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The Lifestyle Architects : Transforming Design into an Emotional Experience

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Sagar Dhongady ,FounderThe landscaping market has evolved to focus on aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability, particularly in urban areas like Bangalore. Builders need to create cohesive landscapes that align with architectural identity and make the most of limited green spaces. In addition, the growing demand for eco-friendly developments adds pressure to incorporate sustainable practices, often at higher costs. Social media has also heightened the need for shareable outdoor experiences, pushing developers to design spaces that are attractive as well as engaging. These challenges are addressed by The Lifestyle Architects through the delivery of cohesive, sensory-rich designs that seamlessly integrate functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability into each project.

Storytelling through Design

The Lifestyle Architects redefines the concept of design by creating lifestyle experiences, rather than just buildings. Founded six years ago by husband-wife duo Sagar Dhongady and Renu Yadav, the company approaches each project with a unique focus on storytelling. By weaving together three core elements - status, style, and signature - the firm ensures every design tells a cohesive story, distinguishing it from traditional firms. “Status is the building itself, style is the fashion aspect, and signature is the branding part of the project”, says Dhongady. The holistic approach enhances the physical space and the entire experience, resulting in designs that emotionally resonate with buyers.
An example of this storytelling approach can be seen in the project Sammy’s Dreamland. Here, the choice of yellow and orange in the median reflects decision-making cues often used in e-commerce platforms, with yellow representing readiness and orange symbolizing trust. The subtle color psychology helps prospective buyers move toward purchase decisions faster, creating an emotional connection that goes beyond the design’s surface aesthetics. In the Breeze and Woods project, the emotional and sensory experiences concept was designed to immerse residents in the surrounding environment through a combination of sight, sound, and smell. The Lifestyle Architects planted aromatic plants at entry points, installed wind chimes to allow people to hear the breeze, and designed spaces to facilitate natural ventilation. The sensory orchestration engages three of the buyer’s senses, effectively selling 50 percent of the experience before a word is spoken about the price or the amenities.

Weaving stories through designs & unfolding various possibilities


Sustainable Innovations, Instagrammable Designs

The firm’s multidisciplinary team, comprising architects, landscape architects, fashion designers, marketing experts, and engineers, takes a 360-degree approach to design. From creating the project’s name and logo to designing uniforms and websites, they ensure that every element tells a consistent story. In addition, The Lifestyle Architects demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability by integrating ecofriendly materials like mud blocks into its projects, ensuring environmental responsibility and economic viability through self-sustaining developments. Moreover, The Lifestyle Architects have designed 200+ acres of plotted developments for various builders across India.

Furthermore, the firm is aware of the power of social media and organic marketing. It consciously designs ‘Instagrammable’ elements in every project. One of its most innovative projects is the Kumbalgodu Ayyappa Temple on the Bangalore-Mysore Highway, featuring the first-ever waterfall Gopuram in South India. Unheard of anywhere in the world, this feature stands out as a unique architectural accomplishment and serves as a powerful marketing tool, generating organic attention through social media shares.

The Lifestyle Architects is poised for further expansion within India and internationally. With plans to open offices in North India and establish a presence in Dubai, the firm is preparing to bring its unique design philosophy to a broader audience. As it continues to scale, its focus on storytelling through design, client centered service, and innovative use of sensory elements will undoubtedly keep it at the forefront of the industry, appealing to clients looking for more than just a well-constructed building, but a complete, cohesive lifestyle experience.