Introduction
India’s skyline and cultural landscape have been shaped by a range of famous architects, whose iconic works combine modern design with a local context.
From sustainable low-cost housing to breath-taking civic spaces, here are a few visionaries who turned dreams into defining landmarks. Their contributions not only shaped modern India but also highlighted the impact of architecture in reflecting identity, solving societal challenges, and inspiring future generations.
Top 10 Famous Architects:
These ten visionary architects have redefined India’s built environment through innovation, sustainability, and cultural sensitivity.
1. Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi
The pioneer, B.V. Doshi, became the first to win the Pritzker Prize. He has work that combines modernism and folk wisdom. His projects from IIM‑Bangalore to Aranya low‑cost housing in Indore prioritise aspects like community, climate, and materials. Doshi’s architecture is not just a building; it is a social fabric woven into the relevant place and people , and a powerful example of affordable housing in architectural design.
Major Works:
- IIM Udaipur
- NIFT Delhi
- CEPT University
- Aranya Low-Cost Housing Development
2. Charles Correa
Charles Correa is commonly known as the father of modern Indian architecture. He has built a variety of works across India, including Jawahar Kala Kendra (Jaipur) and Kanchanjunga Apartments (Mumbai), establishing the transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, one of the greatest architecture in the world.
Major Works:
- British Council, Delhi
- Mahatma Gandhi Sangrahalaya
- Kala Academy
- Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly
3. Sheila Sri Prakash
She was the first Indian woman to start her own architectural practice in the country, called Shilpa Architects, in 1979. She’s a global leader in sustainable design architecture, from energy‑efficient buildings to art spaces. Her low‑cost Reciprocal House project for disadvantaged communities shows her commitment to design with purpose.
Major Works:
- Madras Art House
- Mahindra World City
- Paranur Railway Station
4. Anupama Kundoo
She is among the top architects in India, known for her low-cost, sustainable building techniques. She specialises in low-impact projects that utilise earth, waste materials, and skilled community participation.
Her use of eco-friendly materials for sustainable architecture is evident in works like the “Wall House” in Auroville, which gained worldwide acclaim and was even replicated for the Venice Biennale.
Major Works:
- SAWCHU multipurpose hall
- Wall house
5. Rahul Mehrotra
He is the founder of RMA Architects. He’s a powerful voice for heritage conservation and urban renewal in Mumbai. He is one of the founders of the Kala Ghoda Rejuvenation Movement and also a member of the IIHS or Indian Institute for Human Settlement.
Major Works:
- KMC Corporate Office
- Hathigaon
- Taj Mahal Visitor Centre
6. Brinda Somaya
She is one of the best in India, leading socially sensitive and conservation‑focused projects. She started her firm named Somaya and Kalappa Consultants, in Mumbai in 1978. She restored the Bhau Daji Lad Museum, rebuilt Gujarat’s Bhadli Village, and weaves heritage into forms of best architecture design. She is the only woman to win a Wienerberger Golden Architect Lifetime Award.
Major Works:
- St Thomas Cathedral
- Bhadli Village of Bhuj
- Nalanda International School
- TCS House
7. Chitra Vishwanath
Her Bengaluru-based practice emphasises ecology and natural materials, such as rammed earth, rainwater harvesting, and low-energy insertions, in residential, institutional, and rural projects. She leads the reputed BIOME Environment Solutions Private Limited, which focuses on earthen architecture and builds upon Laurie Baker’s legacy.
Major Works:
- Spastics Society of Karnataka
- Yellow Train
- Hornbill House
- Ekalavya
- Govardhan Eco Village
Related: https://karpagamarch.in/5-career-opportunities-for-architects-with-green-certification/
8. Hafeez Contractor
Hafeez Contractor is known for designing skyscrapers, including the three tallest towers in India: 42 in Kolkata and the Twin Towers of Imperial in Mumbai. Possibly India’s richest architect, he is one of the world famous architects with a style that prioritizes scale, function, and turn‑key urbanism. His work continues to influence modern architecture trends across India’s urban landscape.
Major Works:
- 42, Kolkata
- 23 Marina
- The Imperial
- DY Patil Stadium
9. Sanjay Puri
Award‑winning Puri brings drama and sustainability together. His works are appreciated for their innovative use of material and visual effects. His fluid, climate‑responsive volume designs such as Mathura’s Mistral residence, have earned global praise for their bold aesthetic and environmental intelligence.
Major Works:
- 72 Screens building
- Bombay Arts Society
10. Manit Rastogi
As co‑founder of Morphogenesis, Rastogi is at the forefront of eco‑urban design in India. His projects, ranging from community housing to commercial centres, integrate technology and sustainability, pushing the boundaries of what urban architecture and green building can be.
Major Works:
- Harley Davidson Corporate Office
- Chettinad Health City Auditorium
- The Woodside
Related : https://karpagamarch.in/indian-female-architects-the-world-should-recognize/
Why this List is Important
These well-known names blur the distinction between art, culture, and the built environment. From Doshi’s ongoing social housing to Kundoo’s material studies, from Contractor’s skyscraper form to Somaya’s commitment to conservation, this is not simply a listing of prominent architects, but part of the story of an evolving identity of India, expressed through the best architecture design, sustainability, civic engagement, and cultural heritage.
This list offers invaluable insight into how India’s top architects blended tradition with innovation. It’s a must-read for any architecture student seeking inspiration, understanding real-world design challenges, and exploring diverse career paths in the field.
If this provides you with some inspiration, and you’re wondering where you can start, look up Best Architecture Colleges In Coimbatore to investigate programs that facilitate and emphasize innovation and culture.
Conclusion
This list of architects are visionaries who have reshaped the architectural identity of India. Their buildings are more than structural showpieces, they’re dialogue makers, healing spaces, ecological statements, and cultural expressions. They inform how we live, how we relate, and who we become.
If you’re a student, an aspiring architect, or a fan of good design, looking at these legends work offers valuable lessons in how architecture can develop society and enrich our way of living. Their forms of practice remind us all that architecture is less about buildings and more about creating experiences, developing community, and designing a better world for everyone.
FAQs
1. Which architect is considered the most famous?
Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi is widely regarded as the most famous Indian architect. He was the first Indian to receive the prestigious Pritzker Prize in 2018 and is celebrated for redefining modern Indian architecture through institutions like IIM‑Bangalore and community housing like Aranya in Indore.
2. What are three main styles of architecture?
Three foundational styles are:
- Classical (Greek and Roman): Focused on symmetry, columns, and proportion
- Gothic (Medieval Europe): Known for pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses
- Modern/Contemporary: Includes movements like Bauhaus, International Style, Brutalism, Postmodernism, Deconstructivism, and Parametricism.
3. What makes an architect famous or influential?
In the Indian context, an architect gains fame or influence by:
- Creating iconic, culturally significant landmarks (e.g., Doshi’s IIM campuses, Correa’s Jawahar Kala Kendra).
- Pioneering sustainable, human‑centric, or socially inclusive designs that respond to local needs (e.g., Laurie Baker’s low‑cost eco-friendly buildings).
- Receiving high honors (Pritzker Prize, Padma awards) and shaping architectural education or discourse
4. Which famous architects have shaped modern architecture in India?
Leading figures include B. V. Doshi, Charles Correa, Laurie Baker, Achyut Kanvinde, Raj Rewal, and Hafeez Contractor.
5. What are the signature styles of famous Indian architects?
- Doshi: human-scale, climate-responsive modernism rooted in Indian traditions.
- Correa: “open-to-sky” spaces blending modern forms with local heritage
- Laurie Baker: cost-effective, sustainable brick-and-mortar architecture.
- Kanvinde: functional, exposed‑concrete brutalism.
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