Ramprasad Akkisetti is a visionary leader and co-founder of Christopher Charles Benninger Architects (CCBA), one of South Asia’s most renowned architectural firms. Established in 1995 alongside Master Architect Prof. Christopher Benninger, CCBA has grown under Akkisetti's entrepreneurial guidance to become a beacon of intellectual and innovative architecture. The firm is celebrated for its unique approach to design, blending modern aesthetics with deep cultural and historical contexts.
- Name: Mr Ramprasad Akkisetti
- Firm Name: CCBA Designs
- Location: Pune
- Top Projects: Mahindra United World College of India; the Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies; the "Suzlon One Earth" world headquarters; the National Ceremonial Plaza at Thimphu, Bhutan; India House" in Pune.
His path to architecture was unconventional yet inspiring. He began his academic career studying medicine at the prestigious Armed Forces Medical College in Pune, on track to become a Medical Officer in the Armed Forces. However, midway through his MBBS, Ramprasad made a life-altering decision to pursue his true passion for creative expression.
This turning point led him to meet his Guru, Prof. Christopher Benninger, a Harvard and MIT-educated Master Architect. Their meeting marked the beginning of a new chapter, culminating in the co-founding of CCBA Designs. Under Ramprasad's leadership, the firm has flourished, gaining recognition as a highly awarded architectural practice with projects across India, Shanghai, Bhutan, and Africa.
Ramprasad's contributions extend far beyond architecture. He transformed India House into a cultural hub, fostering creative thinking, debate, and the exchange of avant-garde ideas. His diverse academic background, which includes studies in medicine, psychology, and anthropology, has uniquely positioned him to contribute to the fields of art and architecture. He authored "Psychology for Beginners" in 1997 while teaching at Fergusson College in the late 1990s and co-edited and designed the monograph "Architecture for Modern India," published by Skira-Rizzoli in Milan and New York in 2016. Additionally, he served as the publisher for "Letters to a Young Architect," a book that became one of the top ten best-selling non-fiction books in India upon its release in 2011 and has since been translated into Chinese, Gujarati, and Bangla.
CCBA Designs, under Ramprasad's guidance, has created iconic modern campuses such as IIT Hyderabad, IIM Kolkata, Azim Premji University, Bajaj Institute of Technology, Suzlon One Earth, and the Supreme Court of Bhutan. As a crucial link in the practice of Prof. Christopher Benninger, Ramprasad plays a vital role in bridging the gaps between design and business, ensuring the firm's success on both creative and commercial fronts.
In addition to his architectural achievements, Ramprasad is a self-taught artist who pursues art as a passionate hobby. He is known for creating large-scale paintings, including "Banaras," the world's largest miniature painting spanning 10 feet by 5 feet, "Kumbhakarna," and "Paradise," a painting of Mumbai displayed at Lodha World One in Mumbai. His artistic endeavors reflect his deep connection to culture and his ability to convey powerful narratives through visual art.
Ramprasad is also a driving force behind cultural initiatives in Pune. He hosts the only annual Film Festival on Architecture and Urbanism in the city and organizes "The Earth Matters Annual Art Competition," which attracts over 3,000 students to participate in an on-the-spot art competition in Pune. His commitment to nurturing creativity and celebrating diversity is evident in these initiatives.
A seasoned traveler, Ramprasad has journeyed to more than 50 countries, immersing himself in different cultures and celebrating the richness of global diversity. He believes that travel opens the mind and that the world is the greatest university from which to learn. Through his multifaceted contributions to architecture, art, and culture, Akkisetti Ramprasad Naidu has established himself as a key figure in shaping the intellectual and cultural landscape of India and beyond.
Don’t miss to meet Mr Ramprasad Akkisetti at WADE ASIA, where we celebrate the remarkable achievements and excellence of women in architecture and design
ABOUT WADEASIA
THE WADE ASIA, established in 2016 began with the objectives of creating a platform for recognising the contribution of women in design and to provide a large national platform for the entire community to celebrate women-led development.
Started with a small group of people, today THE WADE ASIA is the largest award platform for women in design, architecture, interior design, construction, engineering, art, and photography.
Come prepared to witness the following at THE WADE ASIA from 22-25 August 2024
- 200 LIVE presentation of India’s Top selected projects in Residential, Commercial, Hospitality, Retail, Landscape, Public Building, Sustainable spaces, etc The schedule of the live competition WADE ARCHIDESIGN NATIONAL COMPETITION will be shared soon
- THE WADE ASIA Architecture conference - Two days of talks and discussions by top industry influencers and experts. Hall 2
- MATERIALS ADDA - Innovation zone where 40-50 products are showcased
- Art & Photography Zone
- MATECIA EXHIBITION- Largest exhibition of decorative surfaces, Panel products, architecture and interior products and more.
- Launch of the book “The Top Angle” by The WADE ASIA with insights from 9 years of surveys and research on women in design & architecture.
THE WADE ASIA is a national platform. More than 50000 people from all over India and 20 other neighbouring countries visit WADE and concurrent Exhibition MATECIA each year. THE WADE ASIA had participation from Nepal. Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia Dubai (UAE), London, providing an unparalleled platform for networking, learning, and inspiration.
THE WADE ASIA created a world record by contributing to water initiative and creating the largest W human-shape on ground in record time which was awarded ASIA BOOK OF RECORDS medal, a testament to its outstanding contribution to the industry.
It was also awarded "The Unique Show" by the Exhibition Excellence Awards 2022 in partnership with UFI (global association for exhibition excellence).
Soon THE WADE ASIA will open opportunities for women in creative pursuits to become members and multiply the initiatives as well as position themselves with stronger network & connections.
LINK TO REGISTER FOR THE WADE ASIA Architecture Event
https://www.wadeasia.com/visitor-registration/