Why Steel is the Future of Architecture in India

Noor Lohaar

COA, IIV, IIA, CEng. AMIE, IGBC.

Mega Food Park (Thesis Project – 2020)

Completed as part of the B. Arch degree, this project in Rohtak, Haryana, involved designing a masterplan for a 50-acre site integrating industrial and food processing units.

Under the mentorship of Ar. Gaurav Agarwal, the focus was on achieving functional optimization by aligning industrial workflows with sustainable architectural practices. The design balanced operational efficiency with environmental responsibility, incorporating green spaces and energy-efficient systems to enhance long-term viability.

Dissertation: Structural Materials Study (2023)

Part of the M. Tech degree program, this research conducted in Lucknow under Er. Prakhar Duggal investigated the structural differences between steel and traditional construction materials.

The study developed a comparative framework evaluating durability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact. The findings offer guidance for selecting materials in industrial and commercial construction, promoting sustainable and economical building practices.

Structural Independent Research (2022)

Also completed during the M. Tech degree, this research supervised by Dr. Priyanka Singh was published in the Industrial Engineering Journal (ISSN: 0970-2555).

It explored innovative techniques to accelerate industrial construction projects by reducing timelines without compromising quality and safety standards, enhancing project efficiency and cost management in industrial engineering.

Noor Lohaar

COA, IIV, IIA, CEng. AMIE, IGBC.

ZONASA ASKEW Convention

Manav Rachna University – 2016

Participated in national student-led design challenges under the NASA (National Association of Students of Architecture) framework, fostering collaboration, creativity, and architectural ideation among emerging professionals.

Laurie Baker Centre Program

Laurie Baker Centre, Kerala – 2017

Hands-on workshop exploring cost-effective, environmentally conscious building techniques inspired by Laurie Baker’s legacy. Emphasis was placed on sustainable materials, vernacular methods, and human-centred architecture.

ARCHADE Workshop

Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad – 2018

Focused on the technical aspects of architectural planning, with in-depth sessions on detailing, construction documentation, and real-world design applications for residential and commercial projects.

Entrepreneurship in Construction

IIM Kashipur (FIED – “VIKAS” Program) – 2021

Participated in an advanced entrepreneurship program aimed at innovators in the built environment. Gained practical insights into start-up leadership, project financing, and sustainable construction enterprise development.

Guest Lecture: Introduction to Modular Construction

Amity University – 2021

Delivered an expert session on modular construction technologies for architecture and civil engineering students. Discussed emerging trends, prefabrication methods, and structural benefits of modular systems in urban development.

Noor Lohaar

COA, IIV, IIA, CEng. AMIE, IGBC.

Founder & CEO

Naqqash Design Studio Pvt. Ltd. – Delhi NCR
January 2025 – Present

As the Founder and CEO of Naqqash Design Studio, Noor leads a forward-thinking design-build practice focused on steel architecture and structural innovation. The studio operates at the intersection of creativity, engineering, and sustainability—delivering high-performance spaces for industrial, commercial, and civic sectors.

Key Highlights:

• Established the studio with a clear design philosophy: “Design and Build using Steel”.
• Oversees all operations, from concept development to execution and delivery.
• Leads multi-disciplinary teams across architecture, engineering, and project management.
• Cultivates long-term partnerships with industry stakeholders and government bodies.
• Champions modular construction, prefabrication, and environmentally responsive design.

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Lohaar Engineering and Construction Pvt. Ltd. – Greater Noida
January 2024 – December 2024

Promoted to COO after proving technical and strategic capabilities as a structural designer. Managed large-scale industrial and infrastructure projects across North India while modernizing internal workflows and adopting advanced construction methodologies.

Key Contributions:

• Supervised company-wide operations, procurement, and construction workflows.
• Played a pivotal role in project planning, budgeting, and execution strategy.
• Drove innovation by integrating BIM, modular systems, and new-age materials.
• Helped position Lohaar as a leading turnkey construction provider.

Structural Design Engineer

Lohaar Engineering and Construction Pvt. Ltd. – Greater Noida
August 2020 – December 2023

Started as a structural designer right after completing academic training. Focused on steel design for industrial projects, working hands-on with drawing sets, load calculations, and structural analysis.

Technical Responsibilities:

• Designed steel structures using STAAD.Pro and AutoCAD based on Indian and international codes.
• Produced detailed fabrication, erection, and working drawings using Tekla.
• Carried out load analysis for wind, seismic, live, and collateral factors.
• Ensured safety, serviceability, and cost-effectiveness in all delivered designs.
• Collaborated with architects, site engineers, and clients for smooth execution.

Assistant Architect & Structural Engineer

Notion Consulting Engineers – Ghaziabad
January 2021 – December 2023

Worked on a wide array of projects from residential to industrial, gaining in-depth exposure to real-time engineering coordination and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities:

• Supported design teams in structural calculations and architectural planning.
• Assisted in preparing technical documentation and presentation materials.
• Attended client meetings and coordinated on-site requirements.

Trainee Architect

Building Point – Kashipur
June 2019 – December 2019

Interned during architectural studies, where early professional exposure helped solidify practical understanding of site workflows, drafting protocols, and design tools.

Responsibilities:

• Assisted with CAD drafting, 3D visualizations, and on-site measurements.
• Gained insight into real-world project coordination and execution.

Noor Lohaar

COA, IIV, IIA, CEng. AMIE, IGBC.

Design & Drafting Tools

• AutoCAD – Proficient in creating precise 2D architectural and structural drawings, construction documents, and technical layouts adhering to industry standards.
• SketchUp – Skilled in 3D conceptual modelling and spatial visualization to support design development and client presentations.
• Adobe Photoshop – Utilized for enhancing renderings, preparing presentation boards, and producing high-impact visual communications.

3D Visualization & BIM

• Revit Architecture (BIM) – Experienced in parametric modelling, comprehensive construction documentation, and multidisciplinary coordination for architecture and structural engineering.
• Lumion – Advanced in photorealistic rendering, animations, and immersive walkthroughs to convey design intent effectively.

Structural Analysis & Detailing

• STAAD.Pro – Applied structural analysis and design of steel, RCC, and composite structures under various load conditions including seismic and wind.
• ETABS – Used for multi-story building performance analysis focusing on lateral load resistance and compliance with design codes.
• Tekla Structures – Expertise in steel detailing, 3D modelling, fabrication drawings, and clash-free shop documentation for seamless construction execution.

Project & Workflow Management

• MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) – For documentation, scheduling, data analysis, and reporting.
• Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) – Enables cloud-based collaboration, real-time document sharing, and team coordination.
• Primavera P6 – Skilled in project scheduling, resource management, and progress monitoring for complex construction projects.
• Microsoft Project – Experienced in task planning, Gantt chart creation, and critical path method (CPM) for efficient project delivery.
• CRM Platforms (e.g., Zoho, HubSpot) – Used for managing client relationships, project proposals, and communication workflows.

Noor Lohaar

COA, IIV, IIA, CEng. AMIE, IGBC.

Professional Memberships

• ➤Council of Architecture (CA/2020/122631)
  Registered Architect certified by the statutory body governing architectural practice in India.
• ➤Associate Member, Institution of Engineers (AM3146225)
  Member of a premier professional organization focused on engineering disciplines across India, supporting continuous technical development.
• ➤Associate Member, Indian Institute of Architects (Membership No. 29570)
  Affiliated with India’s national body for architects, promoting architectural education, ethics, and professional standards.
• ➤Member, Indian Green Building Council (IGBCCS230280)
  Part of a leading council dedicated to sustainable building practices and green architecture initiatives in India.
• ➤Member, Indian Association of Structural Engineers
  Engaged with a community of structural engineering professionals to stay updated on latest research, codes, and practices.
• ➤Registered Valuer, Institution of Valuers (IOV RVF)
  Certified valuer specializing in construction and real estate asset valuation, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Noor Lohaar

COA, IIV, IIA, CEng. AMIE, IGBC.

Architectural Portfolio Highlights

As an Architect focused on purposeful design and technical expertise, I create spaces that balance functionality, user experience, and aesthetics. Leveraging a strong foundation in architecture and structural engineering, I utilize advanced tools like SketchUp, AutoCAD, Revit (BIM), and Lumion to combine design innovation with engineering precision, delivering projects that are both visually striking and structurally sound.

Completed Projects

• Tata Motors Showroom, Shahjahanpur, UP — Sleek design with optimized customer flow.
• Luxury Resort, Ramnagar, Uttarakhand — Nature-integrated, sustainable villas.
• Group Housing Villas, Kashipur — Private, harmonious gated community.
• Corporate Office, Lucknow — Energy-efficient steel-concrete composite structure.
• Food Processing Industry, Lucknow — Workflow-optimized industrial facility.

Structural Engineering Portfolio

As an experienced Structural Engineer specializing in Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEBs), R.C.C. frame systems, and composite structures, I emphasize functional safety, material efficiency, and strict code compliance to deliver durable and sustainable structures. I apply advanced software tools such as STAAD.Pro, Tekla, AutoCAD, and Revit, while adhering to key standards including IS 800, AISC, and MBMA to ensure precision and reliability in all projects.

Completed Projects

Industrial Structures

• 567-ton Glass Manufacturing Plant – Roorkee.
• 570-ton PET Fibre Plant with mezzanine floors – Kashipur.
• Multi-use Distillery unit Building designed per IS 800 – Ghazipur.
• 303-ton Manufacturing line Building supporting 10-ton EOT cranes – Rajasthan.

Residential & Commercial Structures:

• Seismic-resistant Resort Building – Ramnagar.
• Group Housing Villa Project emphasizing luxury and functionality – Kashipur.
• Multi-use Distillery unit Building designed per IS 800 – Ghazipur.
• Multi-storey Composite Office Building with steel frame and concrete shear cores – Lucknow.

Academic Projects & Research

Completed Projects

• Architecture Thesis (2020): Mega Food Park, Rohtak — Sustainable industrial design. (Supervisor: Ar. Gaurav Agarwal)
• Structural Dissertation (2023): Steel vs Traditional Materials — Durability and efficiency study. (Supervisor: Er. Prakhar Duggal)
• Independent Study (2022): Industrial Project Construction — Published research on efficiency. (Supervisor: Dr. Priyanka Singh)

Noor Lohaar

COA, IIV, IIA, CEng. AMIE, IGBC.

Founder Biography

Noor is a licensed Architect, accomplished Structural Engineer, and a certified Construction Project Management Consultant, with a rich academic foundation including a Bachelors in Architecture B. Arch and M. Tech in Structural Engineering and MBA in Construction Project Management from the RICS School of Built Environment, Amity University Noida, India.

He founded Naqqash Design Studio Pvt. Ltd. as a specialized architectural consultancy firm, focused solely on design and consultancy services—offering expertise in Architecture, Interior design, Structural engineering (both Steel and RCC), Sustainable design, and Project management consultancy. The firm maintains a clear boundary from construction execution, emphasizing pure design integrity and technical excellence.

Before launching Naqqash, Noor served as Chief Operating Officer at Lohaar Engineering and Construction Pvt. Ltd. solely a Design-Build agency, where he led high-impact Industrial, Commercial, Residential, Public and Infrastructure projects across India. His experience in leading diverse teams and managing complex deliverables continues to shape Naqqash’s approach to precision and performance.

Today, Noor’s blends such as innovative design thinking, engineering depth, and strategic project leadership are good enough to deliver the spaces that are not just built—but thoughtfully envisioned.