Kishore Varanasi

 Kishore Varanasi is a designer, strategist and educator, profoundly shaping the future of our cities by making them more livable and resilient. He emphasizes the interplay between people and the planet, ensuring that urban environments are both socially equitable and environmentally resilient. His expertise in crafting human-centric and sustainable architecture reflects a deep commitment to creating cities that are functional, thriving, and adaptable. Varanasi's collaborative approach, involving a multiplicity of players, highlights his holistic and inclusive methodology, essential for addressing the complex challenges of modern urban development. An immigrant from a small town on India's eastern coast, Kishore's influence on Boston's built environment began during his graduate studies at MIT. His notable projects in the city, spanning nearly 500 acres, include Cambridge Crossing, Suffolk Downs, Bulfinch Crossing, Boston University Campus, Gillette Park at Fort Point Channel, the Blueway at New England Aquarium, and 585 Kendall. 

Kishore's expertise extends globally with impactful projects such as Masdar City, the Hudayriyat Island Master Plan, Ghadan 21 Climate Interventions, and Plan Capital 2040 in Abu Dhabi, as well as Lincoln Yards in Chicago, Durham ID, and the San Juan Waterfront. Kishore is a frequent critic and educator at esteemed institutions like MIT, Harvard, Yale, and the Boston Architectural College (BAC). He serves on the Van Alen Institute Climate Council, and the Boards of Trustees for BAC and Boston Harbor Now. His work has been honored by prestigious organizations including the American Institute of Architects, Rethinking the Future, World Architecture News, and the Urban Land Institute. Kishore has also served on numerous awards juries, including World Architecture News and ULI America's Excellence Awards.