Many Chennai homeowners are building independent houses or remodelling older ones, and for that kind of project the line between architecture and interiors blurs. This page lists six practices that design both the building and what goes inside it, explains when you need an architect, and how to compare them. For interior firms of every kind, see the top 10 interior designers in Chennai.
Architects and interior designers in Chennai at a glance
| # | Firm | Location | Work it takes on |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amer & Ani Architects | Chennai | Residences, apartments, offices |
| 2 | Ansari Architects | T. Nagar | Large homes, residential, architecture |
| 3 | Dwellion | Chennai | Homes, commercial, architecture |
| 4 | K Square Architects | Chennai | Homes, commercial, architecture |
| 5 | Offcentered Architects & Interior Designers | Shenoy Nagar | Homes, commercial, architecture |
| 6 | Srishti Design Studio | Anna Nagar | Homes, architecture, interiors |
Each firm has a studio, office or showroom in or near Chennai with a published address or locality, its own website showing completed work, and takes on the kind of project this page covers. Firms are listed alphabetically; the order is not a ranking. We do not quote prices for the firms named here: ask each one for an itemised quotation and compare it with your own estimate from our interior cost calculator.
Every firm here offers architecture as well as interior design.
No firm paid to appear on this page. Links to firms are marked nofollow. Details are taken from each firm's own published information; confirm the address and scope with the firm before you visit or sign anything. Last checked 7 Oct 2026.
The six practices
Amer & Ani Architects
Architecture, structural and interior design firm set up in 2009, useful when structure and interiors need to be planned together.
- Location
- Chennai Map
- Work
- Residences, apartments, offices, architecture
Ansari Architects
Practice on Habibullah Road, T. Nagar, with a focus on large homes and residential buildings and their interiors.
- Address
- Flat G3, Nanda Apartments, 21/7A Habibullah Road, T. Nagar, Chennai 600017 Map
- Work
- Large homes, residential, architecture
K Square Architects
Architecture and interior practice for residential and commercial projects across Chennai.
- Location
- Chennai Map
- Work
- Homes, commercial, architecture
Offcentered Architects & Interior Designers
Architecture and planning firm on Crescent Road, Shenoy Nagar, working on homes and commercial buildings.
- Address
- No. 7/8, Crescent Road, Shenoy Nagar, Chennai 600030 Map
- Work
- Homes, commercial, architecture
Srishti Design Studio
Anna Nagar architecture studio founded in 2011 that aims for practical, affordable designs.
- Address
- AL-183, AL 1st Street, 11th Main Road, Anna Nagar, Chennai 600040 Map
- Work
- Homes, architecture, interiors
Architect or interior designer: which do you need?
| Your project | Who to hire | Why |
|---|---|---|
| New independent house or villa | Architect-led firm | Structure, plan approval, services and site supervision |
| Extension or extra floor | Architect with a structural engineer | Load checks and approvals |
| Remodel that moves walls or stairs | Architect-led firm | Structural changes and new services |
| Interiors in a finished flat | Interior designer | Furniture, storage, finishes and lighting inside the shell |
| Kitchen and wardrobes only | Interior or kitchen firm | No building work involved |
Designing for Chennai's climate
Good Chennai houses deal with heat, humidity and heavy seasonal rain. When you brief an architect, ask how the design handles:
- Sun and heat: deep overhangs, shaded west walls, light roof finishes and cross-ventilation.
- Rain: sloped roofs or reliable waterproofing, plinth height for waterlogging, and drainage during the northeast monsoon.
- Humidity and termites: moisture-resistant boards inside, anti-termite treatment at foundation and in woodwork.
- Local materials: terracotta, lime plaster, oxide floors and handmade tiles suit the climate and the region's building traditions; see traditional Indian interiors and terracotta tiles.
Fees, approvals and what to agree in writing
- Fee basis: a percentage of project cost, a rate per square foot or a lump sum, split between design and supervision.
- Approvals: new buildings in the city need plan approval; agree who prepares and submits the drawings.
- Drawings you receive: plans, elevations, sections, structural drawings, electrical and plumbing layouts, and interior details.
- Site visits: how many, at which stages, and who from the firm attends.
For remodelling budgets, see the home renovation cost guide; for planning the sequence of work, the home planning guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an architect and an interior designer?
An architect designs the building: structure, plan, elevations and services, and prepares drawings for approval. An interior designer works inside the shell: layout of furniture, storage, finishes and lighting. Many Chennai practices on this page do both.
When do I need an architect for my home in Chennai?
For a new house, an extension, a major remodel that moves walls or changes structure, or any work that needs building-plan approval. For a flat with no structural changes, an interior designer is normally enough.
How do architects charge in Chennai?
Fees are usually a percentage of the construction or project cost, a rate per square foot, or a lump sum, and may be split between design and site supervision. Ask for the basis and the stages of payment in writing.
Can one firm handle both architecture and interiors?
Yes. Designing the building and the interiors together avoids clashes, such as a beam running through a planned wardrobe or a window where the bed should go. Every firm on this page offers both.