhere?
No, we currently operate exclusively from our Chennai studio. All client meetings and coordination are handled from here.
Are you registered architects?
Yes, DLEA’s principal architects are professionally educated and registered in India, with national and international academic exposure and memberships. Our team includes civil engineers, structural engineers, landscape consultants, MEP and lighting specialists for comprehensive project coverage.
How long have you been practicing?
DLEA was founded in 2015 and has since accumulated extensive experience across individual houses, urban-scale developments, commercial, and institutional projects.
What style of architecture do you practice?
We believe in experimentation over fixed styles. Our priority is to develop contemporary, climate-responsive design solutions that enhance user experience, are sustainable, and reflect our clients’ values and individuality through unique artistic and functional integration.
Can we see your completed projects?
Yes, we showcase selected projects on our website portfolio. For privacy reasons, direct site visits may be restricted but project photos, videos, and documentation are regularly provided to prospective clients.
Do you need an appointment to meet you?
Yes, appointments are recommended so we can dedicate time to understanding your project needs. Please contact us in advance by phone or email to schedule your visit.
What documents should we bring to our first meeting?
Clients should bring site sketches/surveys, a project brief, and any available site photos or videos. Additional documents such as land deeds, tax receipts, or certificates may also help us understand the project context.
When do you visit the site?
Site visits are scheduled after the initial meeting at our studio and coordinated based on project requirements and convenience.
Do you charge for site visits?
Yes, the first site visit outside Chennai city limits may incur a nominal fee and travel expenses.
What services do you offer?
We provide architectural design, interior design, landscape/master planning, facade design, construction detailing, and cost control services. We also design graphics, furniture, and accessories.
How is your design process structured?
Our design process includes concept creation, schematic layouts, 3D visualization, detailed drawings, construction documentation, and site coordination.
Do you supervise construction?
We offer periodic site visits and quality checks during project milestones, but do not provide full-time daily supervision or contracting.
Do you handle renovation or extension projects?
Our primary focus is on new builds and large-scale developments; renovations and extensions are not part of our main offering.
Can you work with plans from other sources?
We prefer starting from scratch to ensure comprehensive, cohesive design results that align with our principles.
How do we contact you?
You can contact us via phone, email, or the website contact form. We respond promptly except Sundays and holidays.
Do you design elevations alone?
No, elevations are developed only as part of a full project. We design holistically—plans, facades, interiors, and landscape must work together.
Do you handle the construction of your designs?
DLEA offers project management—not contractor services. We oversee quality, coordinate with consultants, and maintain design integrity, but do not take up turnkey execution.
Do you give us several design options?
We create one refined design tailored perfectly to your needs. Adjustments are made collaboratively, ensuring the final output is cohesive and client-centered.
Will Ar. G. Dhyananth involve in the design process?
Yes, he is involved in all major design stages. Once refined, a project architect leads coordination with clients.
How does the design process work?
The process includes requirements gathering, space planning, elevations, detailing, structural input, MEP drawings, finishes, tender documentation, and construction monitoring.
What is your style? Do you follow Vastu?
DLEA believes in climate-responsive, integrated design—not fixed styles. Vastu principles are followed where practical, prioritizing comfort, sustainability, and user experience.