BMR Group Hosts SDCA Patna to Honour Architectural Excellence
- April 23, 2025
- By: Syed Md. Ehteshamul Hasan
- NEWS
Building Material Reporter (BMR) Group in association with IIA Bihar Chapter successfully hosted the Smart Design Conclave & Awards at Taj City Centre, Patna, bringing together leading architects, interior designers, and builders from across the region for an evening dedicated to innovation, design excellence, and the future of the built environment in Bihar, reports Syed Md Ehteshamul Hasan.
Curated by eminent Architect Amit Ranjan of AR & Associates, the conclave served as a dynamic platform to highlight innovations in architecture, construction, and urban planning. The event began with a ceremonial lamp lighting led by esteemed dignitaries including Ar. Neeraj Saunik, Ar. Debatosh Sahu, Ar. Samiran Banik, Ar. Vishnu Choudhary, Sumeet Gupta of NewMika (Greenlam Industries), Ar. Nimisha Verma, and renowned builder Shri Manikant of Suryanest Build, symbolising the formal inauguration of the evening's proceedings.
The Keynote Address – Creating Inspiring Spaces
The keynote address was delivered by Ar. Debatosh Sahu, Principal Architect of Espace, a Kolkata-based design firm renowned for its contemporary, context-driven architectural solutions. With over two decades of experience, Ar. Sahu has earned a formidable reputation in the eastern region of India for seamlessly blending functionality with emotion, creating spaces that inspire and endure. His deep understanding of spatial narratives and user-centric design was evident as he spoke passionately on the theme ‘Creating Inspiring Spaces’.
He underscored that architecture is not merely about structures but about crafting environments that resonate with human aspirations, cultural memory, and community identity. His keynote emphasised the role of architects as storytellers and facilitators of change—responsible for designing not just buildings, but experiences that uplift and engage society at large.
Manthan – Future Development of Bihar – Vision, Innovation & Economic Revival
A major highlight of the evening was the thought-provoking panel discussion titled ‘Manthan – Future Development of Bihar: Vision, Innovation & Economic Revival’, moderated by Ar. Neeraj Saunik. The session featured a distinguished panel comprising Ar. Vishnu Chaudhary, Ar. Abhishek Sharma, Ar. Samiran Banik, Shree Manikant, and Md. Danish who was from NIT Patna. The discussion centred on charting Patna’s future growth, addressing its evolving infrastructure needs, and emphasising the importance of fostering development from within the state.
A key takeaway from the dialogue was the urgent need for a well-defined policy framework to guide Bihar’s urban and regional development. The panellists noted that the lack of comprehensive and systematic planning has long hindered Patna’s potential as a vibrant urban hub. They advocated for an integrated urban policy that encompasses transport, housing, heritage conservation, and smart infrastructure—elements critical to transforming Patna into a more liveable and sustainable city.
The conversation also highlighted the necessity of extending development beyond the capital to include adjacent districts and towns, thereby encouraging a more balanced and inclusive growth model for the entire state. This decentralised approach would not only ease the burden on Patna but also reduce outward migration by creating new opportunities across Bihar. The panellists agreed that empowering local talent and building on regional strengths is vital to shaping a resilient and self-reliant Bihar.
Pecha Kucha: Further enriching the evening was the dynamic Pecha Kucha segment—a format known for its concise, fast-paced presentations that spark creativity and engagement. This segment featured compelling contributions from Ar. Amit Kumar of Artcon Design Consultants, Ar. Priyadarshini Pandey of PnS Associates Pvt. Ltd., and Ar. Sabal Ambastha of Singularity Architects. Each architect presented bold, thought-provoking ideas rooted in innovation, sustainability, and cultural relevance—all while keeping Patna as the focal point of their design narratives.
What made this segment particularly impactful was its role as a platform for emerging voices in architecture. SDCA Patna provided these young and enterprising professionals with the rare opportunity to present their visions before an esteemed gathering of senior architects, industry leaders, and influencers from the built environment. Their fresh perspectives and clarity of thought resonated deeply with the audience, earning not only admiration but also meaningful applause for their articulate storytelling and design sensibilities. In doing so, SDCA reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing the next generation of design thinkers and changemakers in Bihar.
Showcasing Innovation: The conclave also served as a high-impact product showcase, with industry-leading brands such as NewMika, KEI Industries, Alstone, and VOX presenting their latest innovations in building materials and design solutions. These manufacturers not only highlighted their existing product ranges but also strategically utilised the platform of SDCA Patna to launch distinguished and innovative offerings tailored for the region’s rapidly evolving construction landscape.
NewMika unveiled an enhanced array of decorative surface solutions (1.25 mm) designed to meet the growing demand for sophisticated and durable interiors, while KEI Industries showcased their latest advancements in high-performance electrical cables and wiring systems, geared towards smart and secure buildings. These presentations underscored the brands’ commitment to supporting Bihar’s architectural progress by offering reliable, future-ready solutions that blend aesthetics with functionality.
Alstone Manufacturing emphasised its expanding footprint and growing popularity among architectural influencers for its innovative Alcomb panels and louvers, becoming a preferred solution for modern and high-performance exterior façades. Meanwhile, VOX highlighted the strong market acceptance of its cutting-edge ceiling systems, designed to meet the demands of futuristic, flexible, and design-forward interiors.
All participating manufacturers received an overwhelmingly positive response from the audience, which included seasoned architects, builders, and design professionals. The engagement from this influential group not only validated the relevance of the products but also reaffirmed SDCA’s role as a vital bridge between innovative brands and the design community shaping modern Bihar.
Lifetime Achievement Award: A moment of deep pride for the fraternity was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Ar. Neeraj Saunik, whose firm Sen & Lall Associates has been a pillar of architectural excellence across Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal for over three decades. Known for their profound understanding of context and culture, Sen & Lall Associates have played a seminal role in shaping the architectural landscapes of the region—carefully weaving heritage sensibilities with contemporary design language. Their work not only reflects timeless aesthetics but has also contributed significantly to Bihar’s evolving architectural identity, where tradition meets transformation in every brick and blueprint.
Recognition & Awards: In recognition of outstanding contributions to architecture and design, BMR Group presented the Smart Design Awards to several distinguished firms led by their visionary leaders. Honourees under different categories included:
Landscape: Ar. Priyanka Gupta & Ar. Anand Saurabh of Studio EK7
Cafes/Lounges: Ar. Ankita Ananad & Ar. Anand Kumar of Spaziodecor
Commercial Towers: Ar. Ajit Singh of Archimterics
Residential – Interior: Ar. Nimisha Verma of Skill Designers
Retail: Ar. Surya Prakash Rana of Studio Sthala
Hospitality: Ar. Shyam Prasad of SP & Associates
Public Institution: Ar. Ravi Kapoor of Kapoor & Associates
Institutional: Ar. Nitish Chnadra of Panchwati Design Forum
Residential – Architecture: Ar. Devashish & Ar. Sharan Pratap Singh of Nouveau
These firms were recognised for their exceptional work in the fields of architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture, and for their ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of the built environment in Bihar. Their achievements highlight the role of thoughtful design in driving social and urban transformation.
Attendees: The event drew participation from over 200 architects and builders, offering a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, inspiration, and collaborative dialogue aimed at shaping a better and more sustainable Bihar.
Conclusion
BMR Group continues its mission to be India’s leading platform for architectural discourse, design innovation, and the promotion of building materials. Through its initiatives like the Smart Design Conclave & Awards, BMR facilitates meaningful conversations, celebrates design excellence, and serves as a trusted voice in the architecture and construction community.
The Smart Design Conclave is more than an event—it is a celebration of progressive thinking, cultural integration, and the collective imagination that defines the future of design. BMR extends a warm invitation to architects and builders with exceptional work to share their stories on a platform built to spotlight innovation, excellence, and impact.
