Stapati: The Vision Behind Calicut's Upcoming World Trade Centre (image/stapati.com)

What does it mean to design with purpose? For Stapati, the architecture firm helming the upcoming World Trade Centre in Calicut, it’s about crafting stories in stone, glass, and green—rooted in context, elevated by innovation.

Founded in 1989 by architect Tony Joseph, Stapati began as a small practice in Calicut with a big vision: to create architecture that speaks to its environment, its people, and its time. The name “Stapati”, derived from Sanskrit, meaning “master craftsman”, perfectly encapsulates the studio’s ethos—a dedication to artistry, precision, and meaningful design.

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Over the past 35 years, Stapati has grown into one of India’s most respected architectural firms, with offices in Cochin, Bangalore, and Dubai. The firm’s evolution mirrors that of its founder—a quiet force, always pushing the boundaries of contextual design without ever losing sight of its roots.

Now, with the announcement of the World Trade Centre in Calicut—a landmark development by the HiLite Group—Stapati’s journey comes full circle, returning to the city where it all began, but on a scale never seen before in Kerala. Stapati edged out a major competitor to win HiLite’s majestic World Trade Centre project. They are also partnering with HiLite on the mighty Olympus project, currently.

Stapati’s past projects demonstrate a consistent ability to marry heritage and sustainability with modernity:

Hi-Lite Atlantis, a sprawling residential project, integrates nature into everyday life, turning housing into a holistic habitat.

Ko.Co. (Kottayam Company) breathes new life into a 150-year-old residence, transforming it into a celebrated culinary space while preserving its heritage fabric.

Malabar Headquarters in Calicut turns a sloping site into a cascading architectural narrative, respecting the terrain and enhancing functionality. A “benchmark for large corporate office design, skilfully responding to the challenges of its sloping site,” is what Joseph had called it.

Kopitiam Lah in Bangalore brings Malaysian coffeehouse culture to India in an intimate, culturally immersive design.

“Our approach ensures each project harmonises with its surroundings while meeting the client’s vision. Thoughtful material selection, energy efficiency, and minimal environmental impact shape our design philosophy,” observed CEO and Design Director George Seemon.

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More than just an architectural firm, Stapati is evolving into a multidisciplinary design house. With VANAM, its landscape division, and SMARAM, its furniture line, the firm extends its ethos of craftsmanship beyond buildings into natural and interior spaces.

As Stapati looks ahead, with projects like the World Trade Centre and beyond, its focus remains on responsible, sustainable, and human-centered design. At a time when architecture can so easily tip into spectacle, Stapati reminds us of its deeper calling—to connect, to contextualize, and to care.