Ramprasad Akkisetti has made a significant impact in the field of architecture and art through his firm, CCBA Designs. As Founding Managing Director, alongside the late Prof. Christopher Benninger, Ramprasad played a crucial role in transforming CCBA Designs from a humble beginning into a recognized intellectual powerhouse in architecture and planning in India.

Originally studying medicine at AFMC, Ramprasad’s true passion for design emerged after meeting late Prof. Christopher Benninger, a renowned architect and planner from Harvard and MIT, leading him to drop out and shift his focus to architecture. Ramprasad Akkisetti co-founded CCBA Designs with him in 1995. With this, in the early years he also earned a Master’s in Psychology while also teaching at Fergusson College and authoring a book, Psychology for Beginners.

As Managing Director of CCBA Designs, Ramprasad has led the firm for nearly three decades, guiding its growth and success winning multiple prestigious awards, including the IIA Excellence in Architecture Award six times, the IIA Gold Medal, the Great Master Architect Award, and the American Institute of Architects Award and a nomination for the Aga Khan Awards for Architecture.

Ramprasad’s bond with his mentor, Prof. Benninger, has remained a key influence throughout his career. His global experiences travelling to over 50 countries, have shaped his design philosophy. He has led teams on major projects like IIT Hyderabad, IIM Calcutta, Azim Premji University, Bajaj Institute of Technology, the Supreme Court of Bhutan, and Lodha Belmondo, nurturing a workforce which upholds the highest standards of design excellence.

Beyond his architectural achievements, Ramprasad is deeply committed to education and mentorship. He has instituted several scholarships and gold medals in the honor of his late mentor Prof. Benninger, encouraging students to aim for excellence. He has authored Christopher Benninger: Architecture for Modern India, and also published Letters to a Young Architect, a bestseller translated into many languages.
In addition to his work in architecture, Ramprasad plays an active role in Pune’s artistic and cultural scene. He founded the India House Art Gallery, which fosters creative exchange and debate and promotes Indian art forms. He has revitalized mural painting, creating large works celebrating India’s cultural heritage. He also organizes an annual Film Festival on Architecture and Urbanism in Pune and runs the ‘Earth Matters Art Competition’, engaging over 3,000 students every year.

Today, Ramprasad continues to spearhead CCBA Designs, overseeing large projects and mentoring hundreds of creative professionals. His work and influence continue to shape the future of architecture and culture in India.