(Utkarsh Patel)

In the city of Surat often called the ‘city of gold’ for its prosperity and dynamism one name stands out prominently in the fields of architecture and interior design: Bankim Dave. He represents the third generation of a respected family legacy in the profession.

His father Tarun Dave was himself a well regarded architect whose practice spanned South Gujarat and Maharashtra. The family tradition was founded by his grandfather Ramanlal Dave who in 1949 established Surat’s first architectural firm, Ramanlal Dave & Sons. Ramanlal Dave is credited with designing the city’s first RCC (reinforced cement concrete) building, marking an important milestone in the region’s modern construction history.

Today Bankim Dave carries this heritage forward with exceptional skill and commitment. After completing his studies he joined his father’s firm in 1985 bringing a new dimension through specialised interior design expertise. With more than 35 years of experience Bankim Dave is also a government approved valuer.

His impressive portfolio includes highend bungalows, commercial complexes, hospitals, openair theatres and industrial buildings all delivered with consistent success. In the realm of luxury residential interiors especially Bankim Dave is recognised for his thoughtful and client-centred approach: he invests time in understanding each client’s lifestyle, family dynamics and personal sentiments, translating them into distinctive, bespoke living spaces. His firm Bankim Dave Architects is widely regarded as one of Surat’s leading architectural practices.

A natural perfectionist Bankim Dave is known for meticulous planning, regular site visits and a steadfast commitment to delivering projects on time and within budget. He maintains a strong interest in innovation and contemporary design trends. An articulate and considered speaker Bankim Dave has been actively involved with the Rotary Club since 1989 consistently maintaining 100% attendance and contribution.

His influence reaches far beyond Surat. As National President of the Institute of Indian Interior Designers (IIID) from 2010 to 2012 Bankim Dave strengthened the organisation’s governance, aligned the educational syllabus with international standards and organised numerous workshops and seminars. He worked diligently to help Indian interior design gain wider global recognition. Bankim Dave has also remained deeply engaged with bodies such as the Asia Pacific Space Designers Alliance (APSDA) and the Council of World Leaders in Interior Design (CWLID). More recently he served as a jury member for WADE Asia 2024 and his work has been honoured with awards including the Hermes and Iris Prizes.

Locally Bankim Dave has taught at Surat’s Sarvajanik College of Engineering and Technology (SCET) where he was greatly appreciated by students.

Bankim Dave does far more than design buildings and interiors; he helps turn people’s dreams and aspirations into reality. Across three generations the Dave family has made a lasting contribution to Surat’s architectural identity something the city can rightly take pride in.

(The writer is a prominent businessman, social worker and founder of khabarchhe.com)