10 Rising Urban Architects in India Set to Tweak Compact City Living
By Manjunath Vendan, Correspondent at Homes India

10 Rising Urban Architects in India Set to Tweak Compact City Living

top urban architects in India

Urban life in India is changing fast. More people now live in cities. This creates both stress and opportunity for architects.

I first noticed this in my trip to Mumbai, when I walked through the streets of the city and saw how homes shrink while cities grow. The city looked tight and full of life.

Streets were busy. People squeezed into small spaces. This made me wonder: how will Indian cities live comfortably in the future? Urban architects in India are the ones with ideas to solve this.

 6. Aslam Karadan & Sham Salim: Founders, Aslam Sham Architects

Aslam Karadan and Sham Salim lead Aslam Sham Architects, a firm known for bold, minimal designs rooted in Tropical Modernism. Their work blends simplicity with powerful spatial ideas that fit well in dense Indian cities.

Their projects emphasize natural materials, light, and climate-responsive planning. They design buildings that breathe, so interiors feel cool and calm even in tight urban plots. They often use raw concrete, wood, and earth tones to craft spaces that feel honest and grounded.

The architects also focus on urban homes that feel bigger than their physical size. They design compact living units with clever placement of windows, balconies, and public areas so residents feel connected to the outside world. Their work shows how thoughtful design can improve life in smaller city homes while keeping style and comfort.

Their projects have won emerging design awards and are featured as new models for smart urban homes. Many view this firm as one of the top urban architecture firms in India because of how they merge modern ideas with deep respect for place and climate.

7. Sanjay Puri — Founder & Principal, Sanjay Puri Architects

Sanjay Puri is one of the most recognized architects in India. His firm, Sanjay Puri Architects, is known for bold, modern urban designs. He often works on mixed-use developments, urban clusters, and high-density housing that fit the city context.

Sanjay studied architecture in Mumbai and then gained experience internationally. He combines local culture with global design ideas to create unique urban spaces. His work emphasizes light, open areas, and airflow. Even in compact city plots, his buildings feel airy and functional. This approach supports sustainable city design in India

Sanjay also focuses on materials and technology that make cities greener. He often includes rooftop gardens, energy-efficient systems, and water-saving designs. Many of his projects highlight public gathering areas and shared spaces, which create communities within urban settings.

His contributions to urban design of India and is widely acknowledged. He has won awards for design innovation and urban creativity. Many young architects in India see him as a mentor and inspiration. His leadership and projects place him firmly among top urban architects in India who will continue to shape Indian cities in 2026.

8. Bijoy Jain — Founder & Principal, Studio Mumbai

Bijoy Jain runs Studio Mumbai, a firm celebrated for blending architecture with craft and material innovation. His work is recognized for natural integration, compact designs, and cultural storytelling.

Bijoy emphasizes using local materials and artisans. This approach supports sustainability while creating urban spaces that feel rooted in Indian tradition. His designs often include multi-purpose, adaptable interiors, making small urban homes more livable.

Studio Mumbai projects show how compact city living can be elegant, functional, and environmentally conscious. Bijoy’s focus on human scale and community helps cities feel less congested. His approach aligns with the trends of urban design and planning in India.

His projects have won global acclaim and several international awards. Bijoy inspires upcoming architects to think about simplicity, material honesty, and sustainable city life. He is a strong contender among the best urban architects 2025 India, shaping the way compact urban homes are imagined and built.

Also Read: Top 5 Best Landscape Design Companies in India

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