As partners in life and practice, Sonali and Manit Rastogi have spent three decades redefining the possibilities of sustainable architecture. Together they founded Morphogenesis in New Delhi in 1996, and in 2026 the practice celebrates its 30th anniversary while continuing to lead the conversation around sustainability and future-focused design.

With offices across New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Bengaluru, Morphogenesis is guided by its S.O.U.L. philosophy, emphasising sustainability, optimisation, uniqueness and liveability. Sonali brings a deep interest in culture and urbanism, while Manit’s passion lies in nature and environmental design. The dialogue between these complementary perspectives has shaped a practice renowned for creating architecture that responds to both people and place.

Although their paths into architecture were different – Sonali growing up in a family of architects and designers, Manit in a family of engineers – they both pursued further studies at the Architectural Association in London. There, Sonali explored architectural theory and deconstructivism, while Manit developed an early interest in sustainable environmental design. Returning to India together, they established Morphogenesis, a name reflecting their ambition to create architecture through continual evolution and transformation.

Over the past 30 years, sustainability has remained the practice’s defining principle. Treating India’s diverse climates as a laboratory for innovation, Morphogenesis has developed sophisticated design methods that combine technology, research and decades of project data to create intelligent, environmentally responsive buildings across every scale.

Today, the practice works across master planning, smart cities, residential, hospitality, commercial, institutional, interior and landscape design throughout India and internationally, including projects in Bhutan, South Africa, Nepal, Bangladesh, the UAE, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.

Among its landmark projects are the Surat Diamond Bourse – the world’s largest office building and winner at the 2023 World Architecture Festival Awards – and International Tech Park Chennai, India’s first business park certified net zero for energy, water and waste by the IGBC. Other celebrated works include Pearl Academy in Jaipur, the Lodsi Community Project, the British School and YWCA in New Delhi, Zydus Headquarters in Ahmedabad and the Lalit Suri Hospitality Institute.

Morphogenesis has received hundreds of accolades, with Sonali and Manit the only Indian recipients of the Getz Award from the Singapore Institute of Architects. Today the practice comprises five offices, nine specialist practice areas and around 300 architects, more than half of whom are women.

As they increasingly focus on mentoring the next generation of leaders, Sonali and Manit continue to shape the future of architecture through innovation, collaboration and an unwavering commitment to sustainability. In recognition of their extraordinary contribution to design, Sonali and Manit Rastogi have been honoured as 2026 INDE.Awards Luminaries.

The Luminary category at the 2026 INDE.Awards is proudly partnered by Woven Image.