Kedar Kulkarni and Ashok Patel, friends since their student days at Sir JJ College of Architecture, co-founded their company in 1997 and built it on the foundation of ‘New ideas, new concepts’. For the duo, architecture isn’t just a profession, but a passion shaped by a deep curiosity about how spaces influence human experiences. Since its inception, the firm has helped shape India's architectural landscape with designs that blend aesthetics, functionality, and technology.

Kulkarni’s and Patel’s design journey stemmed from their passion for art and craft. Kulkarni was first exposed to architecture during his senior school year, when he came across architectural drawings, models, and design concepts through an architecture student’s college project. This sparked his curiosity about architecture, the problem-solving aspect of design, and how creativity merges with technical knowledge, inspiring him to pursue architecture as a career. For Patel, it was a visit to Sir JJ School Art that opened up the world of design and architecture. Captivated by the campus environment, where he saw students working on intricate building models, he felt an instant connection and realised that architecture was the career for him. After their graduation, they gained valuable experience under the mentorship of legendary architects like BV Doshi and Uttam C Jain.

“At Abhikalpan, we believe every building should tell a story: One of innovation, sustainability, and user-centric design,” says Kulkarni. The partners aim to create spaces that inspire, enhance well-being, function effectively, and contribute meaningfully to the community. They begin their creative process by understanding the site’s physical, cultural, and social elements to ensure the designs are connected to the surroundings. They prioritise innovation in materials and technology, sustainability, and integrating nature seamlessly into their work.

Abhikalpan has completed more than 300 projects, including residential, commercial, institutional, and cultural ones. Pride World City, a 400-acre, mixed-use, integrated township is an ambitious project where the firm conducted the master planning, architecture, landscape, and interior design to create a global city in harmony with nature. The design includes expansive green spaces, vehicle-free zones, a walk-to-work and school concept, making it a model for self-sufficient and sustainable living.

Another project that provided an immersive and historically rooted experience is Shivsrushti, India’s first historical theme park dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. As master planners and architects, they recreated 16th and 17th century architecture to offer an immersive historical experience.

“Architecture is not just about designing for today – it’s about building for the future,” says Patel. Kulkarni and Patel recognise that the future lies in smart, sustainable, and regenerative designs that reduce environmental impact and contribute to the ecosystem.