Himachal Architect Nand Lal Chandel Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award

Nand Lal Chandel, a distinguished architect from Himachal Pradesh, has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award–2026 at the ICI–UltraTech Structure Awards. With a career spanning over four decades, Chandel has contributed to the planning and design of over 3,000 projects, significantly impacting the state's architectural landscape. The award ceremony, attended by notable figures, recognized his exceptional work in architecture and infrastructure development. Chandel's journey includes various prestigious roles and accolades, showcasing his dedication to the field. This latest honor further cements his legacy in the architectural community.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 14, 2026, 14:02 IST

Celebrating Architectural Excellence

Munish Sood

Shimla: Renowned architect Nand Lal Chandel from Himachal Pradesh has been awarded the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award–2026 for his exceptional contributions to architecture. The recognition took place during the ICI–UltraTech Structure Awards 2026, hosted at the Radisson Hotel Jass in Shimla on Friday evening.

The event was organized by the Indian Concrete Institute (ICI), Shimla Centre, in collaboration with UltraTech Cement Limited. Dr. Prabodh Saxena (IAS), the Chairman of Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) and former Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Aditi Chauhan served as the Guest of Honour. The ceremony also included a technical presentation on 'RCC Corrosion in India: Mechanisms, Codal Provisions, and the Realities of Structural Degradation.'

Chandel, who previously held the position of Architect-in-Chief at the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD), is now the Founder and Design Director of V3 Design Studio in Mandi. With a career spanning over four decades, he has significantly impacted architectural planning, infrastructure development, and landscape design throughout the state.

A notable aspect of his career is his involvement in the planning, design, and detailing of over 3,000 projects during his tenure at the PWD. His portfolio includes residential, institutional, and public buildings across six government departments, showcasing both contemporary and traditional architectural styles that harmonize with Himachal's unique geography and local materials.

Born on September 2, 1964, in a remote area of Bilaspur district, Chandel earned his Diploma in Architectural Assistantship from Government Polytechnic College, Sundernagar, in 1984, as part of its inaugural graduating class. He completed his undergraduate degree in 1992 and later obtained a Master’s in Landscape Architecture from the School of Planning and Architecture in New Delhi in 1995, graduating with first division honors. During his postgraduate studies, he also received an international award in a competition held in Taiwan.

Chandel's professional journey commenced with the PWD in 1984. He later contributed to the Shimla Development Authority, where he played a key role in the planning and design of the Commercial Complex at Kasumpti and the New Shimla Development Plan. From 1986 to 1996, he worked with the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board, contributing to various hydroelectric projects, including the design of powerhouses, office and residential complexes, rest houses, and landscape development.

Throughout his career, he has held various positions within the PWD, including Assistant Architect, Architect, Senior Architect, Chief Architect, and Architect-in-Chief.

In addition to his professional duties, Chandel has held significant roles in prominent architectural and engineering institutions. He served as an Executive Committee member of the Council of Architecture in New Delhi, nominated by the Himachal Pradesh Government. He was the Immediate Past Chairman of the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), Himachal Pradesh Chapter, for the terms 2020–23 and 2023–26, and is currently an Executive Committee member of the National Council of IIA.

Chandel is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers (India), a Chartered Architectural Engineer, and currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Indian Concrete Institute, Shimla Centre. He has also contributed to architectural education as a visiting faculty member, external thesis expert, and mentor to architecture students. He was a member of the Board of Studies for Bachelor of Architecture at Himachal Pradesh Technical University, Hamirpur.

Among his other accolades, Chandel received the Pahari Nirman Shaili Sanrakshan Sammaan from Puratatwa Chetna Sangh, Mandi, in 2011. In March 2023, he was honored with the Eminent Engineering Personality award by the Institution of Engineers (India) at its 37th National Convention of the Architectural Engineers Division in Pune. He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Dev Bhoomi International Film Festival Management in 2026.

The recent honor from the Indian Concrete Institute and UltraTech Cement further acknowledges his remarkable professional journey and contributions to architecture and infrastructure development in Himachal Pradesh.