This article is part of our ongoing series on the Top 10 Architecture Firms around the world.
Architecture in India is often perceived through the lens of its most iconic and ancient structures; but to overlook the present would be to ignore the emergence of a new generation of architects working at a time of rapid sociological change and urbanization. More than anything though, at the core of contemporary Indian architecture is not only a respect for the the country’s vast history, culture, and religion, but a deep awareness of ecology and the importance of architecture and sustainability as it connects to its environment.
If you missed our post on The MUST-SEE Architecture in Mumbai, I suggest checking it out as it’s a great place to learn more about some of the country’s biggest architectural movements.
The Top 10 isn’t a ranking; just a collection of what I feel are the best firms in the country based on their perceived reputation and personal opinion. With that said, here are my picks for The Top 10 Architecture Firms in India.
Sangath / Vāstu Shilpā Consultants
Location: Ahmedabad
Vāstu Shilpa Consultants was founded in 1955 by Pritzker Prize winning architect Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi. The words Vastu Shilpa are Sanskrit words denoting the ‘Art of Built Environment’, and the studio’s work is deeply rooted in the timeless craft of architecture and place making. Some of their most important works include the IIM Bangalore (pictured), IIM Udaipur, and the Aranya Low Cost Housing development which awarded the practice the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.
Studio Mumbai
Location: Mumbai
Studio Mumbai was founded by Bijoy Jain in 2005. Their work is focused on the elements of architecture; its environment, the use of internal and external space, the importance of light and the quality of its materials. Their work is inspired by the relationship between humankind and nature, drawing on both Indian and Western cultures to capture the cultural spirit of a place while embracing the best qualities of modernity.
Anupama Kundoo Architects
Location: Puducherry
Anupama Kundoo’s architecture builds on a profound understanding of craftsmanship and material; an understanding she gains by participating in the construction of her buildings. Her works is always a product of research into tectonics, sustainability and materiality; and at the same time they are a resource for the teaching of coming generations of architects.
Kundoo shows us how architecture is always a product of the time spent on the process: time to reflect, time to teach and research, or time to produce handmade bricks; time must not be saved, but spent. Kundoo’s method makes an important contribution to discussions around circular economy and the reduction of CO2, and with her practice she takes the concept of ‘site-determined architecture’ to new levels. Some of my favourite work includes the SAWCHU Multipurpose Hall and Wall House (pictured).
Abin Design Studio
Location: Kolkata
Based in Kolkata since 2005, Abin Design Studio is led by the architect and self-described “visual thinker and impulse seller” Abin Chaudhuri. The studio explores the unknown journey of architecture, experimenting with materials and technology, meanwhile engaging with art and culture with the purpose of providing a “soul in the shell”. Some of their best known work includes a waterfront clubhouse in Adisaptagram, and the Gallery House; a beautiful terracotta gallery house in Bansberia (pictured).
Sameep Padora & Associates (sP+a)
Location: Mumbai
Sameep Padora & Associates (sP+A) was founded in 2007 and draws on the country’s vast breadth of socio-cultural environments. Based in Mumbai, the studio’s approach on each of their projects is different and draws on the site’s geographic and social contexts for reference. One of my favourite projects is the Balaji Temple in Nandyal (pictured) which features a beautiful contemporary temple design with an integrated waterscape.
Besides the architectural practice, the studio also runs a not-for-profit called “sPare” that researches issues of urbanization in India. Their research project on forms of affordable housing in Mumbai has been published as a book by the NAi010 (Netherlands Architecture Institute) in 2020 and was also exhibited at the Seoul Biennale 2019 Collective City (where they curated a small India section for the exhibition as well).
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Sanjay Puri Architects
Location: Mumbai
With over 160 international and 100 national awards, Sanjay Puri Architects has a diverse portfolio of projects including townships, schools, hotels, retail and office buildings. They maintain steadfast in their quest for creating innovative design solutions that are sustainable on a large scale. With a firm strength of 72, evolving design solutions that are contextual and create spaces that revolutionize the way they are experienced form the essence of the firm’s design philosophy. Some of their most known work includes the Aria Hotel and ‘Stellar’, an office and retail building in Ahmedabad (pictured).
Studio Lotus
Location: New Delhi
Studio Lotus is multidisciplinary design practice founded in 2002. Since its inception, it is one of the most path-breaking architecture firms in India with Ambrish Arora, Ankur Choksi, Sidhartha Talwar, Pankhuri Goel, and Asha Sairam at the helm as Principals. Fostered by a culture of learning and self-described “intra-preneurship”, the work of the practice is grounded on the principles of Conscious Design, an approach that celebrates local resources, cultural influences, an inclusive process, and a keen attention to detail. This can be best seen in Krushi Bhawan (pictured); a visually stunning civic office building complete with a culturally-inspired brick mosaic on its facade.
Architecture BRIO
Location: Mumbai
Architecture BRIO’s work spans a wide variety of cultures, climates and landscapes across the Indian Subcontinent and South East Asia. Each project is seen as a challenge and opportunity to uncover the unique characteristics of these specific conditions, investigating which intervention has a potential for positive change and impact in the way we deal with our natural and built world. Simultaneously the studio believes that architecture should remain a backdrop to life rather than taking centre stage. In order for architecture to have a long lasting sensory impact it needs to evoke the urge to be discovered, and this feeling can be seen in projects like the coastal artist retreat in Mumbai and ‘Riparian’ – a private house on the bank of a river (pictured).
ZED (Zero Energy Design Lab)
Location: New Delhi
ZED Lab is a research-driven architecture and interior design studio based in Delhi. Founded in 2009 by Sachin Rastogi, ZED Lab specializes in net-zero energy buildings. With sustainability at the core of its design process, ZED Lab works towards improving people’s quality of life in symbiosis with the environment through the lens of research, design, and construction. Through its award-winning projects across a wide range of sectors, the studio seeks to push the envelope for zero energy design and carbon neutrality while devising economically viable building systems. Some of their best known work includes the St. Andrews Boys and Girls Hostel in Gurugram (pictured).
Charged Voids
Location: Chandigarh
Educated and trained under Pritzker Prize-winning architect B.V. Doshi, Charged Voids was founded in 2007 by design principal Mr. Aman Aggarwal. With a studio based in Chandigarh, their work is grounded on the principles of conscious design; an approach that celebrates the transcendent and spiritual qualities of architecture. As a result, the philosophy of Charged Voids has been to metamorphose eastern lifestyles and western aesthetics,
Living in a culturally and traditionally rich society, Aggarwal strives to keep his designs contextual, from space planning and use of materials to the response to climate. He has successfully spearheaded many institutional, commercial and residential projects including several private and holiday homes including Residence 1065 (pictured).
Notable Omissions
In a country with such a large and rich architectural history such as India’s, identifying just 10 firms does not really do justice the incredible work that has been achieved or the work that is yet to come. I thought it was necessary to identify some of the toughest omissions as a way to acknowledge and recognize them. Think we’ve missed anyone? Let us know in the comments below.
