ABOUT US
Neralu Design Studio was founded in 2021 with a single table, a strong cup of coffee, and a deep belief that good design starts with good intent.
What began as a small, passion-led practice in Bangalore has grown into a design studio handling projects across India — from intimate residences to larger commercial and community spaces. Along the way, we’ve stayed rooted in the idea that every project deserves attention, empathy, and clarity — regardless of its scale.
Built on long nights, honest conversations, and the trust of clients who believed in our vision, Neralu has evolved into more than just a design firm. It’s a space where ideas are questioned, drawings are reworked till they feel right, and dreams are taken seriously.
Our story is still unfolding — and every new project adds a meaningful chapter.
“Neralu”(ನೆರಳು) means "Shadow" in Kannada
— a word that felt just right. We wanted a name that was rooted in the soil of this place, and symbolic of what we aim to create: spaces that offer comfort, purpose, and presence.
Just like a shadow, our work exists not to overpower, but to complement — to hold space for life to unfold.
CORE VALUES
At Neralu Design Studio, we don’t begin with drawings.
We begin with understanding.
Over time, three simple ideas have shaped the way we work and the way we think about architecture:
Thought | Design | People
Because when you’re building something that will be lived in, every decision matters.
⸻
Thought
Before anything is built, we pause and think.
We listen to the brief, study the site, understand the budget, and imagine how the space will be used every day.
Good buildings come from clear thinking, not rushed decisions.
Design
To us, design is not about style or trends.
It is about making choices that feel right — for the space, for the context, and for the people using it.
When design is thoughtful, everything else falls into place.
People
At the centre of every project are people.
Our clients, the teams we work with, and the families and users who will live in these spaces long after the project is complete.
We design with care, knowing that these spaces become part of everyday life.
OUR PROCESS
At Neralu Design Studio, we believe that good design is only as good as its execution. That’s why we don’t just design — we build, coordinate, and stay involved till the very last detail is in place.
Whether it’s a home, a studio, a café, or a boardroom — the final layer is always added by its people. That’s the moment architecture becomes alive. That’s the moment we wait for.
🌱 Immerse & Connect
Before we ever put pen to paper, we pause to listen — truly listen. We walk the site, take in its light, textures, and spirit, and sit with our clients to absorb not just what they want, but what they dream of. It’s not about starting with ideas — it’s about starting with them. Their stories, their rhythm of living, their vision. Only then do we begin.
✨ Shape & Refine
Once we’re in sync, we begin shaping the concept — with intention and care. Every design evolves through exploration: testing, simplifying, pushing edges where needed, and pulling back where it must breathe. We work through every layer — spatial, emotional, functional — until it feels just right.
🛠 Execute & Coordinate
Once the design is finalized, our turnkey execution team steps in, translating design into reality while staying true to every detail. We stay closely involved on-site — coordinating works, ensuring quality, and maintaining pace. Having us handle both design and execution makes the entire process more seamless, efficient, and aligned — because every decision is rooted in the original vision.
🎨 Select & Style
From finishes to furniture, lights to linen, we walk with our clients through each choice — personally. Every piece, every texture, every fixture is considered. We don’t just decorate — we style with purpose, ensuring the space carries intention in every corner.
🏡 Deliver & Stay
We don’t exit once the drawings are done. We stay till the finish — until the last cushion is placed and the final switch is fixed. From structural details to soft furnishings, we stay present until the space doesn’t just look complete — it feels complete, lived in, and loved.
🌿 Live & Grow
Our role ends where yours begins. A space only truly comes alive when people step into it — to live, to work, to gather, to dream. That’s when walls begin to hold stories, corners find purpose, and design becomes experience.
OUR TEAM
AR. JOEL KJ
Founder & Principal Architect
KV JOSEPH
Director
ANISH KJ
Project Director
DORITA ROSHAL PINTO
Brand & Digital Communications Lead
ANITHA JENIFER
Accounts & Finance Coordinator
AR. JOEL KJ
Founder & Principal Architect
Joel KJ is the Founder and Principal Architect of Neralu Design Studio, where he leads the firm’s design vision, values, and overall practice. With a deep belief that architecture must go beyond drawings to become lived experience, Joel has shaped Neralu into a design-led, people-first studio grounded in ethics, clarity, and hands-on execution.
He started the studio driven by a simple yet powerful thought — that architecture should feel. It should adapt to the people it holds, speak their stories, and carry emotional depth beyond just function. What he found missing in earlier work environments — purpose, clarity, and respect for the user — became the foundation on which Neralu was built. A practice defined not by scale, but by sincerity. Not just client-centered — but deeply human-centered.
Since then, Neralu has grown steadily through trust, word-of-mouth, and spaces that quietly speak for themselves. Joel continues to stay closely involved in every project — guiding it from the first sketch to the last layer of styling, ensuring every space reflects the studio’s core values.
He believes in shaping a design culture that listens before it draws, builds with clarity, and treats every project — no matter how small — as someone’s dream space. To him, architecture is not about adding more, but about revealing what truly matters..
“The anchor on site — leading with patience, building with purpose.”
Joseph brings over 35 years of experience in civil engineering and site execution, and serves as the backbone of Neralu’s construction and renovation practice. Born and raised in the lush Malnad region of Sagar, Karnataka, he was inspired early on by his uncle’s involvement in the iconic Supa Dam project — a spark that led him to pursue civil engineering and move to Bangalore in the early ’90s.
His career began during a pivotal time in the city’s evolution — when Bangalore was shifting from plotted homes to vertical living. Joseph was at the frontlines of this change, having worked on some of the city’s earliest apartment developments, large-scale housing layouts, and landmark institutional projects through the ’90s and early 2000s. These years gave him a grounded understanding of both scale and system — and a sharp instinct for site challenges.
At Neralu, Joseph leads the civil division – managing structural decisions, coordinating teams, mentoring site heads, and ensuring that construction always aligns with the intent of design. His calm, disciplined approach gives every project a strong foundation – both literally and culturally. Whether guiding a mason or navigating complex on-site issues, he brings the same integrity, focus, and respect to the table.
KV JOSEPH
Director – Construction & Execution
KJ ANISH
Project Director – Interiors & Construction
“The mind behind momentum — quietly pushing every project forward.”
Anish brings structure and speed to Neralu’s on-ground execution. As Project Director, he oversees the day-to-day flow of both interior and construction projects — managing site coordination, scheduling, team supervision, and delivery timelines across multiple locations.
A trained civil engineer, Anish combines technical precision with real-world problem-solving. He’s the go-to person when design meets ground reality — ensuring that the studio’s creative intent is translated faithfully, efficiently, and to the last detail. His presence on site is hands-on and involved — constantly aligning drawings, labour teams, vendors, and materials into one smooth process.
Working alongside Joseph, he forms the second engine of Neralu’s build team — one that’s proactive, accountable, and razor-focused on timelines and quality. His strength lies in clarity and consistency — whether it’s managing back-to-back sites, fielding design questions mid-execution, or troubleshooting the unexpected with calm precision.
“Making sure the world meets Neralu the way it was meant to be seen.”
Dorita brings heart and clarity to how Neralu is seen, heard, and discovered. She leads the studio’s digital presence — managing everything from Instagram and Google to ongoing communication that reflects the work, voice, and values of the firm.
With a keen eye for design language and an intuitive sense of storytelling, Dorita ensures that every touchpoint — whether visual, written, or strategic — feels authentic to what Neralu stands for. From project launches to behind-the-scenes moments, she curates a presence that is consistent, grounded, and people-first.
DORITA ROSHAL PINTO
Brand & Digital Communications Lead
ANITHA JENIFER
Accounts & Finance Coordinator
“Quietly holding the numbers, calmly grounding the flow.”
Anitha brings structure, stability, and quiet consistency to Neralu’s day-to-day operations. She handles the studio’s billing, vendor accounts, and financial records — ensuring that every project is backed by clear systems and seamless coordination.
With a sharp eye for detail and a deep sense of responsibility, she balances people, payments, and paperwork without ever letting things feel transactional. Her presence brings a calm rhythm to the back office — steady, trustworthy, and always aligned with the studio’s values.
Whether it’s working with vendors, tracking project accounts, or managing the numbers that quietly run in the background of every space built — Anitha plays a key role in keeping Neralu grounded, accountable, and running with grace.