“What connects the precision of architecture, the vibrancy of art design, and the pulse of urban life?” This has been the soul of Rao’s academic & professional journey so far—transcending boundaries, blending creativity, innovation, curiosity, and purpose-driven design with deeper cultural meaning.
Ar. Abhishek Rao is an interdisciplinary professional—a licensed architect (COA), budding urbanist, and the founder of Abhishek Rao Studio. His studio is a creative think tank that integrates visual arts, spatial dynamics, and design into transformative practice with an unwavering commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Abhishek’s journey has been anything but conventional, and his approach continues to redefine what it means to create with intention.
Raised in West Bengal, India, where art, literature, and Tagore were inseparable, Abhishek began honing his craft as a child prodigy in fine arts, earning a Visharad (B.Fine)—a prestigious credential in fine arts—after dedicating sixteen years to the formal study of visual arts parallel to school education. His artistic journey naturally flowed into the world of architecture, where he earned a Bachelor of Architecture (Hon.) with a minor in product design, followed by advanced qualifications in planning & urbanism from the prestigious Indian Institute of Engineering Science & Technology, Shibpur (formerly Bengal Engineering College). Abhishek’s unique base allows him to view the built environment as a canvas for human experiences, merging the rigor of design with the fluidity of artistic expression as a tool for social change.
Along with being a practicing architect and urbanist, he has worked as a director of creative verticals & design educator in several EdTech companies, both nationally & internationally. His research area is technology and data-driven solutions, regional planning, urban informatics, the theory of art & design, hazard & social planning, and leveraging green ethos and comfort standards to create spaces that are not only visually compelling but also environmentally conscious. “Sustainability isn’t a choice—it’s a responsibility,” he often says, emphasizing his commitment to creating future-ready designs that honor the planet and empower future generations with inclusive, resilient, and adaptive environments.
Architect Rao is a Next-Gen Candidate 2025 at the New Buildings Institute (NBI), USA. He was the global winner of the coveted WASA Genius Architect Medal 2021 in Tokyo, recognizing his exceptional academic excellence. He also clinched the WASA Genius Building Award and the One Percent Award. He won the Indian Institute of Architects’ (IIA) academic excellence award in 2021, followed by representing India in ACA 2021 at Tongji University, Shanghai, on behalf of IIA. Abhishek’s present and former affiliations with prestigious organizations like the American Planning Association, the American Institute of Architects, and the American Society of Civil Engineers reflect his commitment to fostering international dialogue in design and planning. As a mentee of celebrated architects such as Simon Wells and Ming-Jen Hsueh, he continues to draw inspiration from global perspectives, enriching his work with insights from diverse cultural contexts.
But Abhishek’s story doesn’t end at design and architecture. His passion for teaching and writing has led him to inspire the next generation of creative thinkers. As an academician and advisor, he has mentored students worldwide, blending theory with practice to encourage innovative approaches to problem-solving at Inspireli Education, Prague. Rao’s writing promises to challenge norms, spark conversations, and inspire readers to see the world through a more creative lens. At the core of his multifaceted journey lies a simple yet profound belief: every creation should contribute to a better, more beautiful world. Whether he’s designing a building, crafting an illustration, or penning an article, Ar. Abhishek Rao does so with a vision that bridges the past, present, and future as he continues to explore the limitless possibilities of art, design, and urbanism.