In the heart of Haldwani, Uttarakhand, a legacy of architecture and design has been shaping landscapes for nearly five decades. Singh and Associates, founded in 1974 by Sri Anand Singh, continues to thrive under the leadership of Ar. Dhara Thakur, a third-generation entrepreneur carrying forward a tradition of excellence, innovation, and trust.
Dhara’s journey into architecture was almost destined. Born into a family deeply rooted in construction and design—her grandfather a pioneer, her father a civil engineer—she grew up surrounded by blueprints, construction sites, and conversations about quality craftsmanship. By the age of 22, she joined the family business, bringing with her a fresh perspective as an architect determined to merge traditional expertise with modern design thinking.
Today, Singh and Associates is a leading architectural consultancy firm, serving clients across four states—Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Punjab. Its impressive clientele includes industry leaders like Parle Agro, HDFC Bank, Punjab National Bank, Canara Bank, Bank of Baroda, and LIC Housing Finance, reflecting the firm’s reputation for reliability and excellence.
The firm’s work transcends mere building design—it’s about improving lives. Through thoughtful architecture, Singh and Associates enhances quality of living, creating comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing spaces. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in designs that incorporate natural lighting, ventilation, and energy-efficient layouts, promoting eco-friendly living and contributing to a greener future.
At the core of the firm’s operations is a problem-solving mindset. They tackle issues such as poor space utilization, lack of energy efficiency, and the challenge of navigating complex regulatory approvals. By offering services like 3D visualization, structural design, and end-to-end regulatory support, Singh and Associates ensures that clients receive not just plans but practical, future-ready solutions.
Dhara’s leadership has not been without challenges. In the early days, earning client trust in a small city was difficult—many preferred traditional contractors over professional architects. Budget constraints in initial projects tested her creativity, while navigating bureaucratic red tape required persistence and strategic thinking. Overcoming these hurdles taught her valuable lessons about patience, adaptability, and the importance of building relationships.
Her personality traits have been instrumental in the firm’s success. A detail-oriented problem solver, a good listener, and a calm, reliable leader, Dhara has fostered a culture of collaboration and excellence within her team. Her growth mindset ensures that the firm stays ahead of the curve, embracing new technologies like virtual reality walkthroughs to give clients immersive experiences.
Looking to the future, Singh and Associates aims to expand further across North India, adopt smart technologies like VR in design, and actively contribute to the green building movement. Their vision is clear: to remain a trusted partner in urban development while championing sustainable, innovative architecture.
Dhara’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet powerful: “Don’t give up. Trust, consistency, and a commitment to your vision will carry you through.”
Singh and Associates stands as a testament to how family values, professional expertise, and modern innovation can come together to create not just buildings, but legacies.
