I. M. Kadri: Indian Architect and Civil Engineer
Iftikhar M. Kadri is an Indian architect & civil engineer. He is the founder of I. M. K Architects in the city of Mumbai, India. He is the Founder, Partner and Principal Architect of I. M. Kadri Architects. He successfully established his Architectural practice in Mumbai in 1960.
He has been a key figure in contributing to world renowned landmark buildings in several cities of India, United States, Russia, Middle East, Hong Kong & among others around the world. During his career of five decades, he has had an unrivalled commitment to professional aesthetics, competence and utility for his creations.
His worldโs highest stained glass mural, 135 feet tall, at the Ramada hotel, Dubai earned him entry in Guinness Book of Records.
He has been recognized as one of the most innovative Architects internationally. He has been bestowed with several personal and professional honours for his contribution to the field.
Early life and education
I.M. Kadri was born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India in 1929. He attended Jamia Millia Islamia University in Delhi and completed his civil engineering degree with honours at the Engineering College of the University of Pune in 1953.
Personal life
After completing his graduation, he married Vipula Kadri. She was a social worker from Karachi. They settled in New Delhi. The couple have 1 son & 2 daughters. His son is architect Rahul Kadri. He is also the principal architect and director of IMK Architects and daughters name are Isha Mehra and Mana Shetty (Sunil Shettyโs wife).
Career
In 1958, he started his architectural practice I.M.Kadri Architects in Churchgaten, Mumbai. Later he expanded his establishment to another company named Kadri Consultants Private Limited in 1971. Its head office was in Mumbai & was followed by branches in Bengaluru & Muscat.
In 1960โs he was selected as an architect to build Hilton Hotel in Worli, Mumbai. For that he was sent to world tour to study all Hiltonโs hotels around the globe. Unfortunately, the Bombay Hilton was never built. Later he went on to design many Taj hotels like Taj Mahal (Mansingh) and Taj Palace Hotels in New Delhi.
Shivsagar Estate, Nehru Center, Ceat Mahal, Happy Home and School for the Blind and Otterโs Club in Mumbai are some of his notable buildings designed by him.
The Government of Maharashtra appointed I.M. Kadri the Sheriff of Bombay for the 1994 term. The Government of Maharashtra also appointed him as a member of the Steering Committee on Slums in the year 1981 and as a member of the Executive Committee of the Bombay Metropolitan Region Development Authority in 1994.
He served as vice-president on the Board for the Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP)[20] formed in 2002.
Niyogi Publications published his book, The Architecture of I.M.Kadri in 2016.
Architectural Influences
At a young age, I.M. Kadri was largely influenced by the Diwanโs Bungalow in which he lived. The residence had a garden, terraces and apparent interwoven visual connections. It was situated in a century-old palatial haveli in the historical quarter of Ahmedabad. Kadri cites Mughal Architecture and calligraphy as influences, which can perhaps be seen in all his projects.
He was awarded a citation in 1993 as an Outstanding Architectural Engineer by the Institution of Engineers (India). He also won the Best Design Award at the International Competition for the Kowloon Mosque in Hong Kong.
Mr. Kadri was one of 17 architects world-wide invited to the Convention of World Architects held in Isfahan in 1970. He has also a member of the Joint Committee on tall Building, Lehigh University, U S A (under UNESCO).
Mr.Kadriโs has keen involvement in ocial welfare activities, housing the under-privileged sections of society and administrative experience.
He has been nominated by the Prime Minister of India as advisor in the Committee for the Exhibition on Islamic Heritage for the Centenary Celebrations of Hijri Era. He is honorary architect to the Government of Maharashtra. He is also a member of the High Power Steering Group for Slums and Dilapidated Houses in Mumbai.
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