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Overview

Our passion for sensitive design, and desire to give back to the community, drivesour conscience and creativity. We observe, engage and learn.

INI Design Studio is a multi-disciplinary, independently-owned collaborative design practice. Our expertise spans planning, architecture, engineering, and design-build services across various sectors within the sustainable built environment. Our partners—practicing professionals and technical experts—work collaboratively in a spirit of friendship.

"Our purpose is to create meaningful experiences through good design, shaping environments where people can live, learn, work, play, and thrive."

Burt Hill Legacy, 1936 - 2010

Our story began in the late 1990s when Jayesh Hariyani joined Burt Hill, a leading legacy design firm in the USA. Over the years, Burt Hill expanded into a top international design brand. Jayesh became a partner and served on the firm’s Board of Directors.

In December 2010, Burt Hill merged with Stantec, including Burt Hill’s India South- Asia operation. Stantec, founded in 1954, has since grown into a global community of approximately 22,000 professionals across 400+ locations on six continents.

Stantec trades on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol STN.

INI’s India Studio (formerly Burt Hill – Stantec) and INI Workshare Studio were established in mid-2007 with an idea of bringing international expertise with professionalism and design closer to the communities that we serve. In December 2015, Stantec’s India South-Asia operation was restructured along with the introduction of a new brand called INI Design Studio.

In 2016, INI acquired Sheth Techno, a legacy infrastructure planning and engineering firm, rebranding it as INI Infrastructure & Engineering. Sheth Techno was established in mid-1990 with idea of offering best sustainable engineering solutions to buildings and infrastructure sector.

Design Workshop in Mumbai for JSW Global HQ Project. Left to Right : Ar. Anton Germishuizen, Ar. Jayesh Hariyani, Mr. Sajjan Jindal, Ms. Tarini Jindal and Mrs. Sangita Jindal.

INI team, with its rich international experience and expertise dedicated to excellence in design, continues to deliver sustainable, cutting-edge designs with integrity, teamwork, and best practices—both in India and globally.

Design Workshop for a Pharmaceutical Project in India : Right to Left: Ar. Jayesh Hariyani and Ar. Koichi Kobayashi & Dr. Faruq Ahmed.

Our holistic approach integrates architecture, engineering, infrastructure engineering, urban design, regional planning, landscape design, interior design, and environmental sustainability, bridging the gap between developed and developing regions.

With firsthand experience in the practices and cultures of developed nations and a deep understanding of the realities in developing countries, we see design as a bridge that connects these two worlds—fostering unity, inclusivity, and progress while adapting to the evolving times.

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INI Timeline

Our Journey Towards the success...

THE START

It began in 1998 when Jayesh Hariyani, after practicing in India, UAE, and Switzerland, joined the USA-based legacy firm Burt Hill in Butler, PA. Between 1998 and 2007, Burt Hill rapidly expanded into a leading international design brand with offices across the USA and globally. A few years later, Jayesh became a partner and was elected to Burt
Hill’s Board of Directors.

2007 - BEGINNINGS IN INDIA

Jayesh, along with Bindu, established Burt Hill’s India/South Asia practice, with Bindu Hariyani joining as Director of Operations. Throughout this journey, Mr. Dick Rittelmann (former Chairman, Burt Hill), Ar. Pete Moriarty (President & CEO, Burt Hill), and Ar. Harry Gordon (Chairman, Burt Hill) played pivotal roles as true partners and mentors, helping lay a strong foundation for Burt Hill’s presence in India/South Asia.

2007-2010

The India/South Asia practice grew from a team of 3 to a thriving family of 50+, expanding its project footprint across India. During this period, the practice
diversified its expertise across multiple sectors, including regional and city planning, urban design, master planning of large mixed-use developments, residential, healthcare, hospitality, education, science & technology, and corporate-commercial projects.

2010-2011

A strategic merger with the global brand Stantec took place, integrating Burt Hill’s USA and international practice, including its India/South Asia operations, under a unified global identity as Stantec.

2011-2015

The India/South Asia practice grew from 50+ to 100+ professionals, expanding its geographic footprint while enhancing its expertise across additional sectors and services. This growth encompassed sectors such as Transportation, Airports, Civic &
Cultural projects, Industrial projects, and Infrastructure Planning.

2016

The India/South Asia practice underwent a strategic restructuring, leading to the introduction of a new brand—INI Design Studio—along with an ownership
realignment. This phase also saw the acquisition of Sheth Techno Consulting, a leading infrastructure and engineering firm in India, which was restructured and integrated as INI Infrastructure & Engineering Pvt. Ltd.

The INI family grew to 150+ members.

2016-2020

The INI Workshare brand was introduced, emphasizing a collaborative “workshare”
model for international projects and clients. This expansion also marked INI’s presence in two international locations—London & New Jersey.

During this period, INI emerged as a leading, award-winning design practice across India and internationally, with multiple offices and a rapidly growing portfolio of iconic and strategic projects. Notable projects include Shiv Nadar University (Greater Noida), Signature City (Bangalore), Kedarnath Redevelopment Master Plan, Aquatic Gallery at Science City, Rajkot Smart (Green) City Master Plan, Gujarat Technological University,
Belvedere Country Club (Shantigram), and Nasik Airport, among many others. INI was also recognized as “Firm of the Year” and received multiple national awards for design excellence.

2021

Ar. Jayesh Hariyani was honored with the prestigious FAIA (Fellow of the American Institute of Architects)—the highest recognition bestowed by the AIA. This esteemed fellowship is awarded through a rigorous evaluation process conducted by a distinguished international jury.

The Visakhapatnam Beachfront Redevelopment Project in Andhra Pradesh received the highest award for Best Waterfront Design, presented by Waterfront Excellence in Washington, D.C., for it’s resilient and sustainable design.

2022

INI Design Studio proudly celebrated its 15th anniversary, marking a legacy of delivering Integrated Ideas through a collaborative practice driven by extensive research and sustainability. The studio was once again honored as “Architectural Firm of the Year” by Realty+.

During this period, INI secured several iconic projects, including the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Campus (Hyderabad), a high-end high-rise signature residential tower at Ambli-Bopal, the Badrinath Redevelopment Masterplan, and a
high-rise private hospital campus in South Mumbai, among others

2023-24

INI achieved several significant milestones, securing iconic and prestigious projects, such as the Secretariat & Directorate Development and Unity Cultural Mall in Shillong, Meghalaya, Extended Temple Precinct Area Development of Shree Ambaji Mata Temple, Ahmedabad City Square, Bengaluru Football Stadium, and others. Strengthening international collaborations, INI joined forces with BIG Architects for the design of the Ahmedabad GA Terminal building.


INI also earned numerous national and international accolades, including LOOP Awards, World Architecture (WA) Awards, HUDCO Awards, MUSE, CWAB, and JK AYA, among others. INI’s innovative and impactful projects were featured widely in
print and digital media, such as ArchDaily, Designboom, Archello, and Architizer, elevating INI’s presence globally.


The INI family grew to 400+ members.

By Expertise

Commercial + Corporate + WorkPlace

Industrial

Civic + Culture + Museum

Sports + Rec. + Entertainment

Healthcare + Science Technology

Township + Neighborhood Design

Planning + Urban Design + Smart Cities

Residential

Transportation

Tourism

Education

Mix Use

Waterfront

INI Footprint

By Service

INI Milestone