As India’s architectural sector grapples with rising environmental accountability and mounting commercial pressures, the long-standing question of whether sustainability can coexist with profitability took centre stage at Architects & Interiors, Design & Debate, Pune on January 23, 2026. The event, hosted at the Sheraton Grand, Pune, convened senior architects, consultants, environmental experts, and corporate leaders to examine one of the industry’s most pressing dilemmas: how to embed sustainable practices into architectural design without eroding economic feasibility. AluK, a global leader in aluminium window and door systems, participated as the Associate Partner for the Debate.
The discourse was anchored by an address from Mr. Umesh Kothawade, Founder and Chairman of Vasudha Group, who framed sustainability as a strategic imperative rather than a discretionary add-on. Calling for a recalibration of design priorities, he argued that environmentally responsible architecture is no longer a moral luxury but a business necessity, one that determines long-term relevance in a rapidly evolving built environment.
Taking the conversation from principle to practice, the session moved into a structured debate moderated by Mr. Ramprasad Akkisetti, Founding Managing Director of CCBA Designs. The debate featured a panel of seasoned professionals representing diverse segments of the construction and design ecosystem. The panellists included Mr. Madhav Vasant Hundekar, Director, Mitimitra Consultants Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Mehul Parikh, President – Customer Service Group, CC Business, Pidilite; Dr. Poorva Keskar, Director, VKe Environmental; Mr. Prasanna Desai, Practising Architect, Urban Designer, Director and Professor at PVP College of Architecture, Pune; Mr. Tushar Kothawade, Co-founder, Studio Infinity; and Mr. Vikas Achalkar, Co-founder and Principal Architect, A&T Consultants, and Chairman of the IIA Pune Centre (2023–2025).
The panel’s deliberations reflected the complexity of the challenge ahead. Discussions ranged from regulatory constraints to end-user education and lifecycle costing, revealing an industry caught between aspiration and execution. Yet, a recurring theme emerged: sustainability and profitability are no longer mutually exclusive, but increasingly interlinked through smarter design decisions and system-led thinking.
Recognising the role of industry leadership in advancing this dialogue, Mr. Debashis Roy, Zonal Sales Head – West and National Head of Strategic Project Sales at AluK, felicitated the panellists with mementoes, acknowledging their contribution to shaping industry perspectives.
The conversation widened further with a Next-Gen Panel, spotlighting emerging voices who are redefining architectural priorities. Featuring Mr. Abhay Tiwari, Director – Work Dynamics, JLL; Ms. Anuja Pandit, Director, Sunil Patil Associates Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Jay Kinra, Managing Director, JKIN Group; Mr. Nakul Rege, Principal Architect, Urban Tree; and Ms. Suhani Lal Sanghra, Principal Architect, Space Design, the session underscored a generational shift. For these professionals, sustainability is not an obstacle to profitability but a baseline expectation and, increasingly, a competitive advantage.
Reinforcing its engagement with the architectural fraternity, AluK also delivered a partner presentation led by Mr. Debashis Roy, outlining the company’s approach to system aluminium solutions designed for modern, minimalist architecture. The presentation highlighted AluK’s focus on performance, durability, and design efficiency, attributes that align sustainability with long-term economic value.
As architecture navigates a decisive moment shaped by climate responsibility and market realities, forums such as Design & Debate - Pune Edition signal the industry’s readiness to confront difficult questions. For AluK, the dialogue extends beyond a single event. With a growing footprint across India and the SAARC region, the company continues to advocate a future where sustainability and profitability operate not at odds, but in strategic alignment.
