Principal architect of the Delhi-based Matra Architects & Rurban Planners, Verendra Wakhloo has worked across diverse design and architectural projects for over three decades. Having spent his youth in Germany, he was exposed to technologically-advanced urban architecture and planning, and pursued this interest at the esteemed university, Technische Hochschule, Karlsruhe. Inspired by Indian Architects Charles Correa, BV Doshi and UC Jain, he then returned to India, where his initial work involved a search for an Indian identity. This search encouraged him to explore the known to the unknown, specifically in search of ‘timeless principles’, with a focus on ‘archetypal’ form. He has co-founded discussion forums that encourage conversations on architecture, design and art, including the ‘Indian Arch Dialogue’ in 2016, ‘Unplugged Talks’ in 2020. An experienced professional, Wakhloo’s list of awards is endless; he has received the IIA Award, the JK Architect of the Year Award, the World Architecture Community Award, the AD 50, the Kohler Bold Design Award, the Trends Excellence Award – amongst others – for his contributions to the industry.