Nath Rankothge and Associates ushers in a new era of architectural design to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has long been lauded as a bedrock of architectural splendour from the marvels of its ancient kingdoms to the birth place of Tropical Modernism. For Nath Rankothge, it’s an island of limitless global potential from which he is launching the new Colombo office of his international Architectural design firm Nath Rankothge & Associates (NRA).

Powered by a vision to deliver exceptional international projects that demonstrate pragmatic, strategic and visionary design excellence, with social and environmental concern, Nath is capitalising on his 12+ years of experience in the profession to lead the NRA Colombo Office, for exciting new projects and collaborations with local and international designers, clients, and investors.

Nath also plans to launch a Design Research Lab within the NRA Colombo Office, “to test concepts, materials, and technologies, whilst collaborating, mentoring, and learning together with the next generation of designers, engineers, artists, planners, builders, and entrepreneurs.”

Nath draws on his deep experience working in senior roles for some of the world’s leading Architectural Firms such as SOM in New York, Aukette Swanke in London, Balmond Studio in Colombo (For the ‘Cinnamon Life’ project), UNStudio in Shanghai, and Andrew Burns Architects in Sydney, encompassing over 20 notable projects in 12 countries. He is also engaged as a Consulting Partner at YI Architects in Chengdu, China, working on exciting projects in China and overseas.

Nath’s first major foray into the Sri Lankan market was with Aarunya Nature Resort & Spa (www.aaruyaresort.com), an international award winning collection of luxury private mountain villas, surrounded by spice and tea gardens, overlooking the UNESCO Natural World Heritage listed Knuckles Mountain Range. 

As a Founder and Executive Director of Aarunya, Nath has engaged a design-build-own-operate model for Aarunya that has to date received seven major international awards since opening in 2018, including Asia’s Leading Boutique Resort 2020, and Sri Lanka’s Leading Boutique Hotel 2020 in the 27th Annual World Travel Awards, Luxury Mountain Hotel Global Winner in the 2019 World Luxury Hotel Awards, and 2020 Mountain Resort Global Winner by Galatian Signature Hotels.

Speaking about his experience in Sri Lanka, Nath said, “There is space for Sri Lankan design to mature, inspire, and participate on an international stage, by drawing on its rich heritage and international influences – through experimentation, innovation, international collaborations, and inspiring, visionary clients and designers willing to take calculated risks for a greater purpose.”

NRA is currently engaged in a spectrum of unique local and international projects, from boutique houses and office fit-outs, to larger scale mixed-use developments, and innovative city master plans. “The post-pandemic era will bring renewed energy for different ways of living, working, and recreation, and NRA is excited about shaping this future positively,” avers Nath.

As a first for the industry, NRA will also allocate revenue from its projects for CSR development projects in Sri Lanka, to be carried out through its Design Research Lab, including designing and building innovative structures and infrastructure for disadvantaged and under-served communities that have limited access to resources and opportunities.

The NRA Design Research Lab will push boundaries for a new era of architectural production; an incubator of sorts for innovative ideas blending local architectural materials and techniques with international expertise and panache.

Overall, NRA aims to bring a fresh approach to Sri Lankan clients, design and construction, drawing on a fusion of international and local expertise, with a highly experienced integrated design team capable of delivering exceptional local and international projects. 

NRA’s team of design professionals include architects, interior designers, design and project managers, landscape architects, artists, engineers and consultants, who bring unparalleled expertise to Sri Lanka with an adaptive, futuristic design vision, an eye for quality vis-à-vis details and pragmatism.

Nath proclaims, “I am committed to working with visionary clients from individuals, to multinational corporations and governments who share a passion to improve quality and create value through synergistic ideas, good design and excellent execution.”