The 10th edition of the Smart Design Conclave & Awards (SDCA) - Symposium & Expo was a truly unforgettable event, showcasing the timeless beauty of India’s enchanting northeastern region, often referred to as the Seven Sisters. This remarkable geography, steeped in cultural heritage and tradition, offers breathtaking landscapes, including scenic lakes, cascading waterfalls, serene mountains, and a vibrant climate—all enriched by the warmth and humility of its people. A treasure trove of architectural and design inspiration, this region embodies the essence of our customs and traditions.
The SDCA North East was a celebration of this design evolution, honouring the visionary leaders, dignitaries, and pioneers who have made this journey possible. Following the resounding success of last year's SDCA Guwahati, which ignited a wave of enthusiasm among designers, this year’s edition, held this November, expanded its reach to encompass the entire North East. The event, held on a larger platform with an expanded initiative, was organised in collaboration with the Association of Architects, Assam (AAA), with Smartex serving as the event partner. Esteemed architects Ar. Pankaj Phukan and Ar. Amitabh Sarma served as curators, ensuring the event remained a fitting tribute to the region's vibrant design legacy.
Lamp Lighting
The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp—a profound act symbolising illumination, knowledge, and empowerment, inspiring us to achieve greater heights. Gracing this momentous occasion were Ar. Pankaj Phukan, Ar. Amitabh Sarma, Ar. Hiren Patel, Ar. Gajanand Ram, Ar. Ranjib Baruah, Ar. Aiban S Mawkhroh, Sukesh Singh, Sandeep Lathwal, and other esteemed influencers, alongside representatives from our Title Partner and ‘Powered By’ Partner, Pankaj Malhotra and Prerna Khanna.
An initiative by Building Material Reporter, SDCA serves as a dedicated platform for tier 2 & 3 cities, celebrating design excellence, unlocking potential opportunities, and reshaping the urban landscape. This year’s event was made possible through the unwavering support of our valued stakeholders: Alstone, Newmika, Haique/PRP, Gujarat Guardian, and Kuche. Their contributions have been instrumental in creating this unique platform, offering invaluable opportunities for industry professionals.
Inaugural Address
The stage was set for an engaging day as the two curators delivered the inaugural addresses, sharing the vision and agenda for the event. Ar. Pankaj Phukan, General Secretary of the AAA, is renowned for his ability to integrate local narratives and patterns into global designs, achieving a harmonious balance between site-specific context and client aspirations. Ar. Amitabh Sarma, known for fostering collaborations among dynamic entrepreneurs to craft innovative architectural and interior projects, shared an inspiring message that resonated with the audience. Their insights and leadership were instrumental in shaping the journey of SDCA North East, setting the tone for an impactful event.
Panel Discussion: Exploring ‘Regionalism in Design’
One of the key highlights of the event was an engaging panel discussion centred on the theme ‘Regionalism in Design’. The discourse delved into how regional influences are reshaping contemporary architecture by integrating local art, culture, and craftsmanship while simultaneously contributing to the economic growth of communities. This thought-provoking session brought together a distinguished panel of experts who have dedicated decades to architecture and design within this region, offering insights drawn from their extensive experience.
The discussion was moderated by Ar. Rittick Hazarika, Principal at Rittick Hazarika Design Associates, whose illustrious career spans over two decades. Known for his mastery in employing local materials and diverse design techniques, Ar. Hazarika ensured the conversation explored the nuances of regionalism in depth.
The panellists included a remarkable line-up of design luminaries. Ar. Aiban S Mawkhroh, Principal Architect at Atelier A+ in Shillong, Meghalaya, and an alumnus of CEPT University. His approaches design holistically, weaving together the social and physical dynamics of a space to create contextually rich environments. His designs are rooted in their surroundings.
Ar. Lalrinzuala Ralte, Principal at Catalyst Architecture in Mizoram, is celebrated for infusing contemporary elegance with unique elements that reflect the region’s character. His projects stand as a testament to innovation while maintaining cultural integrity.
Ar. Rana Mahanta, Director of Rana Mahanta & Associates, Guwahati, Assam, is a visionary whose portfolio includes opulent and contemporary designs. With a knack for creating visually appealing and functional spaces, his work often pushes the boundaries of traditional architecture while respecting local sensibilities.
Ar. Priyam Ballav Goswami, Director at Magnidus Design Pvt. Ltd., Guwahati, Assam and a graduate of the SPA, New Delhi, has a profound inclination toward exclusive and distinctive design philosophies. With an impressive portfolio spanning diverse segments, his projects consistently showcase his ability to curate spaces with sophistication and purpose.
ID Chinmoy Das, an interior designer from Tripura, brings a unique blend of style, function, and elegance to his creations. Known for transforming visions into harmonious and stunning realities, he emphasised how design can elevate both form and purpose to create lasting impressions.
Throughout the discussion, the panellists shared inferences and real-world examples, illustrating how regional architecture has evolved to embrace contemporary aesthetics while honouring cultural traditions. They highlighted the importance of leveraging local craftsmanship and resources, not only to preserve heritage but also to empower local economies.
From using indigenous materials and techniques to addressing the socio-economic and environmental needs of the community, the conversation resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing the pivotal role of regionalism in defining a sustainable and culturally connected design narrative. This enriching dialogue left the audience with valuable takeaways, emphasising the potential of regional architecture to influence the global stage while staying rooted in tradition.
X-Talk: The event was further enriched by a special X-Talk delivered by the much admired Ar. Freddie Wallang, Principal of FawsDesign Architects, based in Shillong, Meghalaya. A pioneer in innovative and sustainable architectural solutions, Ar. Wallang founded FawsDesign in 1990, driven by his deep passion for creating designs that resonate with functionality, sustainability, and cultural significance.
During his X-Talk, he shared valuable insights and inspiring experiences from his three-decade-long journey, showcasing how architecture can harmonise with the environment while addressing the evolving needs of society. His dynamic vision and wealth of experience transported the audience to a realm of fresh perspectives, igniting their imagination and setting the stage for a deeper appreciation of design’s transformative power. Ar. Wallang’s contributions exemplify the potential of architecture to shape not just structures but entire communities, leaving a lasting impact on all those who attended.
Keynote Address
Anticipation filled the air as the audience eagerly awaited the keynote address by none other than the celebrated Ar. Hiren Patel, a luminary in the field of architecture and design. Ar. Patel, who established Hiren Patel Architects (HPA) in 1989, has been a trailblazer in creating a better world through his visionary art and designs. From its inception, HPA has been committed to crafting spaces that not only inspire but also transform the way we perceive architecture and its interplay with art.
He began his keynote with an insightful reflection on the intrinsic connection between architecture and nature. He emphasised that nature is not an element that can be overlooked in design but rather a vital partner in shaping spaces that are sustainable, harmonious, and timeless. Drawing from his extensive portfolio, he highlighted how incorporating natural elements into design not only enhances aesthetics but also fosters well-being and ecological balance.
Speaking to an audience of both seasoned professionals and aspiring architects and designers, Ar. Patel captivated the gathering with his anecdotes, philosophies, and groundbreaking projects. One of the most memorable moments of his keynote was his perspective on perfection in design: "It’s not the buildings we build; it’s the spaces we create that truly matter." He shared his belief in the importance of crafting spaces that feel like an extension of our dreams, merging creativity with practicality to achieve a timeless appeal.
Ar. Patel’s keynote left the audience inspired, offering them a profound understanding of how architecture can serve as a bridge between human aspiration and the natural world. His wisdom and expertise illuminated the path for many in attendance, sparking new ideas and motivating everyone to think beyond conventional frameworks in their journey of design and innovation.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Ar. Ashanka Sharma, honouring his five-decade contribution to architecture. Recognising his incredible legacy, Team Building Material Reporter proudly presented him with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his enduring impact on the field of architecture. His legacy of transforming Guwahati’s urban landscape is a testament to his visionary approach.
Master Stroke Award
The prestigious Master Stroke Award was conferred upon Ar. Ranjib Baruah and Ar. Ami Ambani Baruah, a dynamic duo whose illustrious career of 50 years has been marked by innovative concepts and remarkable projects across hospitality, residential, and commercial sectors. Known for their ability to craft designs that honour both the client’s vision and the site’s topography, their portfolio showcases versatility and originality.
Design Competition
The moment arrived to unveil the winners of the much-anticipated design competition, curated by the esteemed Ar. Gajanand Ram, Vice President of the Council of Architecture (CoA). With an illustrious career as the former Chief Town Planner of Jharkhand, his leadership and vast expertise in urban planning have shaped policies and initiatives at both state and national levels. His remarkable contributions to architecture and planning have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Recognising Excellence
Success, as they say, is no secret—it is the outcome of preparation, hard work, and lifelong learning. To honour excellence in the design and AEC industry, a distinguished 6-member jury, including the competition curator, dedicated their time to meticulously evaluate nearly 90 entries from across the region. The jury, comprising Ar. Gajanand Ram, Ar. Arijit Chaudhary, Ar. Alpana Sarma, Ar. Pritam Nath, Ar. Buddhin Borthakur, and Ar. Santosh Banka, worked tirelessly to select the top 10, out of around 100 entries received from the region that showcased outstanding talent and innovation. Their collective efforts celebrated individuals whose work has significantly advanced the field of architecture and design, ensuring that this recognition truly reflected merit and dedication.
Winners
Residential-Architecture: Ar. Anuj Bhajanka & Ar. Himanshi Goenka, Bhajanka & Associates
Residential-Interiors: Ar. Shivesh Kejriwal & ID Mansi Khemani Kejriwal, Canvas Design Studio
Hospitality: Ar. Sangam Bora, Sangam Bora Architects
Public Institution: Ar. Chinmoy Phukan, Design & Build
Landscape Design: Ar. Sumeet Bagree & Ar. Mamta Bagree, Avant Garde
Institutional: Ar. Santosh Banka, Banka & Associates
Commercial- Interiors: Ar. Nikhil Pasari, Nikhil Pasari Design Studio
Design Vision: Ar. Rana Mahanta, Mahanta & Associates
Innovation
Throughout the event, our partners showcased their cutting-edge innovations, demonstrating how they are transforming urban landscapes. Alstone, a leader in the Metal Composite Panel industry, highlighted its commitment to innovation and excellence. The spotlight was on Alstone Alcomb Panels, featuring lightweight, non-combustible A2-grade aluminium honeycomb structures, certified by international labs like Thomas Bell Wright. Renowned for redefining cladding solutions, Alstone remains a go-to brand for façade applications.
NewMika, unveiled its latest laminate collection. Known for innovative textures that mimic natural materials like wood, stone, and metal, NewMika offers versatile surfaces ideal for infusing sophistication into interiors, making it a favourite among architects and designers.
Gujarat Guardian Limited showcased its revolutionary contributions to glass technology. From iconic projects like the Surat Diamond Bourse to the Burj Khalifa, the brand continues to set benchmarks in creating sustainable, futuristic buildings through customised glass solutions for the design fraternity.
Haique, presented its stunning engineered quartz surfaces. With modern designs, exclusive patterns, and a wide colour palette, Haique redefines traditional stone countertops, offering surfaces that seamlessly combine aesthetics and functionality.
Finally, Kuche stood out with its luxury stainless steel kitchens. Engineered for lifetime durability, these precision-crafted kitchens feature a premium PU coating, offering resistance to abrasion and corrosion. Easy to integrate into any space, Kuche’s solutions embody elegance, innovation, and longevity, setting a new standard in modern kitchen design.
Each partner added immense value to the event, inspiring attendees with their groundbreaking advancements and creative possibilities.
Looking Ahead
The success of SDCA North East has underscored the region’s architectural and cultural significance. As the event concluded, it left the audience inspired, celebrating a legacy of design excellence and igniting aspirations for a brighter, more innovative future. This edition wasn’t just an event; it was a milestone in celebrating the symbiosis of tradition and modernity, proving that the North East is a treasure trove of design possibilities.