Top 10 Famous Architects in India and their Architectural Wonders

India’s architectural journey reflects a rich mix of history, culture, and modern innovation. Over the years, visionary architects have transformed ideas into iconic structures that define cities and inspire future generations. From timeless institutional buildings to contemporary urban marvels, these creators have left a lasting impact on the nation’s built environment. 

We explore the Top 10 Famous Architects in India and their Architectural Wonders, highlighting the minds behind these masterpieces and the designs that continue to shape India’s architectural identity.

Top 10 Famous Architects in India

India’s architectural landscape is a profound blend of ancient heritage and bold modernism. For students and aspirants, understanding the visionaries who shaped our skyline is essential for mastering the evolution of space, climate-responsive design, and cultural identity. From Pritzker-winning legends to modern sustainability pioneers, these architects have created landmarks that serve as open-air classrooms for anyone pursuing a career in design.

Below is a list of famous architects in India who have played a significant role in shaping the country’s architectural identity through iconic, innovative, and sustainable designs.

1) B. V. (Balkrishna) Doshi (1927–2023)

The first Indian to win the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize (2018), B.V. Doshi is a legend whose work harmonizes modernist principles with Indian folk wisdom. Having worked with masters like Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn, Doshi developed a unique "human-scale" architecture that prioritizes community and climate.

• Architectural Wonder: IIM Bangalore and Aranya Low-Cost Housing (Indore).

• Key Philosophy: Architecture as a social fabric that grows with the people.

2) Charles Correa (1930–2015)

Widely regarded as the "Father of Modern Indian Architecture," Charles Correa excelled in urban planning and climate-sensitive design. He championed the concept of "open-to-sky" spaces, integrating traditional courtyards and verandas into contemporary forms.

• Architectural Wonder: Kanchanjunga Apartments (Mumbai) and Jawahar Kala Kendra (Jaipur).

• Key Philosophy: Responding to the Indian climate through ritual and movement.

3) Laurie Baker (1917–2007)

Known as the "Gandhi of Architecture," British-born Laurie Baker dedicated his life to low-cost, sustainable housing in Kerala. He focused on local materials like brick and lime, avoiding "fillers" and prioritizing energy efficiency long before it was a trend.

• Architectural Wonder: Centre for Development Studies (Thiruvananthapuram).

• Key Philosophy: Simplicity, frugality, and truth to materials.

4) Mahendra Raj

A structural engineering and architectural genius, Mahendra Raj was the force behind some of India’s most daring concrete structures. His collaboration with architects like Raj Rewal led to landmarks that symbolized a young nation's industrial ambition.

• Architectural Wonder: Hall of Nations (Pragati Maidan, Delhi).

• Key Philosophy: Turning structural necessity into monumental public art.

5) Hafeez Contractor (born 1950)

Hafeez Contractor is the most prolific name in modern Indian real estate, famous for redefining the urban skyline with high-rise residential and commercial towers. His bold, flamboyant style has shaped the face of cities like Mumbai and Gurugram.

• Architectural Wonder: The Imperial Towers (Mumbai) and Infosys Campus (Pune/Mysore).

• Key Philosophy: Functionalism at a grand urban scale.

6) Anupama Kundoo (born 1967)

Based in Auroville, Anupama Kundoo is a researcher-architect whose work focuses on material innovation and sustainability. She is celebrated for using local craft and rapid prototyping to create ecological, affordable structures.

• Architectural Wonder: Wall House (Auroville).

• Key Philosophy: Blending research, craft, and climate-conscious structure.

7) Brinda Somaya (born 1949)

A pioneer in conservation-led design, Brinda Somaya believes that an architect's role is to serve society. She has led massive restoration projects and designed green campuses, proving that heritage and modernity can coexist.

• Architectural Wonder: Restoration of St. Thomas’ Cathedral (Mumbai) and Nalanda International School (Vadodara).

• Key Philosophy: Conservation as a bridge to the future.

8) Rahul Mehrotra of RMA Architects

Rahul Mehrotra is an architect, urbanist, and educator known for his sensitive approach to urban renewal. His work often addresses the complexities of Indian cities, focusing on "ephemeral urbanism" and heritage.

• Architectural Wonder: KMC Corporate Office (Hyderabad) and Hathigaon (Jaipur).

• Key Philosophy: Contextual responses to the site and the city.

9) Sanjay Puri (born 1965)

Sanjay Puri is known for his bold, sculptural geometry and innovative use of materials. His designs are highly experimental yet deeply responsive to the harsh Indian climate, often featuring intricate shading and fluid forms.

• Architectural Wonder: 72 Screens (Jaipur) and The Courtyard House (Rajasthan).

• Key Philosophy: Drama meets sustainability through sculptural volumes.

10) Morphogenesis (Founded by Sonali and Manit Rastogi)

One of India’s leading award-winning firms, Morphogenesis, focuses on "Globalized Indian Architecture". Their work is rooted in sustainability and passive design, ensuring large-scale projects remain environmentally sensitive.

• Architectural Wonder: Harley Davidson Corporate Office (Gurugram) and The Woodside (Kasauli).

• Key Philosophy: Eco-urban design tailored to socio-cultural contexts.

How to Study These Works

For architecture students and aspirants preparing for exams like NATA or JEE B.Arch, studying these master's requires a structured approach:

• Analyze Plans and Sections: Don't just look at photos. Study the orthographic projections to understand how light and air move through the space.

• Sketch Key Structures: Drawing the buildings from memory helps solidify your understanding of their form and proportions.

• Focus on Materials: Note the primary building materials—whether it’s Laurie Baker’s exposed brick or B.V. Doshi’s raw concrete (brutalist) forms.

• Contextual Reading: Read books by these authors, such as Charles Correa’s "A Place in the Shade" or B.V. Doshi’s "Path Uncharted," to understand the 'why' behind the 'what'.

• Visual Identification: Practice identifying these wonders through images, as identification-based questions are common in architecture entrance exams.