India’s architectural landscape has evolved significantly over the last few decades, reflecting a seamless fusion of heritage, technology, and innovation. From futuristic skyscrapers to eco-conscious campuses, the country’s design firms are making bold statements globally. The top architects in India today are not only creating visually stunning structures but are also responding to pressing concerns such as sustainability, urban density, and cultural relevance. These visionaries are rewriting the rules of modern architecture by infusing creativity with purpose.
A New Era of Indian Architecture
Modern Indian architecture is no longer limited to concrete and steel. It is a dynamic discipline that responds to the evolving needs of society. With rapid urbanization and an increased awareness of environmental concerns, architecture in India has moved beyond aesthetics to embrace functionality, energy efficiency, and local relevance. Whether it’s revitalizing heritage buildings or designing climate-responsive structures, the top architects in India are leading the charge in innovation and sustainability.
1. CP Kukreja Architects – Blending Innovation with Indian Ethos
CP Kukreja Architects (CPKA) has emerged as one of the most influential architecture firms in India, known for its visionary work that spans public infrastructure, educational institutions, hospitality, and urban planning. Founded by architect C.P. Kukreja in 1969, the firm is celebrated for integrating modern techniques with traditional Indian design principles.
One of their most notable projects is the redevelopment of the Central Vista in New Delhi, a national project of immense political and cultural significance. Their diverse portfolio also includes sustainable campuses, smart city planning, and award-winning commercial complexes that reflect cutting-edge innovation.
What sets CPKA apart is its commitment to sustainability at scale. The firm uses energy modeling, advanced green materials, and passive design strategies to deliver environmentally friendly projects without compromising aesthetics or functionality. Their work embodies the vision of the best sustainable architecture firms in India, balancing the practical demands of urban development with environmental stewardship.
2. B.V. Doshi – The Master of Low-Cost Housing and Cultural Sensitivity
No discussion on Indian architecture is complete without mentioning the late Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi. A Pritzker Prize laureate, Doshi was known for his contributions to low-cost housing and institutional projects that embraced Indian traditions while applying modernist principles. His designs, like the Aranya Low-Cost Housing in Indore and IIM Bangalore, stand as timeless examples of culturally rooted design. His legacy continues to inspire a generation of architects committed to social responsibility.
3. Sanjay Puri – Breaking the Mold with Fluid Forms
Mumbai-based Sanjay Puri has carved a niche in architectural circles for his futuristic and bold forms. Often inspired by the natural terrain and local materials, his projects include residential, commercial, and institutional buildings across India. Puri’s firm frequently experiments with unconventional geometries and fluidity, giving each structure a unique identity. Notably, many of his works integrate passive cooling techniques and orientation-sensitive designs, aligning with the ideals of the best sustainable architecture firms in India.
4. Brinda Somaya – Reviving Heritage with a Contemporary Touch
Brinda Somaya’s architectural practice exemplifies the seamless blend of conservation and innovation. With a focus on context and culture, her projects include the restoration of the St. Thomas Cathedral in Mumbai and the Nalanda International School in Vadodara. Somaya believes that architecture should serve people and that sustainability involves respect for both heritage and environment. Her holistic approach to design aligns her firm with the best sustainable architecture firms in India.
5. Raj Rewal – A Visionary of Urban Public Spaces
Raj Rewal is another name that resonates with excellence in Indian architecture. Known for monumental structures like the Parliament Library and the Hall of Nations (demolished in 2017), Rewal’s work showcases modularity, human scale, and climate sensitivity. His designs prioritize spatial experience and ventilation, making him a pioneer in contextual and sustainable architecture. His legacy lives on through young designers adopting his philosophies in modern contexts.
6. Sameep Padora – Community-Centric and Sustainable
Sameep Padora is redefining how architecture engages with community and nature. Projects like the Aanganwadi School in Rajasthan and the Bookworm Pavilion in Goa emphasize participatory design and resource efficiency. His use of local materials and vernacular techniques positions his firm among the best sustainable architecture firms in India. Padora’s practice is a beacon for aspiring architects looking to create meaningful and responsible architecture.
7. Hafeez Contractor – Redefining India’s Urban Skyline
One of the most recognized names in Indian architecture, Hafeez Contractor, is known for shaping the urban skyline with towering residential and commercial complexes. While he often draws criticism for high-density developments, his contributions to affordable housing and urban planning are commendable. His firm is one of the largest in the country and continues to be a major force in shaping the urban future of India.
8. Manit Rastogi – Innovating for the Environment
Manit Rastogi, the founding partner of Morphogenesis, is a trailblazer in sustainable and energy-efficient architecture. With projects like the Pearl Academy in Jaipur and the Infosys campus in Nagpur, Rastogi’s work integrates cutting-edge technology with climate-conscious design. Morphogenesis is globally recognized as one of the best sustainable architecture firms in India, consistently pushing the envelope in green architecture and net-zero energy buildings.
9. Rahul Mehrotra – The Academic and Practitioner
Rahul Mehrotra, founder of RMA Architects and professor at Harvard GSD, operates at the intersection of practice and pedagogy. His work ranges from urban planning to conservation and contemporary architecture. Projects like the Hathigaon (Elephant Village) in Jaipur illustrate his commitment to social sustainability and contextual design. His firm’s multi-disciplinary approach has influenced urban discourse and design in India and abroad.
10. Kamal Malik – Architecture as Art
Kamal Malik’s architectural philosophy is rooted in the belief that buildings should evoke emotion. His firm, Malik Architecture, focuses on creating spaces that inspire and resonate with their surroundings. Projects like the House of Three Streams in Maharashtra and urban developments in Mumbai show a deep commitment to blending nature, art, and architecture. His creative expression and eco-sensitive designs earn him a place among India’s top contemporary architects.
Conclusion
The top architects in India are reshaping the nation’s built environment through visionary design, cultural sensitivity, and environmental responsibility. As India continues to urbanize and modernize, the role of architects has never been more critical. From bold skyscrapers to climate-responsive homes, their work sets new benchmarks in quality, innovation, and sustainability.
Among these leading names, CP Kukreja Architects stands out for their exemplary commitment to sustainable growth, architectural excellence, and national development. Their projects are a testament to how architecture can influence society positively, making them a name to watch in India’s design future.
