Top Ten Architects in India: Explore the Leading Names in Indian Architecture

India boasts a vibrant architectural landscape shaped by centuries of tradition and innovation. Today, contemporary architects in India are redefining skylines, blending sustainable practices with cultural heritage. Here’s a curated list of the top ten architects in India, whose vision and creations continue to inspire and transform the built environment:

1. B.V. Doshi – The first Indian to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize, Doshi is celebrated for works like IIM Bangalore and the Aranya Housing Project, which combine traditional values with modern functionality.
2. Charles Correa – Renowned for his sensitivity to climate and context, Correa’s notable projects include Jawahar Kala Kendra and Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya. His urban planning and public interest work remain influential.
3. Raj Rewal – Known for modular designs and large civic structures, Rewal’s highlights include the Hall of Nations and the Parliament Library Building in New Delhi.
4. Brinda Somaya – Combining conservation with contemporary design, Somaya has revitalized institutional and public spaces, including the restoration of St. Thomas’ Cathedral, Mumbai.
5. Shirish Beri – Advocating for harmony with nature, Beri’s designs like the Laboratory of the Future and Jnana Prabodhini, Solapur, embody sustainable principles.
6. Sanjay Puri – Highlighted for bold, sculptural forms and innovative use of materials, some of Puri’s admired works are the Auriga Restaurant and the Bombay Arts Society.
7. Hafeez Contractor – One of the most prolific Indian architects, Contractor’s work spans residential, commercial, and institutional spaces, with landmark buildings like the Infosys campus in Mysuru.
8. Bijoy Jain (Studio Mumbai) – Fusing craft traditions with modern sensibilities, Bijoy’s work emphasizes craftsmanship, as seen in the Palmyra House and Copper House II.
9. Vikram Lall – Famous for monumental designs and cultural spaces, Lall’s signature projects include the Akshardham Temple, Delhi, and restoration projects of Indian heritage sites.
10. Anupama Kundoo – Pursuing material innovation and affordable housing, Kundoo’s acclaimed projects like the Wall House exemplify environmentally sensitive, context-responsive architecture.

As a designer myself, whenever I study the work of these architectural legends, I focus not just on their form and scale, but on how their spatial solutions serve the users’ experience. Good architecture, much like excellent interior design, hinges on the harmonious blend of function, aesthetics, and context. If you’re inspired by the visionary works of these architects and want to translate some of their creative principles into your own space, leveraging a powerful AI interior design tool can give you the flexibility to experiment with layouts, finishes, and furniture that mirror their ethos at the home or office level.

Tips 1:

When studying top architects, pay attention to their approach to light, space, and material. Try adapting these design philosophies in your project sketches or digital plans—it’s a great way to learn. For instance, bringing natural light deeper into your interior with the strategic use of open plans or using native materials can drastically improve both comfort and sustainability.

FAQ

Q: Who is considered the most influential architect in India?

A: B.V. Doshi is widely regarded as one of the most influential Indian architects, especially as the first from India to receive the Pritzker Prize.

Q: What are some famous buildings designed by Charles Correa?

A: Charles Correa designed significant buildings such as Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur, the Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya in Ahmedabad, and Bharat Bhavan in Bhopal.

Q: Are there women architects in India’s top architects list?

A: Yes, Brinda Somaya and Anupama Kundoo are celebrated architects known for their innovative and socially impactful designs.

Q: Which Indian architect is known for sustainable design practices?

A: Shirish Beri and Anupama Kundoo are both acclaimed for their commitment to sustainable architecture and material innovation.

Q: How can I use design principles from these architects for my own home project?

A: You can explore their design philosophies—such as spatial flow, use of local materials, and natural lighting—and apply them using modern interior design tools that help visualize and adapt these concepts for your own space.