A behind-the-scenes look at the evening that celebrated the 100 most influential and creative talents shaping the Indian subcontinent’s architectural landscape is finally here!
“This year, we’ve taken the AD100 awards ceremony to Delhi,” says Komal Sharma, Head of Editorial Content at AD India. “We have a huge contingent that is actually Delhi based and some of the most beautiful work comes from practices based in Delhi, so this year we’ve shifted the party there!” The prestigious AD100 2025 event was held at the palatial Rani Bagh, Taj Palace, honouring the talent and innovation that is redefining India's design and architectural world.
This year, 18 new design firms were featured—including 10 women—exhibiting a dynamic mix of seasoned icons and emerging stars, across an array of styles and approaches. The AD100 2025 event was a tremendous success, bringing together luminaries from the fields of interiors, architecture, culture, art, fashion, and design. We would like to thank our gracious winners, esteemed guests and the AD100 2025 partners, including our title partner Asian Paints, and associate partners Axor, Gaggenau, Haique, and Salone del Mobile.Milano.
“At Asian Paints, we have long championed the confluence of design, craftsmanship, and architecture in India. Our time-honoured association with AD100 reflects our commitment to celebrating the industry’s most visionary minds,” says Amit Syngle, Managing Director and CEO at Asian Paints. “In this spirit of innovation and artistry, we proudly introduce Nilaya Arc—a lime-based paint that seamlessly blends heritage with contemporary practicality in a range of beautiful colours.”
The extraordinary AD100 2025 winners received a master-crafted trophy of premium terrazzo, combining precision and artistry. Working with advanced CNC technology, each piece was carefully carved, polished, and finished to perfection. Conceptualised by Haique, it stands as a testament to excellence and innovation in design.
Excellence Awards AD100 2025
In addition to commemorating India’s top 100 design visionaries, this AD100 event was thrilled to present Excellence Awards to four distinguished professionals.
Field Architects was commended for a residential project in Ladakh, crafted with locally sourced materials to create a contemporary aesthetic. The home’s earthen design centres on the core factors of passive solar heating (PSH), and contemporary Ladakhi planning. It is designed to keep warm during the winter, cool in the summer (without any additional help) as well as have running water year-round, which is a rarity in Ladakh.
Mathew and Ghosh Architects was recognised for conservation work at the RBANM’s High School campus in Ulsoor, Bengaluru. Four classrooms were infused with a new energy, without stripping away the essence of the heritage building. This was a pro bono conservation project—intended to care about and preserve the regional and institutional history, construction methods, and to also reanimate these historic areas. Founded in 1873, RBANM Educational Charities Trust has been consistently invested in the provision of education and in the universal development of children.
Opolis Architects was honoured for their exceptional design of the Bihar Museum, on which they collaborated with Fumihiko Maki of Maki and Associates. A campus of buildings, the Bihar Museum allows for an interconnected web of buildings and spaces, while maintaining a humble profile that fits into the landscape. The design is an intersection of modern and traditional elements, with the incorporation of jali screens and use of the Japanese concept of oku.
Finally, Sunita Kohli of K2India was awarded with AD100’s Lifetime Achievement Award, for her unparalleled contribution to India’s architecture and design scene.
Also read: AD100 2025: Meet the winners
Also read: AD100 2025: The Debuts
Also read: AD100 2025: The Hall of Fame
