India’s 20 Most Influential Women Architects

From sustainable design pioneers to modernists shaping city skylines, these 20 women are at the forefront of India’s architectural innovation. They lead renowned firms, create iconic structures, and blend global perspectives with local sensibilities, leaving an indelible mark on the built environment.   

1. Brinda Somaya

• Company: Somaya and Kalappa Consultants (SNK)
• LinkedIn: Brinda Somaya

Brinda Somaya is often called “an architect’s architect.” As the Managing Director of SNK, she believes in an architecture that is contextual and responsive. Her work spans public institutions, corporate offices, and conservation projects, beautifully blending traditional Indian elements with contemporary design. A significant voice in architectural discourse, she advocates for gender equality in the profession and has received numerous national and international accolades for her socially conscious approach.

2. Sheila Sri Prakash

• Company: Shilpa Architects, Planners, Designers
• LinkedIn: Sheila Sri Prakash

Sheila Sri Prakash is a pioneer in sustainable architecture in India. She founded Shilpa Architects in 1979 and is recognised globally for her work on “Recyclable Landscapes.” Her firm has completed over 1200 projects, focusing on designs that integrate local art, culture, and sustainable practices. From large-scale residential townships to institutional buildings, her work emphasises environmentally conscious solutions and culturally relevant aesthetics.

3. Sonali Rastogi

• Company: Morphogenesis
• LinkedIn: Sonali Rastogi

As a founding partner of Morphogenesis, Sonali Rastogi champions “contextual contemporary” architecture. Her firm is renowned for its unique approach to passive design, using natural resources to make buildings energy-efficient. She has been instrumental in shaping iconic projects like The Pearl Academy of Fashion and the ZED building. Her work often reinterprets traditional Indian architectural principles for modern large-scale developments across diverse typologies.

4. Abha Narain Lambah

• Company: Abha Narain Lambah Associates
• LinkedIn: Abha Narain Lambah

Abha Narain Lambah is a leading conservation architect dedicated to preserving India’s architectural heritage. Her firm specialises in the restoration and adaptive reuse of historic buildings. From ancient monuments to colonial-era structures, she meticulously brings them back to life. Her award-winning projects include the restoration of the Royal Opera House in Mumbai and various UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcasing a deep respect for history blended with thoughtful intervention.

5. Shimul Javeri Kadri

• Company: SJK Architects
• LinkedIn: Shimul Javeri Kadri

Shimul Javeri Kadri leads SJK Architects, a firm celebrated for its environmentally conscious and culturally rich designs. Her philosophy centers on “thinking with the sun and wind,” creating spaces that are naturally lit and ventilated. Her projects, which include educational institutions, hotels, and corporate offices, often feature local materials and crafts, fostering a strong sense of place and sustainability.

6. Samira Rathod

• Company: Samira Rathod Design Atelier (SRDA)
• LinkedIn: Samira Rathod

Samira Rathod is known for her experimental and artistic approach to architecture. Her firm, SRDA, creates buildings that often challenge conventional forms and materials, resulting in spaces that are deeply poetic and tactile. Her designs, whether residential or institutional, emphasise craftsmanship and a strong connection to nature. She is also recognised for her furniture design and for fostering a contemplative quality in her architectural works.

7. Revathi Kamath

• Company: Kamath Design Architects

Revathi Kamath (1959-2020) was a pioneering figure in mud architecture and sustainable design in India. Through Kamath Design Architects, she championed vernacular traditions and environmentally friendly materials. Her work focused on passive climate control and community participation. She designed many iconic mud buildings, proving that sustainable architecture could be both beautiful and highly functional, leaving a significant legacy in eco-conscious design.

8. Anupama Kundoo

• Company: Anupama Kundoo Architects
• LinkedIn: Anupama Kundoo

Anupama Kundoo is internationally recognised for her research-oriented practice focused on material efficiency and human impact. Her work explores sustainable building technologies and socio-economic contexts. She uses low-tech, locally available materials and traditional craftsmanship to create innovative structures, from housing to public buildings. Her designs often feature intricate brickwork and a deep understanding of local conditions, aiming for a lighter footprint on the planet.

9. Hema Sankalia

• Company: Sankalpan Architects

Hema Sankalia, a partner at Sankalpan Architects, brings a meticulous and thoughtful approach to a wide range of projects. Her firm is known for its elegant and functional designs across residential, commercial, and institutional sectors. She emphasises context-sensitive solutions and a collaborative design process, ensuring that each project is unique and tailored to the client’s needs. Her work often features clean lines and a contemporary aesthetic.

10. Tanya Khanna

• Company: Communications by Design (CoD)
• LinkedIn: Tanya Khanna

While not a practising architect in the traditional sense, Tanya Khanna’s influence on Indian architecture is profound. As the founder of CoD, she is a leading communications strategist for architecture and design firms. She helps architects articulate their vision and showcase their work effectively. Her expertise in curating design narratives and promoting architectural excellence makes her a vital force in shaping how Indian architecture is perceived globally.

11. Manit Rastogi

• Company: Morphogenesis
• LinkedIn: Manit Rastogi

As a co-founder of Morphogenesis with Sonali Rastogi, Manit Rastogi (who is male, but shares the firm’s ethos with the women on this list) is dedicated to a sustainable future through design. The firm’s work is driven by a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and a contextual approach. They integrate research and innovation to create buildings that respond to local climate and culture, resulting in iconic, energy-efficient structures across India and beyond.

12. Gita Balakrishnan

• Company: Ethos
• LinkedIn: Gita Balakrishnan

Gita Balakrishnan is the founder of Ethos, an organisation dedicated to creating awareness about sustainable architecture and design among students. She organises workshops, competitions, and the popular ‘Transparence’ event, fostering a new generation of architects. While not directly designing buildings, her impact on architectural education and promoting responsible practices is immense, shaping the future of the profession in India.

13. Kalpana Kothari

• Company: Design & Development

Kalpana Kothari, a principal at Design & Development, is known for her timeless and sophisticated architectural projects. Her firm specialises in high-end residential, commercial, and hospitality design projects. She brings a keen eye for detail and a commitment to quality, creating spaces that are both luxurious and highly functional. Her work often incorporates classical elements with modern sensibilities, resulting in elegant and enduring structures.

14. Suparna Ghosh

• Company: Common Ground Architecture

Suparna Ghosh, a partner at Common Ground Architecture, is dedicated to creating spaces that are meaningful and engage with their context. Her firm emphasises thoughtful design that is both aesthetic and functional, focusing on user experience. She has worked on a diverse range of projects, from institutional buildings to residential complexes, all characterised by a strong sense of place and a sensitivity to human scale and natural elements.

15. Vrinda Khanna

• Company: Vir.Mueller Architects
• LinkedIn: Vrinda Khanna

Vrinda Khanna, a partner at Vir. Mueller Architects is celebrated for its rigorous and minimalist architectural approach. Her firm is known for its elegant detailing, precise execution, and a deep understanding of materials and light. Their projects range from institutional buildings and public spaces to high-end residences, often showcasing a sophisticated interplay of form and function, creating serene and impactful environments.

16. Monisha Narke

• Company: RUR Architecture DPC (associated with her former firm)
• LinkedIn: Monisha Narke

Monisha Narke is a prominent architect with a strong international background, having worked with renowned firms like RUR Architecture DPC in New York. Her work reflects a global design sensibility blended with an understanding of local context. She is known for her innovative use of technology and sustainable strategies, contributing to diverse projects from urban master plans to residential complexes, always with an emphasis on cutting-edge design and environmental responsibility.

17. Nisha Mathew Ghosh

• Company: Mathew & Ghosh Architects
• LinkedIn: Nisha Mathew Ghosh

Nisha Mathew Ghosh, co-founder of Mathew & Ghosh Architects, is known for her insightful and context-driven designs. Her firm’s work, which spans public buildings, urban design, and residential projects, often explores the intersection of history, culture, and contemporary needs. She emphasises creating spaces that are both functional and deeply meaningful, reflecting a careful balance between aesthetics and social responsibility.

18. Priti Hiranandani

• Company: Hiranandani Group (associated with the group’s design and planning)
• LinkedIn: Priti Hiranandani

As part of the renowned Hiranandani Group, Priti Hiranandani contributes significantly to the architectural vision and master planning of their vast developments. While her role is within a large real estate conglomerate, her influence shapes the design of entire townships and urban centres. Her work focuses on creating integrated communities with a blend of residential, commercial, and leisure spaces, emphasising quality infrastructure and livable environments.

19. Premila Ahuja

• Company: Premila Ahuja Architects
• LinkedIn: Premila Ahuja

Premila Ahuja leads her own architectural practice, known for its commitment to design excellence and client satisfaction. Her firm tackles a variety of projects, from residential to commercial, with a focus on creating spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly practical. She emphasises a collaborative process, ensuring that each design is a unique reflection of the client’s needs and aspirations, executed with attention to detail and quality.

20. Seema Puri Mullan

• Company: Seema Puri & Partners
• LinkedIn: Seema Puri Mullan

Seema Puri Mullan is a principal at Seema Puri & Partners, a firm known for its elegant and minimalist architectural style. Her designs often feature clean lines, natural materials, and a sophisticated use of light and space. She works across residential, hospitality, and commercial projects, creating environments that are both serene and impactful, blending contemporary aesthetics with functional design principles.