Five decades of building urban and social change.
Founded in Mumbai in 1974 by Brinda Somaya, the multi-award-winning practice Somaya Sampat is led by Founder and Principal Architect Brinda Somaya and Principal Architect Nandini Somaya Sampat.
Our responsibility as architects is to create work that reflects a deep respect for cultural heritage and contextual sensitivity, while responding to the needs of all stakeholders and the environment. Steered by this conviction, we use design as a catalyst to drive social change and shape a better tomorrow for generations to come.
Challenging conventional creative boundaries, we build projects ranging from landmark public and institutional buildings to residential, commercial, and hospitality developments.
Our approach
Our approach is multi-disciplinary and holistic. Through an extensive research-driven process, we aim to create meaningful architecture that goes beyond materials, functionality and aesthetics, and respects people, culture and the environment. We actively engage with local communities and stakeholders throughout the process, ensuring each project resonates deeply with its unique character.
Grounded in strong ethical values, we promote a supportive, inclusive environment prioritising continuous learning and professional growth. And our focus on research and innovation empowers to explore new ideas and advance the industry.
Our design philosophy
Our design philosophy evolved over many decades of practice, is deeply rooted in vernacular and Indian architectural traditions.
We focus on elemental principles - water, walls, light, geometry, and material - to create spaces that are both functional and harmonious.
WATER
Water can serve as a connector, create microclimates, and act as a nucleus around which an entire architectural plan revolves.
WALLS
Seamless integration between indoor and outdoor spaces is facilitated by the imaginative use of walls.
MATERIAL
Local materials allow buildings to embrace vernacular styles, be contextually relevant and sustainable.
LIGHT
The interplay of natural light and shadows, creates captivating environments.
GEOMETRY
The use of symmetry, repetition and proportion creates timeless spaces.
Clients
Our commitment to excellence in large-scale and long-term projects with diverse clientele, has forged enduring partnerships with India's most respected organizations across wide range of sectors.
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Our team
Brinda Somaya
Founder and Principal Architect
Brinda Somaya is widely recognised for her transformative work across India and South Asia. With a career spanning over five decades, she has redefined India's architectural landscape through projects that honour cultural roots while embracing innovation. A pioneering voice in contemporary design, adaptive reuse and conservation, she has transformed institutions, urban spaces, and public environments with sensitivity and intellect. Guided by her belief that 'the architect is a guardian of the built and unbuilt environments,' she continues to shape the discourse of Indian architecture. Her global influence is reflected in her role on international design juries and prestigious honours that include, an Honourary Doctorate from Smith College, USA, the A. D. White Professor-at-Large Emerita at Cornell University, USA, and the IIA Baburao Mhatre Gold Medal for Lifetime Achievement from the Indian Institute of Architects.
Nandini Sampat
Principal Architect
Nandini Somaya Sampat believes architecture is a dialogue between culture, identity, and sustainability. She drives a research-led practice, continuously redefining building methodologies and technology integration while honouring the firm's legacy of design excellence. Her work spans institutional campuses, heritage conservation, and museum and experience design. With academic credentials spanning law, design and architecture from Smith College, USA, the Inchbald School of Design, UK, and Rizvi College of Architecture, India, she brings a multifaceted perspective to contemporary practice. She has served on design juries, contributed to publications, and curated the Women in Design International Conference 2020. Her impact has earned her recognition in Forbes India's 'The Bold Club' Top 30 Architects 2021, featured in the Blooloop 50 Museum Influencers list 2022, and as a TEDx speaker on the evolution of Indian workspaces.
Homeyar Goiporia
VICE PRESIDENT
Homeyar Goiporia
Vice President
After graduating from Rachana Sansad Academy of Architecture with a B.Arch., Homeyar Goiporia gained experience with well-known Mumbai based architectural practices, particularly in hospitality and commercial projects, prior to joining Somaya Sampat in 1992.
Over the years Homeyar has spearheaded green field projects such as campuses, educational institutions, complex conservation, retrofitting and expansion projects and a large variety of interior works. His extensive experience in conservation and expansion projects has given him experience with the technical aspects of these jobs as they demand a deep rooted understanding of structures, building technologies and services. Besides architectural projects, he has successfully completed corporate interiors for several multinational companies which have enabled him to work with different materials.
Hadrian Lobo
ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT
Abhijeet Patki
ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT
Dipanjan Das
ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT
Ishita Parikh
HOD - Interior Design
Ashish Puradkar
HOD - Engineering
Suyash Kulkarni
Sr. Project Architect
Avdhoot Gite
Sr. Project Interior Designer
Danesh Mistry
Project Architect
Madhukar Warang
Sr. Interior Designer
Awards and
Recognitions
2024 |
International | Honourable Mention in the International Architecture Awards by The Chicago Athenaeum Museum Architecture and DesignRestoration and Adaptive Reuse of The Cathedral & John Connon School at Thomas House, Fort, Mumbai, India. |
2024 |
National | IIA Awards for Excellence in Architecture 2022 in the category 'Interior Architecture'Money and Jewellery Gallery, Mumbai |
2024 |
National | AD 100 - Excellence AwardThe Cathedral and John Connon School at Thomas House |
2023 |
National | AD 100 - The list of Architect and Interior Designers in India |
2022 |
International | Honourable Mention in the International Architecture Awards by The Chicago Athenaeum Museum Architecture and DesignBharat Bhavan II, Mumbai, India. |
2022 |
National | AD 100 - The Finest Architects and Interior Designers in IndiaThe Headquarters of Bharat Petroleum in Mumbai. |
2022 |
National | India Forbes The Bold Club: India's Top 30 Architects Powered by Kohler Guardians for the Built, Unbuilt Environment. |
2021 |
International | UIA - (International Union of Architects) Vassillis Sgoutas Prize for Implemented Architecture Serving the Impoverished - Honourable MentionMalabari Memorial Hall, Seva Sadan Society, Mumbai, India. |
2021 |
National | AD 100- "Landmark Makers" Category - 100 of the most influential names in Architecture and Interior Design in the Indian Subcontinent. |
2020 |
International | UNESCO ASIA-PACIFIC Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation 2020: Award of MeritMalabari Memorial Hall, Seva Sadan Society, Mumbai, India. |
2019 |
International | American Institute of Architects Ny Design Awards, Winning Best in CompetitionTata Consultancy Services, Banyan Park by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects / Partners with Somaya & Kalappa Consultants |
2019 |
International | UNESCO ASIA-PACIFIC Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation 2019 Award of DistinctionThe Vikram Sarabhai Library Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad |
2019 |
National | The INDEXCELLENCE Award for Conservation ArchitectureBombay House |
2019 |
National | Forbes Design Awards : Special Recognition for Best Conservation and Restoration ArchitectureRajabai Clock Tower and Mumbai University Library, Mumbai |
2019 |
National | Outlook Business Award - Women of Worth |
2018 |
International | UNESCO ASIA-PACIFIC Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation - Honourable MentionClock Tower and University of Mumbai Library. |
2018 |
National | IIID Design Excellence AwardZonal Winner: Institutional & Public Spaces for India and the World |
2018 |
National | HUDCO Design Awards, Conservation of HeritageRajabai Clock Tower and University of Mumbai Library Building, Mumbai |
2018 |
National | AD 100- 'Landmark Makers' Category - 100 of the most influential names in Architecture and Interior Design in the Indian Subcontinent. |
2018 |
National | IGEN Design Forum: Certificate of Appreciation |
2018 |
National | DNA - Sir JJ Architecture Awards: Felicitated for Outstanding Achievements and Contribution to the field of architecture. |
2017 |
International | ARCASIA Awards for Architecture- Honorable MentionRajabai Clock Tower and University of Mumbai Library Building, Mumbai |
2017 |
National | Trends Excellence Awards for Architecture and Design CommendationMaharashtra Nature Park In the architecture ? best concept for an Unbuilt Project category |
2017 |
National | India's Top 10 Architects - Construction World Architect and Builder Awards |
2017 |
National | GROHE NDTV Design and Architecture Awardsfor Outstanding Industry Contribution. |
2016 |
National | Estrade Real Estate Award - Heritage CategoryTCS House, Mumbai |
2016 |
National | IIID Design Excellence AwardCommendation for Textile Gallery at CSMVS: Regional Awards |
2016 |
National | IIID Design Excellence AwardCommendation for Institutional and Public Spaces: National Awards |
2016 |
National | Kohler Bold Design Awards- 'The Visionaries' The Big Idea CategoryMumbai Esplanade Project |
2016 |
National | Estrade Real Estate Awards, Singapore - Heritage ArchitectureTCS House, Mumbai |
2016 |
National | The Keystone Award by ASAHI India Glass Ltd.for Excellence in the field of architecture |
2015 |
International | Finalist for Phase 1- Concept Design and Master Plan for AMEA Ventures Limited, Dubai, UAEProject Indigo, Dubai |
2015 |
National | IIA Awards for Excellence in ArchitectureCommendation for Restoration and Preservation of Rajabai Clock Tower, Mumbai |
2014 |
National | ASSOCHAM Mumbai Women of the Decade Achievers Awardfor Excellence in Architecture and Urban Conservation |
2011 |
International | SEED (Social Economic Environmental Design) - Chicago, U.S.A. Competition- Honorable MentionRehabilitation of Bhadli Village in Bhuj, India |
2011 |
National | Nomination for IGEN Design Forum, awarded second Prize for National Competitionfor 'Campus Design and Development of School of Planning and Architecture', Vijayawada |
2011 |
National | India's Top 10 Architects - Construction World Architect and Builder Awards |
2011 |
National | Felicitates and Honours for being an Achiever and an Icon among women from Institute of Indian Interior Designers |
2010 |
National | India's Top 10 Architects - Construction World Architect and Builder Awards |
2010 |
National | CSI Architecture and Design Excellence Awards |
2009 |
National | India's Top 10 Architects - Construction World Architect and Builder Awards |
2008 |
International | The Phaidon Atlas of 21st Century World Architecture: All the Greatest Buildings of the 21st CenturyBhadli Village School, Bhuj, India. |
2008 |
International | UIA - (International Union of Architects) Vassilis Sgoutas Prize For Alleviation of Poverty - Honorable MentionRehabilitation for Bhadli Village, Bhuj, India. |
2008 |
National | VM and RD Retail Design AwardsAlapatt Heritage |
2007 |
International | Nominated for The Aga Khan Award for Architecturefor Nalanda International School, Baroda |
2007 |
National | The WIENERBERGER Golden Architect Award for Lifetime Achievement from The Architecture + Design and spectrum Foundation Architecture Awards |
2007 |
National | Urban Heritage Awards (Indian Heritage Society - Mumbai)for Banyan Park, TCS, Andheri |
2006 |
International | LEAF Awards Winner - The Leading European Architects ForumFor Nalanda International School, Baroda, India. |
2004 |
International | UNESCO ASIA-PACIFIC Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation Award of MeritSt. Thomas Cathedral, Mumbai, India |
2003 |
National | Urban Heritage Awards (Indian Heritage Society - Mumbai)For St. Thomas Cathedral, Mumbai |
2003 |
National | Outstanding Contribution Towards Interior ArchitectureMagna Publications - Society Interiors |
2002 |
National | J.K. Cements- 'Aya Award' Indian State Architecture Awardfor the Jubilee Church at Sanpada, Navi Mumbai |
2001 |
National | 11th All India Stone Architectural Awards (AISAA)The Cathedral and John Connon School at Thomas House |
1999 |
International | Best Practices Award- CAA-IIA International Conference on Urbanization & Housing - II |
1998 |
National | Indian Institute of Architects - KITPLY Award for ?Conservation?for The Cathedral & John Connon Senior School |
1994 |
National | Journal of Indian Institute of Architects AwardFor 'Shelter Category' for The Garware House (Residential) |
1994 |
National | Indian Institute of Architects - KITPLY Award for ?Conservation?The Cathedral & John Connon Middle School |
1989 |
National | Urban Heritage Award - Indian Heritage Societyfor The Colaba Woods & Sports Complex (Public Spaces) |
-0001 |
International | Nominated for The Aga Khan Award for Architecturefor Rehabilitation of Bhadli Village, Kutch |
Initiatives
The HECAR Foundation is a non-profit organisation founded in 1999 to celebrate India's multifaceted historic tradition. It recognises architecture as a product of historical movement and understands that the essence of life is growth and change. The foundation is committed to research, education and public initiatives on architecture and its related fields including heritage and urban issues through talks, publications, exhibitions, scholarships, and seminars.
In 2000, Architect Brinda Somaya curated the Women in Architecture 2000 Plus Conference, uniting women architects from India and South Asia to share their stories, ideologies, and practices. Twenty years later, Brinda Somaya and Nandini Sampat collaborated with Architects Ruturaj Parikh and Mary Norman Woods to curate WID2020+. The international conference explored the global evolution of design practices led by accomplished women. An exhibition showcased the 'Design Manifestos' of women designers and preserved their works and ideas on the Women in Design website.
