City: CHENNAI

Ar. Murali Murugan is a visionary architect and the founder of Murali Architects (established 1990), one of Chennai’s most prestigious and innovative design practices. With over 34 years of experience, he is renowned for his ability to synthesize traditional architectural roots with futuristic, contemporary expressions.

Design Philosophy & Expertise

Murali’s philosophy centers on “uniting people through architecture.” His work is characterized by a commitment to design excellence and a research-driven approach. He is particularly known for:

• Reinterpreting Tradition: Seamlessly blending heritage elements with modern technology to create unique, contextual spaces.
• Typological Diversity: His portfolio spans high-end luxury residences, large-scale urban infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and institutional campuses.
• Technological Integration: A pioneer in using innovative materials and methods, such as the parametric brick facade featured in some of his landmark residential projects.
  

Key Achievements & Landmarks

• The Jayalalitha Memorial: Winner of the All India Design Competition for the memorial of the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu—a project that garnered multiple national awards for structural and architectural excellence.
  
• Public Infrastructure: Key designer of major urban projects including the Koyambedu Bus Terminus (CMBT) and the Mylapore MRTS Station.
• Award-Winning Projects: * Manoj Bhavan Highway Restaurant: Winner of the IIA National Award for Excellence in Commercial Architecture (2016).
  

• Gayathri Medical Mission Hospital: Winner of the IIA National Award (2021) in the Healthcare category.
  
• The Harvee School: Silver Medalist at the Godrej GEEVES Awards (2025).
• G.B. International School: Honored with the “Grand Prix Winner” title at the Creative Colour Awards in Tokyo (2024).

Professional & Academic Leadership

Beyond his practice, Murali is a deeply respected educator and industry leader:

• Academic Contribution: Served as a Board Member at Anna University (2015–2018) and remains a visiting faculty at premier institutions like SPA (Chennai) and MEASI Academy of Architecture.
  
• Public Discourse: Has written over 60 articles for The Hindu, contributing to public awareness of architecture and interior design.
  
• Advisory Roles: Served as a technical advisor to the Corporation of Chennai and major financial institutions like the State Bank of India.

Education & Credentials

• M. Arch: McGill University, Montreal, Canada (1981-1984).
  
• B. Arch: School of Architecture and Planning (SAP), Anna University, Chennai.
  
• Awards: Recipient of the IIA “Commendation Award for Excellence” and multiple regional and national honors from CREDAI, IIID, and the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Ar. C R Raju Completed Graduation in Architecture and Interior design in the year 1979. He started independent practice from 1984 and established his firm, C R RAJU ASSOCIATES , in the year 1988. as the Principal Architect. M/s. C.R.Raju Associates has been involved in Designing Residential Apartments, Group Housing , Bungalows,  Cottages, Nursing Home, Schools, Colleges, Hotels,  Commercial Office Buildings, Kalyana Mandapams, Concert Halls, Garment Factories, Textile Showrooms, Commercial & Residential Interiors, etc. in Chennai, other parts of TN, AP, Puducherry and Bangalore. Many of them are well recognized and awarded. He is Joint Honorary Secretary of IIA Mumbai. He is associated with many social service organisations.

Ar Dr. Ranee Vedamuthu, Chennai

Graduated from the SAP, University of Madras in 1983. She is a Professor of Architecture currentl yheading the School of Architecture and Planning, Anna University as Dean. She has been Controller of Examinations, Head of Department of Architecture; Chairperson and dean of
Faculty of Architecture and Planning. Her contributions to the field of architectural Education are many, Such as:

(i) Curriculum development and Syllabus preparation for various universities
(ii) organize conferences, workshops, seminars both for students and professionals. Presented number of papers at national and International Conferences.
(iii) Initiated number of MoUs with foreign Universities which have enabled student and faculty exchange. Recognized supervisor for the joint Ph D program between Anna University and Universite of Francois Rabelais, Tours, France. Representative from Anna University for the ERC Grant awarded to University of Westminster, London for project MONASS: Monsoon Assemblages a collaboration between three SE Asian Universities and Westminster. Awarded Getty Foundation Fellowship, awarded German Academic Exchange (DAAD) grant to attend Science Tour City of the Future- Research on Sustainable Development. Participated in the Embrace Rivers – Visitor’s Program 11 of the Goethe Institut; Germany and the Erasmus + International Credit mobility July 2017 at Edinburgh University, I-JK.