After 22 Year Odyssey, Alumnus Riyhad Kundanmal Becomes Licensed Architect in India

School of Architecture alumnus Riyhad Kundanmal (BArch ’97) has become a licensed architect in India, after 22 years of lobbying the Council of Architecture in India and the Ministry of Human Resource Development. Through his efforts to add Woodbury University to the list of foreign universities accepted by the Indian Government, all Woodbury graduates are now recognized to practice architecture in India.

Riyhad’s story was recently featured in the Times of India. “Riyhad Kundanmal is quietly celebrating a personal victory,” the article states. “The well-known entrepreneur and polo aficionado is also an architect of repute. A member of the American Institute of Architects since 1998, Kundanmal has finally found success in getting his architect’s degree accepted by India. He graduated from the Woodbury School of Architecture in Burbank, California, in 1997, but the university was not recognized in India. The Act has finally been updated and the university has been given its due recognition.”

Riyhad has also been featured in Verve magazine for his work and achievements. “Riyhad’s architectural practice spans institutional work, homes and offices. He was holed up at the Woodbury University, California, for several years, but it isn’t as though it has been all work and no play. Having explored modeling for a bit, playing polo for the other bit, he was, however, very serious when he joined his father, Ramesh Kundanmal, in the family conglomerate encapsulating real estate development, automobile dealerships, property and estate collection and enhancement and paralegal services. From day one, Riyhad involved himself in the fields of designing, developing and selling boutique homes and properties.”

The news of Riyhad’s licensure is a significant personal and professional milestone. It also sets a historic, new precedent for alumni and students across India.