About – Arvind Varuna Associates

the firm

Arvind Varuna Associates was established in 2004. Prior to it’s founding, it’s principals were in a partnership firm (Ms. Kumar Arvind Varuna), which had been active since 1994. Today, AVA is a well-established firm, with a mid-sized team of about 30 members.

Their work covers a wide range of architecture and interior design projects. These include several residences, housing, commercial cum IT projects, restaurants and schools. Many of the firm’s works have received recognition and felicitation in the form of coverage and awards from contemporary architectural publications.

design philosophy

The firm keeps the design process simple, placing emphasis on the context of the site and its environment above all else. The climate of the region and the availability of local craftsmen, labor and materials serve as the starting point for all of our projects.

The use of modern concepts and techniques, coupled with traditional practices lead to design solutions that are practical, functional and aesthetically pleasing.

A holistic design approach which covers all aspects including architecture, interior design, furniture design, concepts of landscape design, and engineering services to make the project successful and comprehensive from the start.

The needs and interests of the client are always paramount. This reflects in the firm’s approach to any project, as the fundamental goal always remains the same – helping the client realize their vision.

Over the years, the practice has carved out a reputation for providing quality design solutions with an immaculate eye for detail. It has made Arvind Varuna Associates one of the leading design firms in Chennai and through this, they have built a healthy client base who are satisfied by the services rendered to them, thus becoming their goodwill ambassadors.

principals

Arvind Rangan

Arvind completed his B.Arch (Hons.) degree from IIT Kharagpur, graduating in the year 1989.

Immediately after, he worked in Kuwait at M/s. Pan Arab Consulting Engineers, a large design firm with exposure to International projects.

Returning to Chennai, he joined a local firm, M/s. Chitale And Sons, where he was groomed for design, which was relevant to the local context; a stint which gave him a proper base and grounding.

Around 1994/95, he co-founded their Architecture & Interior Design practice along with his wife & interior designer, Ms.Varuna. Together, they run the firm, M/s. Arvind Varuna Associates, carving a niche for themselves in the design industry.

Projects ranging from designer villas, housing, commercial, educational and retail; they have built a strong & steady clientele and delivering practical & aesthetically tasteful body of works.

Arvind also enjoys taking guest lectures, guiding students during their thesis and judging design competitions at various fora.

Varuna Arvind

Varuna Arvind is a Fine Arts graduate from Stella Maris, where her love for art became the foundation of her design journey. Art remains her guiding force, forming the way she visualizes, curates, and creates spaces.

A co-founder at Arvind Varuna Associates,

both Varuna & Arvind together merge architectural precision with artistic intuition to design spaces that feel personal, timeless, and lived-in.

Varuna finds inspiration in travel, art galleries, and cultural narratives across the world. Her approach to interiors is deeply curatorial, blending thoughtful layouts with handpicked artwork and accessories.

To her, every space tells a story—one that reflects its owners and the life they envision.

Driven by the belief that good design transforms not just spaces but experiences, Varuna creates spaces that are warm, expressive, and meaningful.

Ar. Kannan / Project Associate

Ar. Kannan, a Sr. Associate with the firm, graduated in Architecture in 1996 from the University of Madras, and has grown with the firm for over 19 years.

He handles large scale and volume projects efficiently, with in-depth knowledge of design and its supporting engineering services.

Building a client’s trust and achieving client satisfaction consistently is another one of his strengths.

team

The firm is supported by a dedicated and talented team of associates, senior architects and engineers.