(“Text as submitted by architect”)
Late Prof. Christopher Benninger
Prof. Christopher Benninger (1942-2024), a luminary in the realm of architecture, has left an indelible mark on modern Indian architecture. With a master’s degree in architecture from Harvard and another in city planning from MIT, he came to India to establish the School of Planning at CEPT University in 1971. Later, he founded the Centre for Development Studies and Activities, at Pune University in 1976.
His architectural practice, CCBA Designs has produced over 300 projects across diverse typologies spanning Institutional, Residential, Industrial, Health Care, and master planning, Benninger’s architectural excellence manifests over five decades. His designs for over twenty institutions, including IIT Hyderabad, IIM Calcutta, and Azim Premji University, exemplify a commitment to sustainability and human-centric creations. His planning expertise extends globally, contributing to projects for international organizations in India, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Kenya, and Zambia.
In addition to his architectural achievements, Benninger is a prolific author, with notable works including ‘Letters to A Young Architect’ and ‘Christopher Benninger: Architecture for a Modern India’. His theory, ‘Principles of Intelligent Urbanism,’ aimed at creating sustainable cities, is taught worldwide. A sequel to the bestseller ‘Letters to a Young Architect’, titled ‘Great Expectations: Notes to an Architect’ written by him was released posthumously.
Internationally recognized for his contributions to shaping the built environment, Benninger has garnered numerous awards, including the prestigious Great Master Architect Award and other multiple Lifetime Achievement awards including an Honorary Doctorate in Architecture bestowed upon him by CEPT University. His most recent accolade includes the prestigious Baburao Mhatre Gold Medal 2024 by IIA, highlighting his enduring influence in the architectural realm.
Mr. Ramprasad Akkisetti
Ramprasad Akkisetti has made a significant impact in the field of architecture and art through his firm, CCBA Designs. As Founding Managing Director, alongside the late Prof. Christopher Benninger, Ramprasad played a crucial role in transforming CCBA Designs from a humble beginning into a recognized intellectual powerhouse in architecture and planning in India.
Beyond his architectural achievements, Ramprasad is deeply committed to education and mentorship. He has instituted several scholarships and gold medals in the honor of his late mentor Prof. Benninger, encouraging students to aim for excellence. He has authored Christopher Benninger: Architecture for Modern India, and also published Letters to a Young Architect, a bestseller translated into many languages.In addition to his work in architecture, Ramprasad plays an active role in Pune’s artistic and cultural scene. He founded the India House Art Gallery, which fosters creative exchange and debate and promotes Indian art forms. He has revitalized mural painting, creating large works celebrating India’s cultural heritage. He also organizes an annual Film Festival on Architecture and Urbanism in Pune and runs the ‘Earth Matters Art Competition’, engaging over 3,000 students every year.
Today, Ramprasad continues to spearhead CCBA Designs, overseeing large projects and mentoring hundreds of creative professionals. His work and influence continue to shape the future of architecture and culture in India.
Ar. Daraius Choksi
Daraius Choksi is an architect and the Studio Director of Prof. Christopher Benninger led CCBA Designs in Pune. Graduated from University of Mumbai in 1998, he has been associated with CCBA since 1999 and has worked on the complete gamut of projects in the studio including residential, hospitality, commercial, corporate and educational campuses, ranging across scales. As the Studio Director, he leads the team in from concept development to construction, post-occupation and handing over.
He was selected in the ‘Top 50 Next-Generation Architects’ by Architect & Interiors Magazine, iGEN Design Forum 2015. As a mentor, he has taught and trained several hundred young architects who come to the studio to gain knowledge about design and construction. His decades of mentoring have created a pool of fine architects in the country.
Er. Rahul Sathe
With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Mr Rahul Sathe successfully provides strategic direction to clients while boasting qualifications in civil engineering and management. His extensive professional journey has encompassed diverse projects in India and internationally, including in Bhutan, Burundi, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. He has notably played a pivotal role in the establishment and growth of CCBA Designs in India, leading the company for approximately 28 years since 1995.
Mr. Sathe is an astute consulting business leader, specializing in project management, cost management, contract advisory, and technical audits while demonstrating expertise in areas such as due diligence, value engineering, risk management, and contract administration.
Renowned as a thought leader within his domain, he brings invaluable insights derived from his broad exposure to diverse clients, projects, and markets. His professional portfolio encompasses various sectors including Education, Healthcare, Research facilities, Hospitality, and projects of National importance, reflecting a comprehensive skill set and a disciplined, team-oriented approach towards his work. Furthermore, his proficiency extends to pre-contract survey services, encompassing cost planning, and pre-tender estimates. He excels in benchmarking and value engineering throughout both the pre-contract and post-contract stages of projects.
Mr. Rahul Sathe’s years of experience speak volumes about his dedication, expertise, and leadership in the realm of civil engineering, project management and client management. His ability to provide strategic guidance, coupled with his deep understanding of diverse sectors and markets, positions him as a trusted advisor capable of driving success even in the most challenging environments. With a relentless commitment to excellence and a proven track record of delivering results, he stands poised to continue making significant contributions to the field and CCBA Designs for years to come.
Practice Ideolog
CCBA Designs is a world-renowned award-winning multi-disciplinary design firm providing comprehensive architecture, urban design and master planning services.
CCBA Designs is mentored by Harvard and MIT educated Master Architect Prof. Christopher Benninger; one of India’s great modernists and the firm stands on the immense body of experience spanning nearly half a century. CCBA has a portfolio ranging from master planning of international cities and new towns to housing developments and complexes, hotels, resorts, educational and institutional campuses, corporate headquarters, healthcare, and books, with projects located pan India and abroad. CCBA is the recipient of over a hundred National, State and International awards and is the only firm to have received 6 Excellence in Architecture awards from the Indian Institute of Architects.
As an intellectual ‘design house’, CCBA operates from its iconic office ‘India House’ in Pune, India and is supported by an extremely talented and experienced team led by its Principal Architect Christopher Benninger, Managing Director Ramprasad Akkisetti, Directors Rahul Sathe and Ar. Daraius Choksi along with long time associates and senior architects Ar. Shivaji Karekar, Ar. Noel Jerald, Ar. Rahul Deshmukh, Ar. Sundar Bommaji and Ar. Mandar Mhaskar.
Apart from just utilitarian goals, we seek to bring out the poetry in the place, the lyricism in the built forms, and the vibrancy in the inhabitants’ lives. We endeavour to create environments, ambiences, and milieus that enrich our clients’ lives and make living a meaningful experience. CCBA is one of the most awarded design firms in India, having brought timeless architecture to the sub-continent over decades. With its unique designs and concepts, a talented team of architects and investments in latest technologies, CCBA is focused on becoming a partner in realizing your vision.