Question about compiling the linux kernel

When compiling the kernel with make -j `getconf _NPROCESSORS_ONLN` deb-pkg the resulting .deb packages are generated in the parent directory.

Is there a way to choose a specific directory where those packages will be placed?

I have researched this issue and found partial answers about modifying scripts/package/debian/rules or various makefiles, but nothing has worked so far.

Using environment variables like DESTDIR=/path/to/dir or OUTPUT_DIRECTORY=/path/to/dir with the make command also did not work.

Starting to think that this might be impossible. Anyone have an idea?
Thanks for your time!