AD100 in association with Asian Paints, AD’s celebration of the most compelling names in the worlds of architecture and design for the year, returned to Mumbai with an on-ground event for the first time in two years and also rang in AD’s 10th anniversary

Mumbai: To mark its much awaited tenth anniversary issue, AD India, the ultimate design authority published by Condé Nast India, hosted its annual architecture and interior design event, AD100 in association with Asian Paints. The AD100 party was back in its IRL format, only this year, it was bigger, bolder and brighter. The annual list selected by Architectural Digest rounds up the best 100 design studios and architectural practices from India and the subcontinent. The winners were honoured in a glittering ceremony held at the Grand Hyatt, Mumbai on 5th March 2022. The celebration was held in association with Asian Paints and supported by Mercedes-Benz, AXOR and Dewar’s Highball Soda Water.

Over the years, AD100 has become the most talked-about event in the industry that pools together a diverse range of talent: from the most revered names from the realms of architecture,  interior and landscape design to the tastemakers shaping the creative culture of the country. AD revealed the names of the 100 firms who have been working tirelessly—even through the challenges of a global pandemic—to carefully restore heritage buildings and create intimate residential spaces, impactful public buildings, and lush landscapes. This year, AD went in search for talent outside of the siloes of Mumbai and Delhi, looking more actively for excellence from other cities, towns and far-flung corners of the country. Going forward, diversity and inclusivity are key to storytelling at AD. Stay tuned to discover the winners taking away the award this year, and for a closer look at their groundbreaking works.

As the AD100 returned to Mumbai, it also rang in AD’s 10th anniversary. First launched in 2012, AD has since rapidly grown to become the national design authority. Over the years, the pages of the magazine have honoured maestros like B.V. Doshi of Vastushilpa Consultants, Rahul Mehrotra and Robert Stephens of RMA Architects, Verendra Wakhloo of Matra Architects, and Gurjit Singh Matharoo of Matharoo Associates. AD has shone a light on the mindful, measured efforts of leading conservation architects—like Abha Narain Lambah and Vikas Dilawari—to restore and preserve some of the most important heritage landmarks of the country. Every year, the list has celebrated the works of leading tastemakers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Tarun Tahiliani; practices breaking new ground in landscape design; driven creatives exploring the realms of sustainable, cost-effective architecture; and finally, turned the lens on the most-exciting emerging architects and designers from India.

“It’s a special year for AD India. We’ve turned 10! I’m very proud of the fact that for more than a decade we’ve shaped the design narrative in the country, whether it was through our deeply researched storytelling, many innovative covers that became the talk of the industry, or the much-anticipated events where the country’s finest design talent came together. As we celebrate ten years at a moment when life seems to be returning to normal, it’s the perfect occasion for our first on-ground event, the landmark AD100. Celebrating the most compelling names in the world of architecture and design, the event this year was bigger, bolder and brighter.” – Alex Kuruvilla, Managing Director, Condé Nast India

“It has been an amazing journey of partnership for Asian Paints with AD and I would like to congratulate AD for completing 10 outstanding years in India! Also, a huge shout out to all the winners at AD100!. We at Asian Paints are particularly glad with our association with AD100, as we witness in them, a similar level of passion to accomplish design excellence just the way Asian Paints strives to. Our association with AD has been fulfilling and one of success and we hope to continue this fruitful relationship going forward.” – Amit Syngle, managing director and CEO, Asian Paints

“We’re excited to host AD100 in real life in Mumbai after a two year hiatus and it’s extra special this year as we celebrate 10 years of AD India. It’s a great way for the whole community to meet each other and everyone looks forward to it. Our AD100 list is meticulously researched by the team and covers not just the established greats but also the next generation of design talent, people who are innovating and those who are carving a roadmap of sustainable design practices. We are looking at diversity and projects that represent India in all its multiple layers. It’s always a tough competition to pick the 100 – proof that the industry is morphing at an incredible pace and at a world-class level.” – Komal Sharma, Head of Editorial Content, AD India

The AD100 list was meticulously researched and handpicked by the AD team and saw some renowned names including Hafeez Contractor, Gauri Khan, Pinakin Patel, Bijoy Jain, Sussanne Khan and more. Hosted by fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani and interior designer Vinita Chaitanya, the grand celebration witnessed the attendance of some of the most renowned mavens from the fields of interiors, architecture, culture, art, fashion, and design.

The evening witnessed six Excellence Award winners listed below:

●             Nozer Wadia – Lifetime Achievement Award in association with Asian Paints

●             Vinu Daniel, Wallmakers – Sustainability Award

●             Abha Narain Lambah – WOW list

●             vir.mueller architects – WOW list in association with AXOR

●             Diana Kellogg – Social impact award  in association with Mercedes-Benz

●             Tushant Bansal – Emerging Talent

Since 1990, Architectural Digest (US) has been naming the world’s finest architects and designers to a select group known as the AD100. An arbiter of excellence, this exclusive list recognizes established icons and innovative pioneers, whose work is as inspiring as it is influential.  This concept was brought to India in 2014.