PHDCCI 5th Edition of AER 2026 honors Architects
Chandigarh: Architects have a significant role to play in translating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 into reality through innovative, sustainable and future-ready infrastructure. Viksit Bharat can be achieved with the active contribution of architects and other professionals involved in nation-building, said Satnam Singh Sandhu, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, while addressing the 5th Edition of Architecture Excellence Recognitions 2026, organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) at Hotel Taj, Chandigarh.
Sandhu expressed his gratitude to PHDCCI for recognising and encouraging the architectural fraternity, saying that such recognition not only motivates professionals but also brings a greater sense of responsibility.
“When we imagine a developed India, we think of modern buildings, bridges, infrastructure and overall development. The people who design and shape these structures are architects. From Kanyakumari to Kashmir, development requires thoughtful planning and sustainable architecture,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of architecture in people’s lives, Sandhu said that every person dreams of building a home and architects play an important role in transforming those dreams into reality. He added that while Artificial Intelligence can help design buildings, a home is created with emotions, feelings and personal aspirations.
“An architect, contractor and owner working together can create a beautiful and meaningful home,” he said. Referring to Chandigarh, Sandhu said the city was originally planned for a population of around five lakh, but increasing urbanisation has created challenges related to traffic, sewerage and drinking water supply.
He said architects should come forward with suggestions and innovative ideas to address future urban challenges and ensure that Chandigarh continues to remain a beautiful, well-planned and sustainable city. Sandhu also expressed concern over pollution in Punjab’s rivers, saying that industrial waste and sewage entering water bodies posed a serious challenge. He called for collective efforts and sustainable solutions to protect the state’s water resources.
Concluding his address, Sandhu said the architectural fraternity has a major responsibility in building Viksit Bharat by 2047 and urged professionals to work together and contribute their expertise towards the country’s development. On the occasion, Rajneesh Bansal, Chair, Chandigarh Chapter, PHDCCI, said the fifth edition of the Architecture Excellence Recognitions reflected PHDCCI’s continued commitment towards recognising and encouraging architects for their contribution to the profession. He said the Chamber would continue to honor and support excellence in architecture in the years ahead.
Naveen Seth, Deputy Secretary General, PHDCCI, said that PHDCCI remains committed to providing platforms that encourage new ideas, acknowledge professional excellence and promote sustainable development in the architecture and construction sector.* The awards and recognitions were guided by an eminent jury comprising Ar. Habeeb Khan, Principal Architect, SHK Architects and former President, Council of Architecture, India, Jury Chair Ar. Surinder Bahga, along with Ar. Manmohan Khanna, Ar. Ritu Singh, Ar. Nilakshi Sharma, Ar. Loganathan and Vivek Gupta.
The Lifetime Achievement – Educator award was presented to Dr. Prabhjot Kaur, while Lifetime Achievement – Practicing Architect was conferred on Ar. Jayesh Hariyani.
Ar. N. K. Negi received the Lifetime Achievement – Hill Architecture recognition, while Ar. Sapna Kumar was honored with the Lifetime Achievement – Woman Architect, Government Service award. The Lifetime Achievement – Public Service recognition was presented to Ar. Vijay Uppal. The Interior Designer of the Year 2026 recognition went to Ar. Prerna Aggarwal. Meryl Savithry Muddamalle was honoured as Harbinger of Change of the Year 2026, while Ar. Ishrat Nowshehri and Ar. Saurabh Chandra received the Architect of the Year 2026 recognition. On this occasion several other dignitaries were also present.
