SHILLONG: The 35th edition of the JK Architect of the Year (AYA) – Winners Announcement of Awards brought together some of the most accomplished architects and emerging talents from India and abroad in a grand ceremony held at the Windermere in Shillong on March 14, 2026.
Organised by JK Cement Ltd., the winners’ announcement ceremony marked over three decades of recognising innovation, sustainability, and excellence in architecture.
The two-day event featured an exhibition of architectural entries that attracted students from various architecture colleges, offering them an opportunity to explore cutting-edge designs and creative concepts shaping the future of the built environment.
The event also hosted leading architects from India and several other countries who formed the jury panel. They carefully evaluated submissions across multiple categories to select the most deserving projects and professionals for this year’s honours.
Speaking on the occasion, Rana Pratap Singh, Administrator of the awards, said the ceremony reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to celebrating architectural excellence and encouraging innovation within the profession.
While Architect Aiban S Mawkhroh and professional advisor added, “The event and exhibition were very informative for architecture students and I believe will help them a lot in their near future.”
Renowned Indian architect Rajeev Kathpalia, who attended the event as a guest and juror, emphasized the importance of green buildings and sustainable architecture.
Kathpalia, the architect behind the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum located on Bhujiyo Dungar in Bhuj, noted that the Northeast—and Meghalaya in particular—is blessed with remarkable natural beauty. He stressed that architectural design in the region should remain in harmony with nature.
“Lest there comes a day when large cement buildings disturb the natural beauty of this place—nature that defines the culture and uniqueness of the region,” Kathpalia said.
Major Award Winners
Green Architecture Award
• Ar. Deepak Guggari (Pune) – Project: The Street, Pune
Indian Architecture Awards (IAA) – Commendation Awards
• Hospitality Buildings: Ar. Sunanda A. J. Radhakrishnan (Bangalore) – Toit, Bengaluru
• Public Building: Ar. Praveen Bayadekar (Belgaum) – Figured Ground – University Sports Arena, Hubli
• Private Residence: Ar. Avinash Ankalage (Bangalore) – Stepped Well House, Bengaluru
• Young Architect Award: Ar. Chaitanya Patel (Ahmedabad) – A Modest House in ‘POI’ Neighbourhood, Ahmedabad
• Architect of the Year: Ar. R. Lalrinzuala (Aizawl) – School of Architecture, Mizoram University
Indian State Architecture Awards (ISAA)
• State Architect of the Year: Ar. Vivek Singh Rathore (Kolkata) – ITC Storii Devasom, Kolkata
• State Commendation Award: Ar. Milon Dutta (Birbhum) – Tokaroun Artist Residence, Santiniketan, West Bengal
Foreign Countries’ Architecture Awards (FCAA)
• Foreign Countries Architect of the Year: Ar. Md. Ishtiaque Zahir & Ar. Md. Iqbal Habib (Dhaka) – Zimkhana Sheikh Rasel Park and Baburail Canal Restoration, Narayanganj
• Foreign Countries Commendation Award: Ar. Mahmudul Anwar Riyaad (Dhaka) – Nooruddin Complex, Narayanganj
• Foreign Countries Young Architect Award: Ar. Mickdady Mchau (Dar es Salaam) – Visitors Information Centre, Tanzania
The winners announcement
of awards ceremony brought together architects, construction industry leaders, government representatives, and students, reinforcing its role as one of the most respected architectural recognitions in the region.
By honouring groundbreaking designs and visionary professionals, the event continues to inspire the next generation of architects and promote innovation in the field.
