Vivek Bhole

The roots
“Ever since my school days, I always wanted to venture into a creative field. Although I was not keen on painting, fine arts or anything of that sort, I was conscious of my creative calling,” says Vivek Bhole. “I could say that I had a technical lineage – my father was efficient in electronics engineering without a formal technical training. My actual interest grew when I saw my elder brother’s drawings and studied his books on civil engineering.”

The nurturing
The technical education for this graduate from Sir JJ College of Architecture, Mumbai, started very early in the form of two jobs with established architects while in school, followed by a vocational course of civil engineering in junior college. “So, I was already set for the implementation of whatever would be taught during my formal course of architectural studies. Given this background, I had a different angle while looking at studies,” says the architect who seeks inspiration from everything that unfolds around him each day. “Each individual and event is unique, and there is always something special to learn from everything,” he says. “It keeps me fresh and flush with ideas.” Bhole enumerates teachers, bosses, clients, friends and his parents as mentors and guides throughout his journey as a student and a professional – but the contribution of his elder brother, who made him realise that architecture was the right choice for him, remains special. “His efforts, persistence, support and dedication are key factors to the start of my career at a very early stage.”

The fruits
Bhole began his entrepreneurial journey with a proprietary firm Neomodern Architects, which has now transformed into Vivek Bhole Architects. With an enviable track record of successful projects, the firm boasts of leading multinationals as clients along with domestic clients from various sectors. From its sprawling 25,000sq-ft studio equipped with high-end software and the latest technology, the 250-strong team works on over 500 projects across the globe, straddling segments such as healthcare, townships, mixed-use developments, commercial complexes, sports facilities, cultural centres and religious structures. The architect’s competence has been celebrated on many occasions by prestigious organisations and publications – such as the felicitation by The Times of India, for his contribution to transforming the Mumbai skyline. He has received more than 40 national and international awards for his contribution to the field of architecture. Allied interest in software programming has led to the creation of efficacious software for architectural design professionals.

The turning points
Each ‘first’ was a new window of opportunity, adding a new dimension to their gamut of projects. “We made sure that we rose to the opportunity and justified the trust instilled in us. Which is why I consider each and every project of mine as a small milestone that has led us to this success,” says the successful architect.

The destination
Bhole lists a good iconic convention centre, an international airport, and the tallest high-rise in India as dream projects.”We are still at the first few steps of architecture, where we are competing with local architectural firms and international architects for mega-projects in India. In the future, I would like to go abroad and compete with local firms there on their own turf.”