Ar. Prakash Deshmukh, President, The Indian Institute of Architects talks to Infrabuddy.com in his exclusive interview

Q. Tell us more about your initiatives to make IIA’s presence more prominent in the process of nation building. Since the construction sector is going drive the growth in the country. FDI in construction………effects on your business

ANS. The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) has initiated a dialogue on URBAN TRANSFORMATION in National Convention 2014 at IIT Powai, Mumbai on  11^th, 12^th, & 13^th December 2104, will deliberate on this subject.

Eminent Architects and Speakers will make presentations and discussions on following topics.

1. Smart Cities
2. Urban Transportation
3. Public Spaces in Cities
4. Urban Social Mobility
5. Urban governance
6. Development of growth corridors

Renowned European Architect Ar. Liane Lifavire associate of Ar. Norman Foster will be giving key note address at the National Convention. We are expecting around 1200 to 1500 Architects from all over India.

IIA also has initiated settlements studies with the help of 80 Schools of ArchitectureColleges. This settlement studies will be focused on surveys, designing, and solution for access to toilets for all the people in those settlements.  The professional and academicians will work in association with local M.P.’s, M.L.A.’s, Govt. Officers and the people.

IIA shall also form a special cell for Architects social responsibility.  This Committee will participate and work on various social architectural issues.

Q. As an architect yourself, How do you balance your role play and manage your business model?

ANS. There is a vast scope for developments in realty and infra sector. There is a huge gap between demand and supply especially for affordable housing project. The Government and many corporate houses are looking for solutions. There are good business opportunities for the bottom of pyramid.

Q. What does a businessman in you expect from the new Govt? And most importantly; IIAs demands to improve business environment within your periphery.

ANS. One of the big hurdles for fast and effective development is enormous delays in getting permissions, complicated rules & regulations. The simplification of rules, efficiency inclearing the projects can boost the development in housing sector.  Planning for smart and integrated developments has to be done with time bound programme. Eminent Architects and Planners shall be appointed on various positions of planning authorities.

Q. Do you really think that IIA needs to come out of its traditional media shy avatar?

ANS. The IIA is a premium body of professionals. Earlier the activities were limited to professional issues. The attitude of the Institute as well as the Architects is media shy, but now IIA has realized that the importance of profession is not known to the people.  Now the IIA has decided to become more proactive, educate the people and policy makers. Take up the issues for architectural development at various levels. Now the electronic media is playing important role along with the print media.  We are seriously thinking to make a specific plan for efficient networking amongst the members, create a e-magazine, exchange of information and knowledge. Connect with all Schools of Architecture.  We are chalking downaprogrammefor Architects responsibility with the help of corporates, NGO’s, Govt. Bodies / Policy Makers and School of Architecture.

 Achievemnts and Awards recieved by Ar. Deshmukh till today: 

• Well Built Structure Award 2001 by Builders Association of India
• Best Campus Planning Award by Builders Association of India
• Awarded as Best Urban Development Project ‘MAGARPATTA CITY’ by of Maharashtra
• Architect of the Year 2002, Award  by Accommodation Times, Mumbai.
• Best Residential project of the Year – 2004 for the project “GANGADHAM” by Accommodation Times Award.
• Life Time Achievement Award – 2010 by Golden Jubilee Celebration of Maharashtra State.
• Life Time Achievement Fountain Head Award – 2012 by McGan’s Institute  of Architecture, Chennai.
• HUDCO DESIGN AWARDS 2014 for MAGARPATTA CITY 

List of major completed projects:

List of Projects in hand: