June 15, 2025: At a time when infrastructure and real estate are reshaping the urban fabric of India, the WOArchitect Career Conclave (WCC) 2025—India’s first dedicated career platform for architecture professionals—was inaugurated by Member of Parliament Narayan Rane at the NESCO Centre, Mumbai. Supported by CREDAI-MCHI, the event brought together more than 700 participants from across the country, including design professionals, real estate developers, corporate employers, and educational institutions.
The conclave spotlighted architecture not just as a design discipline but as a critical pillar of infrastructure development and real estate transformation. Narayan Rane, in his address, drew attention to the evolving role of architecture in India’s growth story. “Over the past 14 years, we’ve seen growth across 14 states — but what’s happening now in Maharashtra is unprecedented. For the first time, the state is at the centre of a transformation that reflects the aspirations of a rising India. Maharashtra alone accounts for 34% of India’s Rs 47 lakh crore budget last year — a remarkable figure. We are building structures that are not only architecturally beautiful on the outside but also designed thoughtfully on the inside. This isn’t just about buildings — it’s about showcasing what Indian talent and vision can achieve. Mumbai, with its skyline and spirit, is becoming an icon — a mark of pride for the country. When we plan with purpose and invest with intent, development becomes sustainable and inclusive. “Architecture is no longer just about form; it is about foresight,” he stated.
Adding to his vision for regional development, Rane also said, “I have reserved 1400 acres of land in Sindhudurg to invite 500 to 1000 companies and create over 1 lakh employment opportunities. I am working tirelessly to transform Konkan into a vibrant hub of innovation—our very own California—by adopting modern techniques and infrastructure. By learning continuously, meeting diverse people, and reading extensively, we can unlock innovation and elevate Indian architecture on the global stage.”
The architects conceptualised the conclave. Milind Surve and Ar. Snehal Jagdale Surve—co-founder of WOArchitect and directors of Alternate Angle and Alternate Angle Academy—with the vision of expanding the career landscape for architecture professionals. Their emphasis on aligning architectural education with the needs of the built environment sector was evident throughout the event.
“Architecture is no longer confined to traditional practice. With WCC 2025, we aimed to broaden the horizons for young architects and demonstrate that design thinking can be applied across various industries. “It’s time we reshaped the narrative around architectural careers in India,” said Ar. Milind Surve.
The agenda reflected the intersection of architecture with real-world needs, especially in infrastructure, urban planning, and regulatory frameworks. Keynotes and seminars addressed topics such as techno-channel legal frameworks, urban governance, real estate compliance, and the role of architects in driving digital transformation. Among the speakers were Ar. Hrishikesh Phadke, Ar. Rupali Gupte, Ar. Makarand Toraskar, Ar. Amol Shimpi, Ar. Keval Valambhia, and Ar. Sagar Saoji.
A panel discussion titled “Navigating Architectural Career Map through Roles, Risks & Rewards”, moderated by Ar. Amita Gore captured the evolving professional expectations and opportunities within the infrastructure and real estate value chains.
Keval Valambhia, COO, CREDAI-MCHI, shared, “Techno-legal aspects are often overlooked, but they’re fundamental to safe and sustainable development. A powerful example is the recent incident where an aircraft crashed into a building carrying over 260 passengers and a full tank of fuel, and yet the building stood intact. It highlights how critical robust structural and legal compliance is in architectural design. The Gujarat government announced that with some structural repairs, the PG hospital will be operational again within a month. That’s the strength of good planning.”
As Indian cities continue to expand and the demand for sustainable, inclusive development grows, WCC 2025 has made a strong case for recognising architects as integral to the success of large-scale infrastructure and real estate projects. With over 15,000 members already engaging with WOArchitect’s digital platform for job boards, career tests, and entrepreneurial tools, the conclave marks a significant step toward integrating design professionals into the broader ecosystem of urban transformation.
