Vinu Daniel

Vinu Daniel is the founder of Wallmakers, an architectural practice established in 2007, dedicated to sustainable, cost-effective and context-responsive architecture. A graduate of the College of Engineering, Trivandrum (2005), he began his career with the Auroville Earth Institute, working on UNDP Post-Tsunami reconstruction. Driven by the belief that architecture must question not just what we build, but whether we need to build at all, Daniel champions the innovative use of locally available materials and construction waste. His practice has pioneered techniques such as Debris Walls and Shuttered Debris Walls, transforming discarded materials into architectural possibilities. His accolades include the prestigious Royal Academy Dorfman Award (2022), ArchDaily’s 20 Young Practices of 2020 selection, and Wallpaper*’s Best Earth Builder Award (2023). Named to the TIME100 Next list in 2023, he also delivered a TED Talk in Vancouver and was appointed the Jørn Utzon Lecturer for 2025 at the Sydney Opera House.