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G. Jaigopal Architect

Managing Partner & Director - Designs

Mr. Jaigopal was born in Cochin in Kerala where he received his schooling. He joined the architecture course in the Government College of Engineering in Trivandrum, but however, did not complete his graduation. While in college he worked on his thesis on the topic of ‘Architecture for our Democracy'.
Having been inspired by the works of Laurie Baker, he joined COSTFORD in Trivandrum and worked on the technical and design team from 1987 to 89. Later, along with other COSTFORD members he setup the COSFORD center in Cochin, under the name of ESDC, Centre for Eco- sensitive and sustainable development. Here he helped in training and orienting more than 40 architects, 45 civil engineers and several other technical personnel in the construction sector in concepts regarding environment and cost-effective, sustainable alternatives.

While at COSTFORD, he worked on many social housing projects, such as rehabilitation schemes for the Latur earthquake, with Laurie baker. However, he soon realised that only that kind of work was not enough and in order to really be able to popularise technologies, one had to also be able to address the need of the corporate world as well, which involved a use of much larger markets and materials. He began realising that he had to address all the sectors of the society, to be able to influence and make a permanent change on how one sees cost-effective technologies.

He observes that from the 90's onwards, there were many who were simply copying the Laurie Baker style, but the whole movement was losing its original enthusiasm, spontaneity and quality. The buildings that were getting built were not necessarily aesthetic products, which generally gave an adverse appeal to the architectural language of exposed brickwork and filler-slab construction.

In 1994, he founded and directed a company called, 'House of consultants', formed to give professional consultancy services in eco- sensitive constructions. Simultaneously, he served as an advisor to many government and non-governmental organizations on the issues of housing and technologies.

In 1996 along with his wife and partner architect, he founded Inspiration and also assumed charge as designs and projects director of BTH group of hotels. At the Inspiration office, he is in charge of the Design section. He believes that after an architect has met the basic requirements of the project, such as budget, planning and zoning, his prerogative is to be able to enhance the aesthetic aspects of the project. He sees his role more as an artist and believes in making all choices for the construction, based on the final outcome desired for the project.

He has personally completed over 300 building projects in different locations in South India. These include small houses projects, middle class houses, community halls, schools, colleges, institution buildings, factories, restaurants, hotels, hospitals etc. all designed and built in tune with concepts of eco-sensitive and cost-conscious approaches. He has also been involved in the
training of over 500 crafts persons.