Top 10 Famous Architects Who Shaped Modern India

Modern India’s architectural landscape has been shaped by visionary minds who combined tradition, sustainability, and innovation. Here’s a curated list of Top 10 Famous Architects whose work has defined India’s built environment.

1. Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi

Often referred to simply as B.V. Doshi, he remains the most celebrated Famous Architect in India. He was the first Indian recipient of the Pritzker Prize (2018). Doshi’s contributions include IIM Bangalore, Aranya Low‑Cost Housing, and Sangath Studio. He blended climate‑sensitive design with Indian social values and modernist sensibilities 

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2. Charles Correa

Known as the "Father of Modern Indian Architecture," Correa pioneered designs that are modern yet deeply rooted in Indian context. His famous works include the Kanchanjunga Apartments in Mumbai, Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur, and British Council Library in Delhi 

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3. Raj Rewal

Raj Rewal’s architecture combines modern engineering with traditional Indian elements. His iconic Hall of Nations in New Delhi (demolished 2017) and National Institute of Immunology demonstrate a strong environmental and contextual focus 

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4. Laurie Baker

Affectionately known as the "Gandhi of Architecture," Laurie Baker pioneered sustainable, low-cost design in India. His work—such as the Indian Coffee House in Thiruvananthapuram—emphasized local materials, passive ventilation, and energy efficiency 

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5. Brinda Somaya

A leading woman architect in India, Somaya is known for restoration and socially responsive architecture. Her projects like the Bhau Daji Lad Museum and Bhadli Village restoration reflect cultural sensitivity and sustainability 

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6. Sanjay Puri

Founder of Sanjay Puri Architects, he is celebrated for bold, context‑aware designs that solve climate and spatial challenges. Projects like The Street, Mathura and Rajasthan School blend creativity with environmental consciousness 

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7. Manit & Sonali Rastogi (Morphogenesis)

Co‑founders of Morphogenesis, they follow a design ethos focused on sustainability, liveability, and optimization. The Pearl Academy in Jaipur exemplifies their approach to architecture that’s both ecological and culturally relevant 

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8. Anupama Kundoo

With a focus on social equity and vernacular methods, Kundoo uses local materials and traditional techniques to create low‑carbon architecture. Her SAWCHU Multipurpose Hall and Wall House highlight a commitment to contextual design 

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9. Shimul Javeri Kadri

Founder of SJK Architects in Mumbai, Kadri integrates climate-sensitivity with cultural context. Her projects include boutique hotels and cultural institutions, known for natural light, ventilation, and intuitive spatial layouts 

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10. Bimal Patel

Urban designer and architect Bimal Patel (HCP Designs) has led major civic projects like Sabarmati Riverfront, Kankaria Lake redevelopment, and the new IIM Ahmedabad campus. His designs emphasize civic engagement, urban renewal, and sustainability 

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Why This List Is Important

This compilation of Famous Architects and leading Architects in India showcases the architects who shaped India’s modern built identity. Here's Why this List is Important:

It highlights architectural pioneers who merged modernism with India’s socio‑cultural and climatic contexts.

These architects set benchmarks in sustainability, community‑led design, and climate‑responsive planning.

Their legacy inspires architecture students across India, especially at institutions focused on design and innovation.

Connecting Architecture Education in Coimbatore

For students aspiring to follow in these architects’ footsteps, choosing the right academic environment is essential.

Best Architecture Colleges in Coimbatore

Institutions such as Karpagam Architecture in Coimbatore offer rigorous programs blending theory, design, and sustainability. As one of the Best Architecture Colleges in Coimbatore, Karpagam Architecture emphasizes:

Studio-based learning inspired by modern and vernacular design.

Exposure to thought leadership and contemporary practices in Indian architecture.

Curriculum that integrates projects on community engagement, contextual design, and environmental stewardship.

Studying at Karpagam Architecture equips students with both the technical skills and philosophical grounding to contribute meaningfully to India’s architectural future.

Conclusion

These Top 10 Famous Architects did more than design buildings—they shaped how India thinks about space, sustainability, and cultural identity. From B.V. Doshi’s human-centric campuses to Laurie Baker’s eco-conscious homes, each architect contributed significantly to modern Indian architecture.

For students at Best Architecture Colleges in Coimbatore, especially Karpagam Architecture, understanding these figures is more than history—it’s inspiration. Learning from these leaders helps students interpret Architects in India's legacy and apply it in their own creative pursuits. Whether it's through honoring tradition, experimenting with materials, or inventing context-sensitive spaces, these architects demonstrate how architecture can serve society and shape identity in a modern India. 

Understanding the Design Thinking Process and Its Importance

 In today’s rapidly evolving world, problem-solving requires more than just traditional approaches. The Design Thinking Process is a human-centered method used to understand user needs, redefine problems, and create innovative solutions. 

Unlike linear problem-solving models, the Design Thinking Process encourages a non-linear, iterative journey through stages such as empathizing, defining, ideating, prototyping, and testing. It's widely adopted in fields like architecture, business, and technology because it prioritizes creativity, empathy, and functionality. Whether you’re redesigning a product or reshaping a public space, the Design Thinking Process is vital to creating solutions that truly matter.

What Is Design Thinking?

Design Thinking is more than just a buzzword—it's a practical framework that encourages creative problem-solving by focusing on the end-user experience. Originally popularized by design firms like IDEO, the method has found applications across industries, including healthcare, education, architecture, and digital technology. At its core, Design Thinking aims to balance what is desirable from a human point of view with what is technologically feasible and economically viable.

The process typically involves five phases:

1. Empathize – Understand the people you are designing for through observation and engagement.

2. Define – Clearly articulate the problem based on your findings.

3. Ideate – Generate a range of creative solutions.

4. Prototype – Build real, tactile representations of your ideas.

5. Test – Try out solutions, gather feedback, and refine.

This user-centric model helps teams uncover hidden insights and unlock breakthrough innovation.

The Importance of Design Thinking in Education and Architecture

Institutions like Karpagam Architecture have embraced the Design Thinking model to empower the next generation of architects and designers. The architecture field thrives on innovation, creativity, and understanding user behavior—all of which are core to Design Thinking. At Karpagam Architecture, students are trained not just to draw plans but to think critically, question assumptions, and develop human-centered designs that solve real-world problems.

For example, when designing urban housing, a student applying Design Thinking would go beyond blueprints to understand the cultural, economic, and emotional needs of the inhabitants. They might conduct interviews, study user behaviors, and prototype community spaces that foster inclusivity and well-being.

By adopting this method, Karpagam Architecture ensures its graduates are not only technically skilled but also empathetic thinkers who can contribute meaningfully to society.

Why the Design Thinking Process Matters

1. Encourages Innovation
   Traditional problem-solving often follows a predictable path. In contrast, Design Thinking opens up new avenues for creativity by encouraging experimentation and learning from failure.

2. Promotes Empathy
   Empathy is the heart of the process. By deeply understanding the needs of users, designers can create solutions that are more functional, inclusive, and impactful.

3. Applies to Any Field
   While rooted in design, the Design Thinking Process is not limited to designers. Business leaders, educators, software developers, and even healthcare professionals use this approach to create meaningful change.

4. Boosts Collaboration
   Design Thinking fosters a collaborative culture where diverse perspectives are valued. Cross-functional teams work together, merging different expertise to create better solutions.

5. Enhances Problem-Solving Skills
   Rather than jumping straight to solutions, Design Thinking encourages a deeper understanding of problems. This leads to more effective, sustainable outcomes.

Real-World Impact

Consider a case where a city wants to improve public transportation. Instead of launching a costly new bus system without user input, a Design Thinking approach would involve interviews with commuters, observations of traffic flow, and prototyping small-scale solutions like shuttle routes or mobile apps for scheduling. The result? A more user-friendly, efficient transit system grounded in real-world data and human experience.

Design Thinking at Karpagam Architecture

At Karpagam Architecture, the emphasis on the Design Thinking Process reflects the institution’s forward-thinking pedagogy. Students engage in hands-on projects where they analyze, ideate, and test solutions for architectural and urban challenges. This method prepares them to navigate the complex social, environmental, and technological demands of the modern world.

By embedding Design Thinking into its curriculum, Karpagam Architecture ensures that students graduate not just as architects but as innovators who understand the deeper value of human-centered design.

Conclusion

The Design Thinking Process is a powerful tool that transforms the way we approach challenges. By placing empathy, creativity, and experimentation at the forefront, it enables individuals and organizations to craft solutions that truly meet human needs. For institutions like Karpagam Architecture, integrating Design Thinking into education fosters a new generation of thoughtful, responsive, and innovative designers. Whether you're in architecture, technology, or business, understanding and applying Design Thinking can make all the difference.

Slow Fashion Explained and 6 Indian Brands Doing It Right

 In a world dominated by fast-paced trends and disposable clothing, a growing movement is encouraging consumers and creators to pause and rethink their relationship with fashion. 

This movement is known as Slow Fashion—a conscious alternative that promotes sustainability, ethics, and craftsmanship. But what is slow fashion, and why is it gaining importance in India and globally? Let’s dive in and explore some Indian brands leading the way.

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What Is Slow Fashion?

Slow Fashion is a design, production, and consumption approach that emphasizes quality over quantity. It encourages mindful shopping, durable design, ethical labor practices, and minimal environmental impact. Unlike fast fashion—which thrives on mass production, seasonal trends, and cheap labor—slow fashion values transparency, sustainability, and longevity.

So, what is slow fashion in practical terms? It’s about:

• Buying fewer but better-quality clothes

• Supporting brands that pay fair wages

• Choosing timeless over trendy

• Focusing on natural or upcycled fabrics

• Reducing waste and pollution across the fashion lifecycle

Slow fashion is not just a trend; it's a cultural shift toward more responsible fashion choices that respect people and the planet.

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Why Slow Fashion Matters in India

India has a rich heritage of handwoven textiles, artisanal crafts, and sustainable techniques. Yet, much of this traditional wisdom has been overshadowed by the rise of fast fashion. Embracing slow fashion not only revives Indian craftsmanship but also supports rural economies, empowers artisans, and promotes eco-conscious living.

As the fashion industry faces growing scrutiny for its environmental impact, Indian designers and entrepreneurs are creating thoughtful alternatives rooted in culture and sustainability.

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6 Indian Brands That Are Doing Slow Fashion Right

Here are six Indian brands that embody the values of slow fashion:

1. Nicobar

Nicobar is a modern lifestyle brand that combines minimalism with sustainability. Their garments are made from organic cotton, handwoven fabrics, and natural dyes. Each collection is inspired by travel and the Indian aesthetic, making timeless pieces that age gracefully.

2. The Summer House

This Bengaluru-based label focuses on clean lines, classic silhouettes, and ethical production. The Summer House works with artisan communities across India and uses eco-friendly fabrics like handloom cotton, Tencel, and recycled fibers.

3. No Nasties

No Nasties is India’s first 100% organic and fair trade fashion label. They prioritize transparency, use certified organic cotton, and ensure fair wages for farmers and workers. Their mission? Zero plastic, zero sweatshops, and zero guilt.

4. Bhoomi

Bhoomi is a sustainable brand that blends Indian tradition with contemporary design. Their collections feature hand-block prints, natural fabrics, and artisanal techniques passed down through generations. Every piece tells a story and supports local communities.

5. Upasana

Based in Auroville, Upasana is more than a brand—it’s a social enterprise. They work with farmer cooperatives, weavers, and artisans to create fashion that empowers. Their projects like "Tsunamika" and "Small Steps" have gained global recognition for social impact.

6. Brown Living

Though more of a marketplace than a fashion label, Brown Living curates slow fashion brands that meet their rigorous sustainability criteria. From upcycled fashion to cruelty-free accessories, they promote mindful consumption through their platform.

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Where to Study Fashion for a Sustainable Future?

If you’re passionate about sustainable fashion and want to be part of the slow fashion revolution, pursuing a formal education in fashion design is a smart step. India now offers several programs that include sustainability, eco-fashion, and ethical production as core elements.

B Des Fashion Design Colleges in Coimbatore

Coimbatore, known for its textile heritage and innovation, has become a hub for fashion education. Several colleges offer Bachelor of Design (B Des) programs that combine creativity, technical skills, and environmental awareness.

One of the top institutions is Karpagam Architecture, part of the prestigious Karpagam Academy of Higher Education. Their B Des in Fashion Design program provides a comprehensive education that balances traditional craftsmanship with modern design thinking.

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Why Choose Karpagam Architecture?

• Sustainability-Focused Curriculum: Learn about eco-friendly materials, ethical production methods, and circular fashion.

• Industry-Relevant Training: Gain hands-on experience through workshops, internships, and collaborations with artisans and designers.

• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access to modern labs, design studios, and textile technology tools.

• Experienced Faculty: Get mentorship from industry professionals with a deep understanding of slow fashion principles.

• Holistic Development: Students are encouraged to explore fashion as a form of social and cultural expression.

If you're serious about making a difference in the fashion world, a B Des in Fashion Design from Karpagam Architecture can be your first step toward a sustainable and impactful career.

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Final Thoughts

Slow fashion is not just a design philosophy—it’s a movement that values people, planet, and purpose. As consumers and future designers, understanding what is slow fashion helps us make informed choices that align with ethics and aesthetics.

With Indian brands leading the way and institutions like Karpagam Architecture nurturing the next generation of conscious designers, the future of fashion looks thoughtful, sustainable, and beautifully slow.