Bimal Patel

Bimal Hasmukh Patel, born on 31 August 1961 in Ahmedabad, India,

is a distinguished architect with a career spanning over 35 years,
marked by significant contributions to architecture, urban design,
and urban planning. Currently serving as the President of CEPT
University in Ahmedabad, Patel is also the leader of HCP Design
Planning and Management Private Limited, an eminent architecture,
planning, and project management firm. Additionally, he founded
the not-for-profit organization Environmental Planning
Collaborative, dedicated to planning research and advocacy.

Bimal Patel's journey into the world of architecture began at the

St. Xavier's High School, Loyola Hall, Ahmedabad, and continued
at the School of Architecture, Center for Environmental Planning
and Technology (CEPT), where he completed his education from
1978 to 1984. His pursuit of knowledge led him to apprentice with
Frei Otto at the Institute for Lightweight Structures, Stuttgart,
Germany, in 1981. After obtaining his first professional degree in
architecture from CEPT in 1984, Patel moved to Berkeley to
further his studies at the College of Environmental Design (CED),
graduating with M.Arch. and M.C.P. degrees in 1988 and a Ph.D. in
City and Regional Planning in 1995.

In 1990, Bimal Patel joined his father's practice in Ahmedabad,

making significant strides in transforming urban design and
planning practices to enhance Indian cities. His portfolio includes a
diverse range of projects, from single-family homes to
institutions, industrial buildings, and groundbreaking urban
redevelopment initiatives such as the Kankaria Lake Development
and the Sabarmati Riverfront. Patel's notable projects, including
the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad, Gujarat High Court, and the
Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, have received
prestigious awards like the Aga Khan Award for Architecture
(1992) and the Prime Minister’s National Award for Excellence in
Urban Planning and Design (2006).
Since 2012, Bimal Patel has served as the President of CEPT
University in Ahmedabad. His role involves not only academic
responsibilities but also institutional leadership and development,
aligning with the university's focus on understanding, designing,
planning, constructing, and managing human habitats.

Bimal Patel's influence extends to transformative projects such as

the Parliament House and Central Vista Transformation in New
Delhi (2019), Vishwanath Dham at Sri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir,
Varanasi (2018), and the Sabarmati Riverfront Development
Project. His dedication to urban planning is evident in ongoing
initiatives like the Redevelopment of Mumbai Eastern Waterfront
and Planned Densification of Ahmedabad’s CBD.
Apart from his practical contributions, Patel has actively engaged
in research and publication. His work has been featured in
numerous publications, addressing topics ranging from urban
planning challenges to affordable housing barriers in Indian cities.

Bimal Patel's multifaceted career, blending professional practice,

academic leadership, and research advocacy, showcases his
commitment to improving the urban landscape of India. His
significant accolades, including the Padma Shri Award in 2019,
underscore his impact on the fields of architecture and planning.
Through innovative projects, academic leadership, and insightful
publications, Bimal Hasmukh Patel continues to leave an enduring
legacy in shaping sustainable and visionary urban environments.