Sathyamoorthy Patchaiappan, affectionately known as Kalia in the landscaping profession, is a self-taught designer and landscape architect based in Auroville. Growing up in the village of Kuilapalayam, near the international community of Auroville (auroville.org.in), he was influenced by Auroville’s unique informal educational system that introduced him to the enchanting world of design through a variety of architectural and landscaping styles practiced there.

It was also in Auroville that he first developed an understanding of natural ecosystems and how these influenced the community’s approach to designing green spaces that were organic in their nature and harmonious in their expression. This was the first seed of inspiration that would later lead him to pursue a career in landscaping.

Kalia began his professional journey with Ananda, a well-known architect from Pondicherry. Deeply taken with Japanese garden design, Kalia dedicated years to perfecting his own design idiom featuring plants, stones and rocks that became central elements in his work.

Through his collaboration with Ananda, Kalia gained valuable insights into the profession which helped to shape his own signature approach to landscaping.     Observing the specific needs of the Indian market he formed his own team of skilled workers, drawn largely from local communities, to address this growing demand.     Over time he built a reliable network of artisans, designers, and vendors to support his expanding landscaping business.

He established “Progress” as a registered activity of Auroville in 2000 to take its unique vision of the environment to various landscaping projects across southern India.