Dr. Hema R. Dudhwala

Architect & Urban Planner

dr.hema.dudhwala@gmail.com

"I started my journey as an architect and interior designer, completing 120+ creative projects in my first 10 years. Yet, something felt missing—a deeper purpose."

For the last two decades, I've worked with a mission: to bring dignity, design, and development to the most neglected communities. I use community participation, data-driven planning, and people-first policies to create real impact on the ground.

Inspired by Vipassana meditation, I've found inner strength and peace that fuels my work. I've voluntarily planned 25+ Vipassana centers across India—combining spirituality, sustainability, and service.

Experience

33 Years of Impact

Architecture & Interior126 projects (1992–2003)
Urban Planning & Mass Housing106 projects (2003–present)

Core Expertise

  • Slum-redevelopment policy & PMC
  • Community-participation housing models
  • Affordable-housing PPP & PMAY DPR leadership
  • Vernacular, thermally-comfortable design
  • GIS LID-UID surveys, MIS & data-warehouse tools

Education

Ph.D. Urban Planning

Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat

"Slum Improvement: Planning Strategies and Policy Using Analytical Method"

2014

M.E. Civil Engineering (Town & Regional Planning)

South Gujarat University, Surat

2001

B.Arch.

M.S. University, Baroda

1991

Leadership

AAPIL Planning Consultancy

Proprietor

Leading architectural and planning solutions

Consortium Consultancy

Director & Partner

Collaborative planning initiatives

SPRS Research Foundation

Founder & Principal

Poverty research and community participation

Research & Thought Leadership

  • Poverty research & land finance resource management
  • Community participation frameworks for slum upgrading
  • GIS LID-UID socio-economic surveys & MIS tools
  • Vernacular thermal-comfort design for meditation centres
  • PPP models for affordable housing
  • E-Tool development & technical assistance evaluation

Professional Memberships

Council of Architecture — CA/98/23267
Institute of Town Planners, India — F-2007-112 (Associate)
Indian Institute of Architects — Reg. No. 9236 (Life Member)
Indian Institute of Valuers — F-24832 (Life Member)
Indian Institute of Interior Designers — AM 1315 (Associate)
Indian Institute of Civil Engineers (Architect) — Life Member, Surat
The Chamber of Commerce, Surat — Associate Member

Contact

201 Asconcity Complex, Opp. Science Center

Citylight Main Road, City Light, Surat-395007