H ardik Mavadia, founder of Prakalp Designs, is redefining urban planning by bridging infrastructure and policy gaps. With a legacy in city planning, he focuses on inclusive, sustainable, and resilient development. His startup’s client-centric approach, innovative solutions, and flexibility have positioned it as a key player in India’s urban transformation.
In a world where rapid urbanization often outpaces thoughtful planning, Hardik Mavadia, an urban planner with over 12 years of experience, is on a mission to create cities that are not just functional but inclusive, sustainable, and resilient. As the founder of Prakalp Designsand Managing Partner at DDIIPL (Dharmesh Deshani Infratech India Pvt. Ltd.), Hardik is redefining urban development in India by bridging gaps in infrastructure, policy, and community engagement.
But what sets Hardik apart isn’t just his impressive professional credentials—it’s his deep-rooted passion for urban planning, a legacy passed down through generations, and his unwavering commitment to solving real-world challenges.
Hardik’s journey into urban planning wasn’t just a career choice—it was a calling.
“Urban planning has been a part of my family legacy,” he shares. “My father, grandfather, and even my great-grandfather served as urban planners during the British era. This generational connection has instilled in me a profound respect for shaping cities and communities.”
With a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and postgraduate qualifications in Infrastructure Management, Urban Planning, and International Housing and Urban Development, Hardik’s academic background laid a strong foundation for his career.
His professional experience includes collaborating with nine State Governments in India and contributing to projects with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
Yet, it was the rapid and often unplanned development in India that truly inspired him to take the entrepreneurial leap.
“While growth is essential, it’s equally critical to ensure that this development is planned sensitively, comprehensively, and inclusively,” he explains.
Hardik’s entrepreneurial journey began with a clear vision: to address the gaps in urban planning consultancy.
“One of the key challenges we observed was the dominance of large consulting firms, particularly the Big 4, which made it difficult for smaller players to break into the government consultancy space,” he recalls.
To overcome this, Hardik and his team adopted a unique approach. They focused on offering tailored, forward-thinking solutions and ensuring a high level of accessibility and engagement with their clients. This strategy paid off when they secured their first work order from a small urban local body (ULB) in Gujarat.
“We introduced a handholding support model, where we provide end-to-end assistance to our clients,” Hardik explains. “By being available to them 24/7, we ensure that projects move forward smoothly and efficiently.”
DDIIPLstands out in the crowded urban planning space through its holistic approach to problem-solving. The startup offers a wide range of services, including:
“We don’t just focus on isolated aspects of urban development,” Hardik says. “Instead, we provide end-to-end solutions that are tailored to the unique challenges of each project.”
This client-centric approach, combined with a commitment to innovation, has earned DDIIPL a reputation for delivering high-quality, impactful solutions.
Like any startup, DDIIPL faced its share of challenges.
“One of the most significant hurdles was managing finances and cash flow, particularly due to delayed payments,” Hardik recalls.
To navigate this, he leveraged his professional network and sought support from trusted contacts.
“My learnings from NALSAR, particularly in understanding financial frameworks, helped me identify potential bottlenecks in advance,” he adds.
The startup’s resilience paid off with two major milestones:
At the heart of DDIIPL is a unique company culture built on flexibility, trust, and ownership.
“We believe in empowering our employees by giving them the autonomy to manage their tasks and timelines without micromanagement,” Hardik explains.
This approach has created a workplace that balances productivity with personal well-being.
“In our office, you’ll often find employees sipping their favorite coffee while listening to their preferred music,” he says. “This blend of a chilled-out atmosphere and a leadership-nurturing culture enhances creativity and efficiency.”
Hardik’s vision for the future is ambitious yet grounded.
“In the next five years, we aim to grow our team from 63 to 250+ talented professionals,” he shares. “We also plan to establish our first overseas office and be listed on the NSE/BSE by 2031.”
The startup is also keenly focused on integrating climate resilience and sustainability into its projects, aligning with global trends and addressing the urgent need for environmentally conscious urban development.
Hardik’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet profound:
“Don’t rush. Don’t expect to be a millionaire or billionaire overnight. This is a process that needs patience and hard work. There’s no magic—just grinding,” he emphasizes.
Reflecting on his journey, Hardik acknowledges that he would have taken a more measured approach to decision-making.
“Looking back, I would have been more rational and less impulsive,” he admits.
Hardik’s journey wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the support of his family and team.
“The story will be incomplete without thanking my parents, my elder sister Jahnavi, my wife Khushali, and my brother, friend, and partner Dharmesh Deshani,” he says.
Hardik Mavadia’s journey from urban planner to entrepreneur is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and purpose. Through DDIIPL& Prakalp Designs, he is not just building cities—he’s creating inclusive, sustainable spaces that improve lives.
As DDIIPL continues to grow and innovate, one thing is clear: the future of urban development is in capable hands.
To learn more about Prakalp Designsand follow their journey, visit Hardik Mavadia’s LinkedInprofile or connect with him on Instagram. Let’s build better cities, together!
I am an entrepreneur, marketer, and mentor with a certification in entrepreneurship from IIT Delhi, one of the most prestigious institutions in India. I have a passion for connecting businesses with their ideal customers, solving real-world problems, and inspiring the next generation of founders.I founded and lead DevoByte, a digital marketing agency that provides a range of services, from SEO a
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