Ar. Gopkumar was born on May 20, 1946. He graduated in architecture from college engineering Trivendrum with a Gold Medal in 1976. After graduation S. Gopkumar joined the world renowned Architect Padma Vibhushan Charles Correa and later become his associate.
In the year 1976 Ar. S. Gopkumar started Kumar Group Total Designer, a leading architectural firm in the country dealing with Architectural, Interiors and Landscape. A part designing many landmark building he has done many socially relevant projects for the Government.
Ar. S. Gopkumar actively involved in the activities in the India Institute of Architects since 1996. During his long association with IIA, he has served the Institute as Chairman of Cochin Centre and later as Chairman of Kerala Chapter. During his tenures he has instrumentalin organizing several states and national level events with meticulous planning and remarkable team. More importantly his initiative socially relevant projects like temporary acc modation for Gujrata earthquake victims are noteworthy.
His heart and mind however, always pushed him to do smothering for the city in which lives, Kochi. In the year 2009 he started not for profit organization called the Better Kochi Responses Group BKRG, consisting of Eminent citizen and professional from diverse fields to advice and provide expertise to the government for making Kochin a better city for its citizens. BKRG is responsible for some of the very prestigious projects being executed in Kochi like Vyttila Mobility Hub, world class public toilets in different locations, promotions of home vegetable gardens, among many others.
Ar.S. Gopakumar is also an equally accomplished artist and has organized many exhibitions including his own sole exhibitions of paintings. He is also the winner of the prestigious Lalithkaka Academy Award.
He is now ably succeeded by his son Ar. Anuj Gopakumar who is a partner and chief architect of Kumar Group Total Designers, the leading architecture form in Kochi, India.
In recognition and appreciation of his outstanding contribution to the field of Architecture, The Indian Institute of Architects takes great pride in presenting the IIA Baburao Mhatre Gold Medal to Ar. S. Gopakumar on this 12th day of July 2020 during the online IIA National Convention 2020.