Swapnil Patil
Architect - Urban Designer
Amid this expanding landscape, we are happy to present the relevant story of architecture firm Swapnil Patil & Partners (SPAP), a firm that has embraced the challenges and opportunities presented by this dynamic market. Combining modern technology with a commitment to people-centered design, SPAP is quietly shaping the future of India’s built environment. But this story of architectural impact is rooted in something far deeper than just blueprints and buildings. It is driven by a vision that founder Architect Swapnil Patil has carefully cultivated through his unique journey.
A Personal Path to Architectural Impact
Swapnil Patil’s story doesn’t start with just his large projects or prestigious awards; it begins with the experiences that shaped him as a person and an architect/urban designer. Before earning his degree in urban design from the University of California, Berkeley, Swapnil's early career was molded under the mentorship of legendary Architect Balkrishna Doshi. From Doshi, he learned the value of creating spaces that truly connect with their surroundings and the people who use them. “Architecture isn’t just about constructing buildings”, Swapnil recalls. “It’s about building environments where people feel comfortable, inspired, and connected”, he adds.
From there, he ventured into the fast-paced design world of the San Francisco Bay Area, then to the ambitious cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai to culminate his decade long journey in the profession. It was in these cities and working with multinational cultures, that his global experience was honed. While these environments were drastically different from each other, his guiding principle remained consistent: good design should emerge naturally from the environment, working with the grain of a place, not against it. Swapnil mentions, "Each project is unique because each place and each client is unique”. He explains. “Our job is to listen, to understand, and to create something that truly serves the people who will live or work there”.
This approach is the foundation of SPAP, the firm Swapnil founded to bring his vision to life. Today, SPAP is known for its work on super-specialty hospitals, educational campuses, and urban developments, projects that demand both beauty and practicality. Schools, in particular, hold a special place in Swapnil's heart. His time spent in a boarding school shaped his understanding of how deeply environments can impact a person’s development. He says, “A school isn’t just a place to learn facts. It’s where children’s values are shaped, where they learn how to engage with the world. That’s why designing schools is one of the most meaningful things we do”.
This sense of responsibility extends to SPAP’s work in healthcare as well. The firm designs hospitals with the belief that healing
spaces should evoke feelings of hope and belonging, rather than anxiety or discomfort. “A hospital can be an intimidating place”, he notes.
“But if we design it thoughtfully, with an eye on the human experience, we can create spaces that help people feel calm and cared for”.
Innovation with a Heart
The success of SPAP isn’t just about the firm’s design philosophy, though. A key part of its growth and impact has come from its ability to blend traditional architectural principles with cutting-edge technology. One of the most important tools in SPAP’s arsenal is Building Information Modeling (BIM), which allows the firm to create highly detailed 3D models that bring their projects to life even before construction begins. This technology enables SPAP to provide real-time cost estimates, make dynamic changes to drawings, and ensure that every detail is accounted for before a single brick is laid.
“We’re always looking for ways to make our processes more efficient and transparent,” Swapnil explains. “BIM allows us to give clients a clearer understanding of how their project will evolve, and it ensures that we can stick to budgets and time lines. But it’s not just about being efficient. It’s about creating better designs, too. When you have a tool like this, you can explore different ideas in a way that wasn’t possible before.”
Yet, while technology plays a key role in SPAP’s success, he is adamant that it’s the people behind the technology who truly make the difference. “You can’t replace human talent with software,” he says. “No matter how advanced our tools become, it’s our team’s creativity, insight, and dedication that make our projects special.” That’s why SPAP places such a strong emphasis on fostering a collaborative, open culture within the firm. Weekly design discussions, mentorship programs, and professional development opportunities ensure that everyone on the team - whether they’re new hires or seasoned architects - has a voice in shaping the firm’s future.
This flat organizational structure encourages creativity and collaboration, which Swapnil believes are essential to maintaining the firm’s competitive edge. He says, “We’re all constantly learning, and that’s how it should be. Architecture is always evolving, and so are we”.
Looking to the Future: Expanding Horizons
Over the years, SPAP has steadily expanded its portfolio, moving from master planning and large-scale urban design into more specialized sectors like healthcare, education, and senior living. Today, the firm’s projects are no longer confined to Pune, they stretch across Mumbai, Bangalore, and other regions, reflecting the geographic diversification and growing footprint of SPAP. But as the firm grows, Swapnil remains focused on the values that have always guided him: making a positive impact on people’s lives through thoughtful, well-executed design.
One area where he sees tremendous potential is in creating healthcare facilities in rural and under served areas. He says, “There’s a huge need for high-quality, affordable healthcare infrastructure in smaller towns and rural regions. These are places where good design can really make a difference, not just in how the buildings function, but in how they affect the community".
He is also excited about the firm’s work in senior living, an area that’s becoming increasingly important as India’s population ages. Swapnil shares, “Designing spaces for seniors is about more than just accessibility. It’s about creating environments that make people feel independent, safe, and valued”.
Looking ahead, Swapnil is confident that SPAP will continue to play a key role in shaping India’s architectural future. By staying true to its core principles - blending innovation with a deep respect for the human experience - he believes the firm is well-positioned to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. He says, “We’re always looking to push the envelope. But at the end of the day, our goal is simple: to create spaces where people can live, learn, heal, and thrive”.
“But if we design it thoughtfully, with an eye on the human experience, we can create spaces that help people feel calm and cared for”.
Innovation with a Heart
The success of SPAP isn’t just about the firm’s design philosophy, though. A key part of its growth and impact has come from its ability to blend traditional architectural principles with cutting-edge technology. One of the most important tools in SPAP’s arsenal is Building Information Modeling (BIM), which allows the firm to create highly detailed 3D models that bring their projects to life even before construction begins. This technology enables SPAP to provide real-time cost estimates, make dynamic changes to drawings, and ensure that every detail is accounted for before a single brick is laid.
The firm's dedication to human-centered design is evident across its diverse portfolio, which reflects a deep commitment to improving the quality of life through thoughtful, sustainable architecture
“We’re always looking for ways to make our processes more efficient and transparent,” Swapnil explains. “BIM allows us to give clients a clearer understanding of how their project will evolve, and it ensures that we can stick to budgets and time lines. But it’s not just about being efficient. It’s about creating better designs, too. When you have a tool like this, you can explore different ideas in a way that wasn’t possible before.”
Yet, while technology plays a key role in SPAP’s success, he is adamant that it’s the people behind the technology who truly make the difference. “You can’t replace human talent with software,” he says. “No matter how advanced our tools become, it’s our team’s creativity, insight, and dedication that make our projects special.” That’s why SPAP places such a strong emphasis on fostering a collaborative, open culture within the firm. Weekly design discussions, mentorship programs, and professional development opportunities ensure that everyone on the team - whether they’re new hires or seasoned architects - has a voice in shaping the firm’s future.
This flat organizational structure encourages creativity and collaboration, which Swapnil believes are essential to maintaining the firm’s competitive edge. He says, “We’re all constantly learning, and that’s how it should be. Architecture is always evolving, and so are we”.
Looking to the Future: Expanding Horizons
Over the years, SPAP has steadily expanded its portfolio, moving from master planning and large-scale urban design into more specialized sectors like healthcare, education, and senior living. Today, the firm’s projects are no longer confined to Pune, they stretch across Mumbai, Bangalore, and other regions, reflecting the geographic diversification and growing footprint of SPAP. But as the firm grows, Swapnil remains focused on the values that have always guided him: making a positive impact on people’s lives through thoughtful, well-executed design.
One area where he sees tremendous potential is in creating healthcare facilities in rural and under served areas. He says, “There’s a huge need for high-quality, affordable healthcare infrastructure in smaller towns and rural regions. These are places where good design can really make a difference, not just in how the buildings function, but in how they affect the community".
He is also excited about the firm’s work in senior living, an area that’s becoming increasingly important as India’s population ages. Swapnil shares, “Designing spaces for seniors is about more than just accessibility. It’s about creating environments that make people feel independent, safe, and valued”.
Looking ahead, Swapnil is confident that SPAP will continue to play a key role in shaping India’s architectural future. By staying true to its core principles - blending innovation with a deep respect for the human experience - he believes the firm is well-positioned to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. He says, “We’re always looking to push the envelope. But at the end of the day, our goal is simple: to create spaces where people can live, learn, heal, and thrive”.
