Xerxes Rao is an architect and urban planner with over 15 years of experience in the field of architecture and urban planning. His experience spans the area of urban planning, urban governance, project management, community participation, capacity building, training and monitoring &evaluation of projects. Xerxes has a diversified skill-set developed over time and spanning from macro to micro management. Having gained experience in Germany and South Asian region in urban planning and management his work in India and Afghanistan has given him the technical experience in managing projects related to master plans, local area plans, capacity building, urban development policy, monitoring and evaluation of programs, project management support to various governments.
Xerxes has worked with various USAID projects in India and Afghanistan. He has been instrumental in leading the projects related to preparation of master plans for Mysore, Amritsar, Srinagar, Puducherry, Bharuch, etc. He has successfully led a team of 10 Urban Planners and GIS experts who are working with Naya Raipur Development Authority to implement the development plan and smart city proposals for Naya Raipur.
He has a wide and varied experience of working with projects funded by various multilateral agencies like World Bank, USAID, ADB and various national & international government organizations. He has actively participated in training of urban planners at the SIUD, Mysore.
Xerxes has completed his architecture from Vallabh Vidyanagar following which he attained his master’s degree from University of Stuttgart, Germany. He has also done his diploma in project management from IIMA. He is passionate about sustainable solutions for cities relating to land use plans, micro level plans, local economic development, environment issues which can be implemented and replicated by cities. Xerxes is an avid runner and an enthusiastic cyclist. xerxes@umcasia.org