Architect and Urbanist of repute, Dikshu C. Kukreja wears many hats. He is also the Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Albania. A B.Arch- School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, India with a Taliesin Fellowship from USA and Masters in Architecture and Urban Design (MAUD) from the Harvard University, USA is the Managing Principal of C.P. Kukreja Architects, one of the world’s renowned architecture and engineering design firms with associate offices in India, Vietnam, Japan and the USA.
- What is your design philosophy, and would you like to name some of your biggest projects? Any specific projects or other work you have done in the South of India?
My design philosophy is driven by contextual relevance—an architecture that speaks to its geography, its people, and its time. Studying at Taliesin and Harvard expanded my approach, but the roots remain in India’s diverse realities. Architecture, to me, is a social act—meant to inspire, include, and endure. At CP Kukreja Architects, we’ve had the privilege of shaping India across regions. Some of our landmark projects include Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi, two of the largest convention centres in the world that position India as a global hub for cultural and economic dialogue; and the Thal Sena Bhawan in Delhi, the upcoming headquarters of the Indian Army. In Southern India, we’re developing Technocity in Thiruvananthapuram, a 400-acre next-gen IT city envisioned to align Kerala’s digital future with global standards. Additionally, our academic and master planning efforts in Bengaluru and Hyderabad reflect our engagement with the South’s fast-evolving urban landscape. - What inspired you to pursue architecture and urban design in the first place?
Growing up in an environment where architecture was not just profession but passion, thanks to my father, C.P. Kukreja—I was immersed early in the transformative power of design. But beyond that, it was the idea that the built environment can profoundly shape society that drew me in. Urban design, particularly, intrigued me for its ability to choreograph how people live, move, and connect. - What have been the biggest highpoints of your work life so far?
Several moments have been both professionally rewarding and deeply meaningful. Designing the Thal Sena Bhawan, the new headquarters for the Indian Army, stands out as a project of immense national significance. It demanded not just architectural excellence, but sensitivity to legacy, symbolism, and function at the highest institutional level. Another highpoint was being invited to participate in the Tale of Two Cities series—a global dialogue on urbanism that brings together eight Indian and eight international cities along with their leading voices. Engaging with figures such as Iván Duque Márquez, former President of Colombia; Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania; Sally Capp, Lord Mayor of Melbourne; Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, President of Mexico; and Ahmed Aboutaleb, Mayor of Rotterdam, among others, was a rare opportunity to exchange ideas on how cities can lead us into a more equitable and sustainable future. Representing India at the Dubai Expo 2020, where I presented the vision and narrative of the India Pavilion, was also a moment of pride—showcasing our country’s aspirations to a global audience. Yet, some of the most profound moments come quietly. Seeing a community come alive in a public space we’ve designed, hearing from a student whose path was shaped by a lecture or witnessing a town rediscover its identity through thoughtful architecture— these everyday affirmations often carry the deepest meaning. - What are some of your landmark projects that best represent your vision and values as an architect and urbanist?
Projects like East Delhi Hub, India’s first transit-oriented development, exemplify our commitment to rethinking density and mobility for a more liveable urban future. Hamidia Medicity in Bhopal, one of Asia’s largest healthcare campuses, blends infrastructure with empathy—placing healing and dignity at the core of design. In Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh, we are creating Ekatma Dham, a spiritual and educational campus inspired by the teachings of Adi Shankaracharya. It’s a project that exemplifies how architecture can express philosophical unity while responding to contemporary needs. Each of these reflects our larger vision: that architecture should be inclusive, contextual, and resilient—not just physically, but culturally and emotionally as well. - As the Honorary Consul General of Albania, what is your role and how do you see the intersections of architecture, culture, and diplomacy?
As the Honorary Consul General of Albania, I see my role as a cultural bridge. Diplomacy isn’t limited to embassies—it happens through festivals, exhibitions, buildings that tell stories, and exchanging knowledge. Architecture is a universal language, and cultural diplomacy allows us to foster relationships beyond economics. Our recent ‘Mini Festival of India’ in Tirana included a royal feast and an architectural exhibition, using India’s creative expression as a tool of connection. Such events reaffirm that design and diplomacy can walk hand in hand to build trust and dialogue. - Have you found any surprising architectural or cultural parallels between India and Albania? Any future plans?
Yes—both nations have a strong sense of identity and resilience, visible in their vernacular architecture. In Albania, the stone houses of Gjirokastër echo the mountain settlements of India’s Uttarakhand or Himachal. There’s a shared wisdom in building with the land, not against it. Looking ahead, we’re working on India-Albania design dialogues and a possible joint publication or exchange programme that explores urban heritage and sustainable development. The scope is evolving, but the intent is clear: to learn from each other. - A walk through in your daily fitness
I believe discipline of the mind must be balanced with discipline of the body. My mornings begin with a run followed by a session of meditation. Travel is a constant, but fitness remains a way to stay anchored—both physically and mentally. It’s not about perfection, but about consistency.
- As told to Namita Gupta.