Mr. Jibu John, Principal Architect at Jibu and Thomas Architects, is at the vanguard of a paradigm change in architectural design, in which form and function coexist seamlessly, and aesthetic elegance meets ecological practices.
With a career spanning of decades, Mr. John has earned a reputation for crafting regional and climate-friendly architectures that not only inspire but also last. Each project under his guidance reflects a deep understanding of the cultural and environmental context, coupled with a relentless pursuit of excellence.
‘The Best Creators’ explores the ethos that drives his creative process and the projects that have defined his illustrious career. Join us as we uncover the stories behind the blueprints, the inspirations that fuel his designs, and the vision that continues to shape the skyline.
Mr. Jibu shared that his journey began in 1996 when he co-founded Jibu and Thomas in Kochi, Kerala, with his partner. Both of them graduated with architecture degrees from MIT, Manipal. After gaining experience as junior architects from other firms in Kochi, they started their own office.
Initially, they received small projects from relatives and friends, and soon secured work with real estate developers, they started getting commercial buildings and residential condominiums. A notable early project was a resort in Munnar, which provided valuable experience in resort and apartment architecture.
Mr. John stated their primary goal was to focus on the projects at hand, leveraging their previous experiences to create practical, regionally suitable designs. They faced challenges, particularly in balancing their vision with client demands.
However, these challenges facilitated learning and growth. Some clients eventually trusted their designs, allowing them the creative freedom to execute their ideas, which helped establish the firm’s signature style architecture that harmonizes with the region and is climate-friendly.
Mr. Jibu emphasized that he never turned down any project, believing that their learning could be applied to any form of architecture. This open-minded approach enabled him to work on a diverse range of projects, including apartments, independent bungalows, resorts, hospitals, educational institutions, entertainment centers, commercial malls, interior projects, and landscape projects. Over the past 20 to 25 years, this extensive experience has defined his architectural practice.
Mr. Jibu stated that as an expert in the field, the primary philosophy behind my design approach is to meet the specific requirements of each client. Recognizing that every client has unique needs and visions for their project, my goal is to integrate their vision with my expertise, guiding it towards the best possible outcome.
My design philosophy centers on delivering exactly what the client requires while ensuring that the design is appropriate for the location, climate, and environment as I focus on harmonizing buildings with surrounding greenery, maximizing natural light, and adhering to the principles of vernacular architecture suited to this region of project.
Mr. Jibu has highlighted several key elements that have significantly impacted both his personal efficiency and that of his organization. The elements are listed below:
Imagination: The first step in any architectural project begins with the client’s briefing. This is where imagination plays a crucial role. Mr. Jibu emphasizes that the initial vision and creative ideas are paramount. It is this imaginative spark that drives the entire design process forward.
Inspiration: Inspiration from surroundings,elements or a story of the plot or the background of the project can all lead to finding the next step forward.. This can come from various sources such as the site profile, neighboring surroundings, colors, or even a particular tree on the site. Inspiration helps in shaping and refining the initial imaginative ideas, ensuring they are grounded in the reality of the site’s context.
Innovation: Innovation is the third key process. Each building or project must have its unique character, just as individuals do. Mr. Jibu and his team strive to incorporate innovative aspects into their designs, whether it’s a routine feature like a handrail or something more complex. This creative improvement adds a distinct character to each project.
Implementation: The fourth phase is implementation. This involves detailed working drawings, schedules, and integration of other engineering aspects such as plumbing, electrical, and structural elements. Aesthetic factors like interior design and landscaping are also considered. Proper implementation ensures that the detailed plans are accurately translated into reality. This step is crucial as it results in the final product that people interact with and see.
Inhabitation: The final phase is inhabitation. This step focuses on the people who will use and inhabit the spaces designed. Whether it’s a church, a movie hall, a residence, or a resort, the space must suit its intended users. Mr. Jibu points out that sometimes spaces are used exactly as imagined, while other times they are used in unexpected ways that bring new life and meaning to the project.
In summary, the five processes—Imagination, Inspiration, Innovation, Implementation, and Inhabitation—form the core of Mr. Jibu’s architectural practice. He said these steps are meticulously followed by him and taught to his team to ensure a seamless and efficient workflow in their day-to-day architectural endeavors.
Mr. Jibu John emphasizes a crucial lesson in architecture: the importance of continuous striving and improvement is the learning which he wants to pass on to others. He believes that each project offers new learnings, making architecture a journey of discovery. From his early days to the present, he has consistently aimed to enhance each project and make it better based on previous experiences. He describes architecture as a field where one invents something new every day, continually trying to surpass past achievements.
Mr. John sees this process as nurturing, helping individuals develop meaningful and innovative contributions. He advises newcomers to the field to cultivate patience and embrace lifelong learning. He highlights the significance of adapting to evolving technology, while also cherishing traditional tools like pencil and paper, which offer unparalleled freedom in the initial stages of design.
Mr. John shared insights into the top challenges he faced during the startup process of his firm. One of the primary hurdles was securing projects. Often, the initial projects came from acquaintances or relatives, which was a valuable learning experience. However, convincing clients of the firm’s vision posed a significant challenge, especially as a junior entity in the industry.
During the early stages, presenting and subsequently having ideas rejected was common. The necessity to adapt to client ideas, rather than pursuing original concepts, was a frequent reality. This balance was essential to keep the firm operational and maintain its reputation.
Despite these challenges, Mr. John emphasized the importance of maintaining a unique signature and philosophy as an architect. The purpose of running an independent studio or organization is to express and implement one’s own design principles and thoughts.
Over time, the firm gradually moved past the initial hurdles. Clients began to trust the firm’s aesthetic judgments, allowing for the realization of projects that aligned with the firm’s vision. This acceptance enhanced the firm’s reputation, enabling a stronger voice in design decisions.
Confidence grew with experience, leading to a firmer stance on design choices. Mr. John highlighted that challenges are an inherent part of the journey. A key lesson is the importance of considering and respecting the client’s point of view. Being open-minded and willing to analyze and sometimes adopt the client’s perspective is crucial. When disagreements arise, the ability to passionately and convincingly present one’s ideas is vital.
Mr. John noted that genuine conviction in one’s ideas significantly influences the ability to persuade others. This authenticity often leads to successful project outcomes and fosters a collaborative environment where innovative solutions can thrive.