Stein, Doshi & Bhalla was one of the largest firms in the country with over 100 professionals known for rendering comprehensive architectural services. The firm carried out a large number of projects including Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Bangalore and Lucknow, and the India Habitat Centre (IHC) in New Delhi, which were well received by the public. The practice became an institution and is till date celebrated & greatly respected. The office in it’s present form is SDB Consultants.
Joseph Allen Stein was an extraordinary designer with a vision which helped shape a large portion of modern Indian architecture. He created many masterpieces in India which are till date the most iconic buildings in the country. He incorporated local materials & architectural elements into the modern structural vocabulary.
Professor B.V. Doshi is a world renowned architect, educator and academician. He has worked closely with Le Corbusier & Louis Kahn among other exceptional architects and designers. He is widely noted for his contributions to the evolution of design & architectural discourse in India.
Dr. Jai Rattan Bhalla (Padma shri, FIIA, FRIBA, HFAIA) is the Principal and one of the three founders of this firm. In addition to his famous partnership with the firm Stein,Doshi & Bhalla, a considerable part of his professional life was spent in advocating a greater role for architects and safeguarding their interests in the building industry. He has had the privilege of interacting with great people such as Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Nehru, Prince Charles, among others. He has also single handedly played a key role in the growth and development of architecture in our country by writing the ‘Architects Act, 1972’.
His achievements are unlike any other which highlight his unparalleled contribution to the profession, both in India and the world.
Fellow Royal Institute of British Architects
Hon. Fellow of the American Institute of Architects
Hon. Fellow Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
Hon. Fellow The Mexican Institute of Architects
Hon. Fellow Bulgarian Union of Architects
Fellow, Indian Institute of Architects
Fellow, Valuers Institute, London
President - International Union of Architects 1975-79
President, Commonwealth Association of Architects - 1969 to 1973
President, Council of Architecture 1972 - 97
President, Indian Institute of Architects -1966 to 1971
Vice President, World Society of Ekistics
Chairman, Board of Governors, School of Planning & Architecture, New Delhi 1971-79, 1983 - 87
Chairman, Governing Council Sushant School of Art & Architecture
Chairman, All India Board of Architectural Education 1990-98
Member, Executive Committee National Building Organization
Member, All India Council for Technical Education
Padma Shri by President of India - 1985
Conferred Cultural Doctorate in Philosophy of Architecture - 1987
IIA Baburao Mhatre Gold Medal by Indian Institute of Architects - 1997
The UIA “Insignia of Honour” awarded by International Union of Architects -1997
Twentieth Century Award for Achievement by International Biographical Centre - 1997
Man of the Year 1997 awarded by American Biographical Institute - 1997
Chairman’s Award (UK) for Lifetime Achievement in the field of Architecture - 1997.
Dr. Jai Rattan Bhalla has been selected by the Government of India & Council of Architecture (COA) to provide a proposal for the amendment of the ‘Architects Act’ , 1972.
The Architects Act was enacted in 1972 to provide for registration of Architects and the matters connected herewith. He was the original author of the act and is presently the Chairman of the committee designated to reform and amend the act.
Dr. Jai Rattan Bhalla has recently published his autobiography ‘The Making of an Architect’: The memoirs of Dr. J. R. Bhalla. The book is focused on highlighting the evolution of the Architectural profession in India along with his own experiences and critical role in its growth. It provides a unique glimpse of his personal interactions with Mahatma Gandhi, contribution to the Indian Independence movement, formulation of the Architects Act & his world renowned practice which became an institution in the country. The book is also a part of his legacy to future generations of young Architects in India and the world.
