Podcast

Crafting Joy Through Architecture, Happiness, and Spirituality: An In-Depth Conversation with Ramprasad Akkisetti

In an enlightening session with  Mr. Ramprasad Akkisetti, the visionary managing director of CCBA Designs Pune, he shared a wealth of insights on the interplay between architecture, happiness, and spirituality. This podcast episode, part of the "Executive Harmony" series, delves deep into how purpose, creativity, humility, and thoughtful design shape not only structures but also the lives and minds of individuals and communities.

A Journey from Medicine to Architecture: Following the Heart’s Calling

Ramprasad’s extraordinary journey began in medicine at the Armed Forces Medical College. However, his true passion for design emerged, leading him to leave medicine mid-way and pursue architecture—a decision shaped profoundly by his mentor, Professor Christopher Beninger. To Ramprasad, happiness is fundamentally about being true to oneself and discovering the purpose of life. He emphasizes that happiness arises when one listens to their heart and aligns actions with one’s core values and goals.

His transition from a rigid career path to one of creative expression exemplifies intentional living—choosing paths aligned with inner calling rather than external expectations—an approach he advocates for a fulfilled life.

Architecture as a Craft of Purpose and Legacy

More than just creating buildings, Ramprasad sees architecture as a sacred craft that imbues spaces with soul and identity. He highlights the enormous responsibility architects bear, transforming a client’s vision—often involving significant financial stakes—into timeless, purposeful spaces that impact generations.

Ramprasad’s portfolio includes iconic projects like IIT Hyderabad, Azim Premji University, and the Supreme Court of Bhutan, illustrating his commitment to architectural excellence. He believes buildings should inspire and remain relevant and celebrated for decades—almost a century—underscoring the importance of sensitivity and longevity in design.

The Mentor’s Legacy: Humility as the Foundation of Greatness

A central theme throughout the conversation is the profound influence of Professor Christopher Beninger. Despite holding prestigious degrees from Harvard and MIT and a stellar academic career, Beninger’s humility and ability to connect with people from all walks of life left a lasting impression on Ramprasad. He asserts that humility grounds an individual, making learning a lifelong journey and encouraging openness to new intellectual experiences.

Ramprasad stresses that humility should be a fundamental lesson for students, nurturing growth and fostering an environment where creativity and knowledge flourish.

Cultural Inspirations: Lessons from France

Having traveled to over 55 countries, Ramprasad shares his admiration for France, particularly Paris, which he visits almost annually. He is inspired by how the French have preserved their history and culture, integrating it seamlessly into modern life. He references the Italian phrase la dolce vita—the beautiful life—which for the French includes good food, art, language, fashion, and community.

This admiration extends to the sweetness of the French language and respectful communication styles, emphasizing the importance of tone and expression in resolving conflicts and fostering harmony—lessons applicable beyond architecture to everyday life.

Mastering the Art of Letting Go

An insightful part of the discussion revolves around the art of letting go. Ramprasad highlights how modern life’s stress often stems from trying to control uncontrollable factors. He shares advice inspired partly by Jeff Bezos—stress arises when one attempts to manage elements beyond one’s control.

He urges individuals to prioritize goals carefully, avoid overburdening daily schedules, and embrace patience and flexibility. Letting go of failed relationships, unsuitable careers, and postponed voyages can reduce stress and create room for growth and creativity. His own calm approach exemplifies spacing life’s major events over a lifetime rather than rushing to cram experiences into a short span.

Creating Workspaces for Well-being

Ramprasad’s philosophy extends into his workplace design and culture. He describes his office environment as a place of meditation where silence and calmness prevail, despite housing 60 staff. His innovative policy of subsidizing employees’ home purchases within walking distance not only fosters loyalty but also enhances quality of life by saving commute time—freeing hours daily for personal and professional creativity.

His residential and working space, India House, blends living, working, and cultural appreciation into a peaceful, balanced environment, reflecting his holistic vision of wellbeing.

Designing Spaces for Happiness and Spiritual Connection

Ramprasad envisions buildings for happiness with amphibian spaces that merge indoors with outdoors, high ceilings, ample natural light, and detailed craftsmanship. He explains how architectural elements, such as double-height volumes and thoughtfully designed ceilings, evoke awe and release dopamine, directly affecting occupant happiness.

He underscores the importance of connecting buildings to nature through vistas and mitigating undesirable surroundings—opening views to rivers while shielding from unsightly sites—to create environments conducive to peace and reflection.

The Role of Spirituality in Creativity and Life Balance

When discussing spirituality, Ramprasad distinguishes it from religion, defining it as a personal connection to the unknown or a higher power, experienced through heartfelt rituals or devotion to one’s craft. He highlights that true spirituality is a lifelong habit, not a superficial task, and is essential for profound creativity and inner balance.

He shares examples of artists, musicians, and even a mother cooking with love, illustrating how spirituality nourishes dedication and excellence, culminating in mastery.

Community and Culture: Building Civilized Societies

Ramprasad expresses a dream to build barrier-free public libraries and performance centers that nurture culture, literacy, and community unity. He laments the absence of accessible city libraries in many Indian cities—a stark contrast with cities like New York where anyone can stroll into libraries freely. Similarly, performance spaces for music, dance, and art are vital for cultural enrichment and civic pride.

His efforts include instituting scholarships and awards to honor mentors and foster future generations of architects and creators, reflecting his commitment to education and social development.

Thoughtful Reflections and Rapid Fire Insights

The podcast’s rapid-fire segment offers personal glimpses into Ramprasad’s creative life:

• His defining architectural element is the central space that ties the whole structure together.

• When creatively stuck, he takes walks to free his mind and keeps multiple projects progressing simultaneously.

• Favorite architectural cities include Paris and New York, celebrated for their irreplaceable cultural heritage.

• His most emotionally dear project is India House, his home and studio.

• He favors integrating Indian miniature paintings into designs for their narrative depth.

• Glass as a building material poses challenges in India’s climate, requiring sensitive use.

• His mentor’s advice is to be a good person first, a great architect second.

Legacy and Message for Future Generations

Closing the conversation, Ramprasad shares a powerful message inspired by Jonas Salk, the polio vaccine inventor: “What sort of ancestors are we to our next generation?” He urges all to protect the environment and ethical values for future inhabitants of the planet.

He also calls for education that fosters questioning and critical thinking, essential for social progress, warning that passivity and corruption flourish in the absence of inquiry.

This extended dialogue with Ramprasad Akkisetti is not only a masterclass in architecture but a heartfelt exploration of how purpose, humility, creativity, and spirituality intertwine to craft joyful, meaningful lives and communities. It offers timeless wisdom for anyone seeking to live and work with intention and grace.

For those inspired by this conversation, the full podcast and more discussions on happiness and spirituality are available on the youtibe link above.