Anup Naik : Innovator In Architecture & Urban Design
Dr Anup Naik
Founder & CEO
A trained architect and urban designer, Dr Naik holds a PhD in Sustainable Architecture from VTU and is an alumnus of the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, and BMS College of Architecture, Bangalore.
With 28 years of experience across geographies such as Morocco, Singapore, Kenya, and Vietnam, Dr Naik’s work seamlessly integrates sustain- ability, user-centric design, and urban transformation. His involvement with India’s Smart City Mission, serving in advisory roles for Bengaluru, Shiva- mogga, and Mangaluru, highlights his expertise in heritage conservation and waterfront development.
Under his leadership, Urban Frame engages in diverse projects spanning master planning, trans- portation, education, healthcare, conservation, and high-rise developments. His passion for sustainable, contextual architecture has been central to the firm’s success in delivering holistic,zero-energy, and green solutions.
Dr Naik is also an active academician and serves on advisory boards of several architecture schools. His professional affiliations include COA, IIA, INTACH, IGBC, and he is a founder of the Responsible Cities Foundation. Recognized by Forbes as one of India’s top 30 architects in 2021, he has received numerous accolades including the IGBC Green Champion Award and the WAF 2024 shortlist. Through his vision and leadership, Dr Anup Naik continues to shape the archi- tectural identity of Bangalore and beyond. Let’s read on.
With your extensive experience, what are some of the key milestones that have defined your pro- fessional journey?
Over nearly three decades in architecture and urban design, several milestones have shaped my professional path. Founding Urban Frame was a turning point, creating a practice grounded in sustainability and user-focused design. Our work spans multiple sectors and regions, yet always centers around people and the environment.
International exposure has also been critical. Working in countries like Morocco, Vietnam, and Singapore challenged me to think beyond conventional boundaries and respond to varied cultural and urban contexts with sensitivity and innovation.
My involvement in academia continues to be deeply rewarding. Mentoring future architects, guiding research, and contributing to curri-culum development keeps me connected to emerging ideas and fresh perspectives.
Being recognized by Forbes India as one of the Top 30 Architects in 2021 was a proud moment. Most recently, launching Xylem, an AI-driven urban design platform, marks a new chapter, one focused on democratizing and reimagining how cities are shaped.
How would you describe your approach to leadership?
My Leadership approach is grounded in collaboration, empathy, and purpose. I see leadership not as directing, but as enabling, creating a space where people can do their best work with clarity and confidence. I lead with a 'people first' mindset. Architecture is ultimately about improving lives, so empathy, for the user, the client, and the team, is central to every decision I make. I also believe in empowering autonomy. I trust my team to take ownership of decisions in their areas, encouraging them to lead within their roles.
Curiosity is a core part of our culture. We ask questions, challenge assumptions, and stay open to new ideas. Feedback is continuous, constructive, and always forward-looking. Above all, I ensure our work is driven by purpose. Even as tools and methods evolve, our ‘why’ remains constant, to design with integrity and impact.
How do you stay aligned with industry trends to guide your organization forward?
I stay future-focused through a mix of interdisciplinary learning and ground-level observation. I read widely, across neuro science, behavioral economics, climate science, and emerging tech, because design today draws from multiple fields.
Global engagement is equally important. Participating in international conferences, juries, and think-tanks allows me to benchmark ideas and anticipate what’s next. Teaching and mentoring students keeps my thinking agile. Their curiosity and bold questions challenge conventional frameworks and push creative boundaries.
Technology is another key driver. We're developing platforms like Xylem, which uses AI to support participatory urban design. Building such tools ensures we're
My involvement in academia continues to be deeply rewarding. Mentoring future architects, guiding research, and contributing to curri-culum development keeps me connected to emerging ideas and fresh perspectives.
Being recognized by Forbes India as one of the Top 30 Architects in 2021 was a proud moment. Most recently, launching Xylem, an AI-driven urban design platform, marks a new chapter, one focused on democratizing and reimagining how cities are shaped.
We design for people, for joy, dignity, and longevity, whether it's a compact home or a large-scale urban pro-ject, and that’s the future we’re heading toward
How would you describe your approach to leadership?
My Leadership approach is grounded in collaboration, empathy, and purpose. I see leadership not as directing, but as enabling, creating a space where people can do their best work with clarity and confidence. I lead with a 'people first' mindset. Architecture is ultimately about improving lives, so empathy, for the user, the client, and the team, is central to every decision I make. I also believe in empowering autonomy. I trust my team to take ownership of decisions in their areas, encouraging them to lead within their roles.
Curiosity is a core part of our culture. We ask questions, challenge assumptions, and stay open to new ideas. Feedback is continuous, constructive, and always forward-looking. Above all, I ensure our work is driven by purpose. Even as tools and methods evolve, our ‘why’ remains constant, to design with integrity and impact.
How do you stay aligned with industry trends to guide your organization forward?
I stay future-focused through a mix of interdisciplinary learning and ground-level observation. I read widely, across neuro science, behavioral economics, climate science, and emerging tech, because design today draws from multiple fields.
Global engagement is equally important. Participating in international conferences, juries, and think-tanks allows me to benchmark ideas and anticipate what’s next. Teaching and mentoring students keeps my thinking agile. Their curiosity and bold questions challenge conventional frameworks and push creative boundaries.
Technology is another key driver. We're developing platforms like Xylem, which uses AI to support participatory urban design. Building such tools ensures we're
not just adapting to change, we're helping shape it.
Finally, I believe trends emerge from real life, not just media. Spending time in the spaces we design and listening to users provides invaluable insight into what people truly need and how they live.
What future vision are you working toward at Urban Frame?
At Urban Frame, our future is anchored in the belief that design is a civic responsibility. We aim to move beyond individual buildings to shape entire ecosystems that enhance quality of life.
A major focus is on AI-augmented design. We’re building platforms that democratize access to design knowledge, tools that are inclusive, interactive, and scalable for planners, designers, and citizens alike. Sustain ability remains core to our vision. From passive design to regenerative land scapes, we’re committed to creating climate-positive urban interventions.
Our global-local approach is a core pillar of our practice. With deep roots in India and an expanding footprint in New York, we aim to seamlessly integrate global insights with local context and cultural nuances.
Above all, we design for people, for joy, dignity, and longevity, whether it's a compact home or a large-scale urban project. That’s the future we’re heading toward.
What advice would you offer to emerging leaders in architecture and design?
Lead with clarity and kindness. In a world full of noise, what we need are leaders who can think clearly, act with empathy, and bring people together with purpose. Be willing to unlearn. The best leaders evolve faster than the systems they operate in. Staying adaptable is key to staying relevant.
Relationships are everything. This field is built on trust, reputation, and long-term collaboration. Quick wins fade, but strong partnerships endure. Stay curious and humble. Expertise can turn into a limitation if you stop questioning your self. Keep asking, 'What am I missing?
And most importantly, rethink what success means. Don’t just focus on buildings, focus on building culture, community, resilience, and futures that truly matter. That’s where real leadership begins.
Dr Anup Naik, Founder & CEO, Urban Frame
Dr Anup Naik is the Founder and CEO of Urban Frame Pvt Ltd, an architect and urban designer with over 28 years of global experience. A sustainability advocate, academic, and Smart City advisor, he integrates user-centric, climate responsive design with emerging technologies to shape inclusive and future-ready urban environ-ments.
Finally, I believe trends emerge from real life, not just media. Spending time in the spaces we design and listening to users provides invaluable insight into what people truly need and how they live.
What future vision are you working toward at Urban Frame?
At Urban Frame, our future is anchored in the belief that design is a civic responsibility. We aim to move beyond individual buildings to shape entire ecosystems that enhance quality of life.
A major focus is on AI-augmented design. We’re building platforms that democratize access to design knowledge, tools that are inclusive, interactive, and scalable for planners, designers, and citizens alike. Sustain ability remains core to our vision. From passive design to regenerative land scapes, we’re committed to creating climate-positive urban interventions.
Our global-local approach is a core pillar of our practice. With deep roots in India and an expanding footprint in New York, we aim to seamlessly integrate global insights with local context and cultural nuances.
Above all, we design for people, for joy, dignity, and longevity, whether it's a compact home or a large-scale urban project. That’s the future we’re heading toward.
What advice would you offer to emerging leaders in architecture and design?
Lead with clarity and kindness. In a world full of noise, what we need are leaders who can think clearly, act with empathy, and bring people together with purpose. Be willing to unlearn. The best leaders evolve faster than the systems they operate in. Staying adaptable is key to staying relevant.
Relationships are everything. This field is built on trust, reputation, and long-term collaboration. Quick wins fade, but strong partnerships endure. Stay curious and humble. Expertise can turn into a limitation if you stop questioning your self. Keep asking, 'What am I missing?
And most importantly, rethink what success means. Don’t just focus on buildings, focus on building culture, community, resilience, and futures that truly matter. That’s where real leadership begins.
Dr Anup Naik, Founder & CEO, Urban Frame
Dr Anup Naik is the Founder and CEO of Urban Frame Pvt Ltd, an architect and urban designer with over 28 years of global experience. A sustainability advocate, academic, and Smart City advisor, he integrates user-centric, climate responsive design with emerging technologies to shape inclusive and future-ready urban environ-ments.