Founder and Partner at Ganti & Associates (USA) and GA Design Consultants (India), Shekar Ganti has over twenty years of experience in Master Planning, Architecture, and Construction. An alumnus of Sir JJ School of Art & University of South California, Ganti worked in the USA for a decade before starting his firm with offices in the USA and India. For nearly a decade, the firm has been designing built environments, master planning, hospitality, space planning, and architectural lighting for clients in the United States, Africa, and India.
Growing up in a family that thrived on art and creativity shaped Ganti’s journey in the architecture field. His late father, a fine arts professor at Sir JJ School of Art, coupled with his brother’s interest in commercial arts instilled in him a love and appreciation for art, literature, and creativity. With such a profound environment, architecture was a natural and harmonious extension of his surroundings and personal aspirations.
Ganti is an exponent of human-centric designs, seamlessly converging technology and functionality. He strives to create ergonomic, adaptable spaces catering to modern lifestyles while exuding elegance. Whether employing modular, multifunctional elements in office spaces or modular furniture and smart home integration in residential spaces, he believes in providing intelligent solutions optimizing space, and elevating utility to address clients' needs.
One project which epitomizes Ganti’s vision is the ‘Township in Pune – Wagholi’, a 150-acre development comprising both villas and high-rise buildings with a dynamic, self-sustaining neighborhood with all the amenities residents need. The Township demonstrates the power of thoughtful planning in creating spaces that are not just beautiful but profoundly impactful—enriching lives and fostering a sense of belonging.
Ganti envisages AI (Artificial Intelligence) as a valuable tool for enhancing creativity and efficiency and transforming designing, building, and managing spaces. Cutting-edge tools such as Generative AI, Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) allow for real-time simulations, enabling design refinements with unparalleled accuracy. AI can be used to generate parametric designs that adapt to environmental conditions, predict material longevity, and simulate urban growth patterns. By integrating AI into his workflow, he not only streamlines processes but also ensures his designs address broader societal challenges, such as housing shortages and climate resilience to create resilient and sustainable structures tailored to the needs of communities.
For Ganti the future of architecture lies in sustainability, innovation and human well-being. Architects must pioneer eco-conscious designs that leverage AI, new materials, and adaptive technologies. His advice to young architects is, “Embrace sustainability as a cornerstone of your practice, master the tools of innovation, and design with empathy and purpose.”