Ar. Ajay S. Thomare is the coordinator of the postgraduate program in Environmental Architecture at IDEAS. A post-graduate in Environmental Planning from CEPT University, Ahmedabad (1996), he brings over two decades of dedicated academic and professional experience rooted in sustainability, rural development, and traditional building practices.

Deeply connected to nature, Ar. Thomare has extensively traveled through rural India and worked alongside various NGOs focused on tribal and community upliftment. He is a founder, executive member, and treasurer of Sampoorna Bamboo Kendra, Melghat — an NGO that promotes bamboo as a sustainable resource for construction and handicrafts, especially among tribal communities like the Kolam, Korku, and Gond. His architectural projects often reflect a deep understanding of vernacular construction using soil, stone, and bamboo.

Ar. Thomare is widely recognized for his knowledge of traditional construction techniques and eco-sensitive solutions. He has conducted numerous workshops and guest lectures across institutions, emphasizing environmental sustainability, alternative materials, and the relevance of Indian vernacular wisdom. His personal lifestyle aligns with his teachings — embracing Indian festivals, healthy food practices, and environmentally conscious living.

Known for instilling critical thinking, logic, and ethical grounding in his students, Ar. Thomare’s teaching style nurtures not just competent professionals but responsible and compassionate human beings. His presence at IDEAS continues to inspire a new generation of architects to build with sensitivity — towards people, culture, and the planet.