Trivandrum: Architect Akkamadathil Kinnathi Jayachandran who helped design modern Kerala by his pioneering work that includes global IT destination Technopark in Trivandrum, Kerala’s first high rise residential apartments for Southern Investments passed away Friday. Cremation is on Saturday, Aug 25, around noon at Shanthikavadam, Thycaud.

Born in Tellicherry in 1938, A K Jayachandran graduated in Civil Engineering from the College of Engineering, Trivandrum in 1961. He began his career as an architect in the Public Works Department. A few years later, he left his post of Chief Architect of Kerala State Film Development Corporation and Handicrafts Board in order to start his own architectural firm – Jayachandran, Murali & Associates. He worked as an Architect for 45 years. Apart from his outstanding career, he was also an enthusiastic speaker and visiting faculty at CET, moulding young minds.

According to M C  John, renowned entrepreneur, “Jayachandran and architecture are synonymous.” These words are proved by the life and legacy of Jayachandran. He was the Design Principal of Jayachandran, Murali & Associates for the last 25 years. His brought a holistic approach to his designs and with this unique ability, he found harmony in combining latest designs with traditions and nature economically. He had simple, practical, yet brilliant solutions to design problems. His firm’s track record of delivering complex projects in time, economically, is immaculate.

His peers, the Government of Kerala, the construction industry, other professional organisations and the community as a whole had given him much critical acclaim during his lifetime. South India’s first water theme park, Kishkinta, was just another feather in his cap. His works to enhance community living has made a huge impact in the urban landscape of Kerala.