Ar. Dhruv Phadke
Director Solespace Architects
Architecture plays a defining role in shaping human experience and the future of our planet, demanding environments that are resilient, functional, and meaningfully connected to their communities—beyond aesthetics, toward lasting purpose. Within this vision, Ar. Dhruv Phadke, Director of Solespace Architects, charts a considered path that prioritises enduring impact over fleeting impressions, and human legacy over short-term acclaim.
As a second-generation leader stewarding a 31-year practice, Ar. Dhruv Phadke carries forward deeply rooted values with hands-on experience spanning residential interiors and landmark public projects such as the PCMC Fire Fighting Headquarters, where safety and public trust are paramount.
The Genesis of a Partnership Built on Principle
Founded in 1994, Solespace Architects was built on a belief that extended beyond construction, one that viewed architecture as purposeful, responsible, and meaningful. Guided by this human-centric ethos, founders Ar. Shashank Phadke and Ar. Manisha Phadke established a practice rooted in integrity, shaping the evolving fabric of the PCMC region from the very first drawing.
In its early years, the firm operated with hands-on resilience, as the founders personally handled drawings, site coordination, and client relationships despite limited resources. Guided by quality, technical clarity, and unwavering ethics-not marketing -they built enduring trust with clients and the community.
Ar. Shashank Phadke
Public & Institutional Architecture
Ar. Shashank Phadke has played a leading role in delivering institutional landmarks such as Symbiosis Skills & Professional University in Kiwale and Symbiosis University of Applied Sciences, while also guiding large-scale public housing projects, including PMAY townships at Pimpri, Borhadewadi, and Akurdi.
Ar. Manisha Phadke Interior Architecture & Special Design
Ar. Manisha Phadke has led a diverse body of work spanning multiple jewellery showrooms, including all PNG Brothers outlets, along with corporate offices, sales offices, and sample flats for leading developers. Her portfolio also encompasses a wide spectrum of residential interiors, ranging from compact apartments to high-end bungalows.
From Legacy to Leadership
Now led by its second generation, Solespace Architects operates under Ar. Dhruv Phadke with a leadership approach rooted in legacy and articulated through a contemporary design vision. His work across public infrastructure, institutional. Campuses and façade-driven urban projects reflect a practice that balances modern execution with civic responsibility, guided by the firm’s long-standing values of trust, consistency, and accountability across PCMC, Chakan, and Talegaon. Raised amidst design discussions & client meetings, Ar. Dhruv Phadke learned early that architecture is inseparable from responsibility. Stepping into leadership clarified the weight of carrying forward a 31-year practice with integrity. Taking full accountability for large-scale public projects reinforced a defining belief: architecture is accountability, where every
decision carries lasting implications for safety, function, and public trust. Independent commissions further shaped a design voice that is contemporary in expression, yet grounded in honesty, efficiency, and respect for the end user.
Under his leadership, Solespace follows a design framework refined through on-ground experience and adapted for contemporary public and community architecture-prioritising functional clarity, technical integration, and human-centric detailing. Complex, multi-agency environments have shaped the proprietary Solespace Coordination Grid, enabling disciplined execution within demanding timelines.
Reinforced by a climate-resilient philosophy shaped by PCMC’s monsoon-summer extremes, the practice remains anchored to a simple principle: good architecture serves people.
“ARCHITECTURE IS ACCOUNTABILITY. EVERY DECISION CARRIES CONSEQUENCES.”
Ar. Dhruv Phadke’s work is defined by design-led problem solving across public infrastructure and institutional architecture. From planning PCMC’s firefighting infrastructure, including a 5.5-acre headquarters and multiple stations, to academic campuses & façade-driven urban projects, his approach is guided by spatial logic, operational clarity, and climate. Response. Across scales, the practice prioritises functional intelligence, technical integration & architecture conceived as a system, not an object.
When every square foot must perform?
Oriana World in Tathawade became a rigorous test of design intelligence under real-world constraints. Conceived as a first large-scale development, the project required precise optimisation—integrating circulation, orientation, UDCPR compliance, amenities, ventilation, and facade identity through an iterative process guided by a simple mandate: every square foot must perform. The result was a residential environment that balanced efficiency with livability, underscoring the practice’s ability to resolve complexity through coordinated, design-led decision-making.
Designed as one system, not a collection of towers
Sanctum is conceived as a living system rather than a conventional residential development. Structured on a pure square grid, the design enables dual-aspect homes, abundant daylight, and natural cross-ventilation—achieving sustainability through spatial logic rather than technology. Across 13 acres, a low-density masterplan positions seven towers to enhance airflow, privacy, and landscape continuity, while integrating lake runoff to strengthen the microclimate.
Functionality defines the project’s social and spatial experience. A 4.5-metre-high deck acts as a vertical courtyard, while a landscaped sky bridge connects the towers to encourage movement and community. Rooted in orientation, zoning, and ecology, the design demonstrates a simple principle: when performance is resolved with intent, beauty follows naturally.
Recent Recognitions 2025
- Winner in architecture & Interior Design – Design Awards India
- Innovative Architect of the Year 2025 – The Maharashtra Business Awards 2025
- The Excellence in Public Infrastructure Design Award – COA (Cluster of Achievers)
THE SOLESPACE JOURNEY Measured in Impact
- 31+ YEARS OF PRACTICE: A legacy shaped in PCMC since 1994, now entering its 2nd generation of leadership.
- 8CR+ SQ. FT. OF DESIGNED BUILT—UP AREA: A significant footprint across public infrastructure, institutional campuses, housing developments, and urban projects.
- 350+ COMPLETED PROJECTS: An impact was created across the city with projects of various sizes and uses.
- 150+ STRONG DIVERSIFIED CLIENT BASE: Trusted by the public as well as the private sectors for quality and defined, timely execution
- 4 SPECIALISED VERTICALS: From architectural planning to interior designing to project management to graphical visualisations.
- 2 GENERATIONAL EXPERTISE: A 2-generational architectural practice combining expertise and dynamism
- 90%+ REPEAT OR REFERRAL CLIENTS: The ultimate testament of long-term trust, delivery consistency & client satisfaction
Designing Impact Beyond Buildings
Beyond architectural practice, Ar. Dhruv Phadke is actively engaged in environmental advocacy, education, and community leadership. He is the founder of Planet Untamed and Eco Gecko, initiatives focused on wildlife awareness, biodiversity education, and conservation-driven learning for children and communities. His work also extends to on-ground wildlife rescue and awareness efforts. Within Rotary, he served as the Charter Chairman of the Rotary Satellite Club of Eco Activists and as the District Environment Chairman for Rotary Green Friday under Rotary District 3131, driving sustainability-led action, policy awareness, and grassroots environmental initiatives alongside his professional work.
Solespace Architects treats client partnership as a disciplined, ethical process built on clarity, collaboration, and compliance. Transparent communication, defined scopes, and coordinated delivery ensure client intent remains central, while decades of public-sector experience make regulatory rigor non-negotiable, reflected in a 90%+ repeat and referral rate. Looking ahead, the practice aims to strengthen its role in public infrastructure and institutional design while expanding nationally with purpose and a focus on climate-responsive urban environments.
An Open Letter to the Next Generation of Architects
To everyone stepping into the world of architecture, design, or any creative profession,
Here is what I’ve learned on my journey, and what I hope helps guide yours.
Fall in love with the process, not just the final building.
Value the sketches, late-night revisions, and collaborative sparks with your team, for meaning lies in this layered, human work.
Draw with clarity before confidence, asking “why” until your purpose is solid. This clarity guides everyone who trusts you.
Use tools like AI and BIM as partners, never replacing your critical eye or compassionate heart.
Listen deeply to clients, communities, and spaces; Empathy is your strongest design skill.
Treat every project with care, build with integrity, and embrace the responsibility of shaping worlds that outlast us as your true purpose.
And finally, be patient with yourself. Architecture is not a sprint; it’s a long, evolving journey. Grow slowly, learn continuously, and let your work reflect who you are becoming.
Wishing you courage, clarity, and creativity in everything you design
Warmly,
Ar. Dhruv Phadke
Director, Solespace Architects
Key Takeaways:
- Design is a responsibility, not just a service; buildings outlive us and shape communities.
- Fall in love with the process; the journey is as meaningful as the finished structure.
- Build clarity in your vision before confidence in your presentation. It anchors every decision.
- Use technology to enhance creativity, not replace foundational principles.
- Listen with empathy, great design solves human needs, not just aesthetic ones.
- Integrity is your most durable material to build trust through transparency and consistency.
