Founder Magazine
In the vast and dynamic world of civil engineering and structural design, few stories resonate as powerfully as the entrepreneurial journey of Bhushan Vijay Thakkar. At the age of 31, Thakkar has not only established himself as a trusted name in the field of structural consultancy, but he has also built an organization that is reshaping the landscape of construction. His company, Hierarchy Structures, founded in 2021, is now a name synonymous with quality, innovation, and expertise. But the path to success wasn’t without its challenges.
A Strong Foundation: Early Years and Education
Born in 1994, Bhushan Vijay Thakkar’s journey into the world of engineering began at an early age. Growing up in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, he was always intrigued by the idea of how structures stood tall, defying gravity, and withstanding forces of nature. This curiosity would later fuel his passion for civil engineering.
Thakkar’s academic journey began at Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Engineering, where he completed his graduation in Civil Engineering in 2016. Realizing the importance of specialization, he pursued post-graduation in Structural Engineering from VIT University in Tamil Nadu in 2018, further honing his skills and understanding of the field.
During his academic tenure, Thakkar was driven by the desire to apply the theoretical principles of engineering to real-world challenges. He was particularly drawn to structural design – an area where his creativity and technical knowledge could come together to create something tangible.
The Professional Leap: Gaining Experience
After completing his education, Thakkar was eager to apply his learning in real-world projects. He joined some of the leading names in the structural consultancy world: JW Consultants in Pune, Sterling Engineering Consultancy Services in Mumbai, and WSP in Bangalore, a multinational engineering firm. His time at these organizations would serve as a crucial learning phase, where he was involved in some of the most prestigious projects in the country and abroad.
Among the notable projects that Thakkar worked on were:
- The Structural Audit of Antilia, the iconic residence of industrialist Mukesh Ambani, a project that tested his expertise and attention to detail.
- G+30 Storey Residential Towers, a project that required innovative solutions to accommodate complex structural needs.
- Military Campus – Riyadh, U.A.E., a large-scale international project that required him to adapt his skills to international standards.
Working on these prestigious projects, under the guidance of industry leaders, gave Thakkar invaluable experience. He learned not only the technical aspects of structural design but also the intricacies of client-consultant coordination, project management, and the importance of maintaining high standards in every aspect of the work.
The Birth of Hierarchy Structures
While Thakkar’s early career was marked by significant achievements and exposure to high-profile projects, he felt a growing desire to build something of his own. The idea of starting his own firm had been simmering in his mind for years, but the pandemic and the challenges it posed accelerated this vision.
In December 2021, Thakkar founded Hierarchy Structures with the goal of providing innovative and quality structural consultancy services to a wide array of clients. His motivation was simple – he wanted to apply his knowledge and skills more creatively and independently. With a small initial investment of 25 lakhs, and a vision to make an impact in the industry, Thakkar set out on his entrepreneurial journey.
The first few months were challenging, as the world was still reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Thakkar saw this as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. He began focusing on structural design for hospitals, an essential service in the wake of the pandemic. Hierarchy Structures completed over 100 projects within its first year of operation, including 25 hospital buildings, helping to address the urgent infrastructure needs of the healthcare sector.
By the end of the first year, Hierarchy Structures had already started working with some of India’s most respected government bodies, including the Military Engineering Services, Public Works Department, and BEML defense sector. This opened the doors to more high-profile projects, further cementing the company’s reputation in the industry.
The Impact of Hierarchy Structures on the Market
Hierarchy Structures is a consulting organization that has made a significant impact in the structural design industry. The firm’s core services include Structural Design & Drawings, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), Project Management & Supervision, MEP Services, and Peer Review. Each of these services is aimed at ensuring the safety, efficiency, and quality of buildings and infrastructure projects.
One of the key factors that set Hierarchy Structures apart from its competitors is its holistic approach to service delivery. The company’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP) lies in offering a one-stop solution for all civil engineering needs, from design to supervision to testing. This integrated approach saves clients time and energy, as they don’t need to coordinate with multiple contractors and consultants.
The firm’s commitment to using the latest technologies and techniques in its work has made it a preferred choice for clients. Additionally, its strong focus on quality, timely delivery, and customer satisfaction has allowed it to expand its reach, with the company currently providing services across 19 states in India and two countries abroad.
Overcoming Struggles and Scaling Success
Like any entrepreneur, Thakkar faced numerous struggles along the way. One of the initial challenges he encountered was managing resources effectively, especially as the business began to grow. Meeting tight deadlines and managing multiple projects at the same time posed significant difficulties. However, Thakkar’s solution to this problem was to categorize the company’s projects into three main sectors – Government, Private, and Industrial – and assign dedicated teams to each sector. This system allowed for better focus and efficiency, ensuring that each project was completed on time and to the highest standards.
Another key challenge was navigating the complex regulatory and compliance requirements in the structural consultancy industry. From obtaining the necessary licenses to setting up office infrastructure, these tasks required careful planning and execution. Thakkar emphasizes the importance of good communication skills and the ability to convince clients as essential traits for any entrepreneur. He believes that the ability to build strong relationships with clients and partners is crucial for the growth of any business.
The Role of Inspiration in Bhushan Thakkar’s Journey
Throughout his career, Thakkar has been fortunate to have had mentors who played pivotal roles in shaping his professional life. He credits Mr. Kamal Hadkar and Mr. S.B. Malekar, both of whom he worked with at Sterling Engineering Consultancy Services, for providing invaluable guidance. Their collective experience of nearly three decades in the industry helped Thakkar develop a deeper understanding of structural design and business management.
Thakkar also draws inspiration from Mr. Vinayak Diwan, his diploma project guide, who first piqued his interest in structural design during his early years in the field. It was Diwan’s passion and thorough approach that helped Thakkar develop a love for the subject, which eventually led him to pursue it as a career.
The Future of Hierarchy Structures
Looking ahead, Bhushan Vijay Thakkar envisions significant growth for Hierarchy Structures. The company has already begun expanding its footprint internationally, with ongoing collaborations in Africa. Thakkar’s goal is to build a global presence, offering structural consultancy services to clients across different continents.
The future prospects of the company are promising, especially as it continues to innovate and adopt the latest technologies. Hierarchy Structures is also focusing on diversifying its services, ensuring that it stays ahead of the curve in a highly competitive industry.
Awards and Recognition
The hard work and dedication of Bhushan Thakkar and his team have not gone unnoticed. In 2025, Hierarchy Structures was honored with the prestigious Blindwink – Indian Design Award, recognizing the company’s excellence in structural design and consultancy. This accolade further reinforces the company’s reputation as a leader in the field.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Thakkar’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and a never-give-up attitude. His advice to budding entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: “Always go back to the basics, understand the core principles of your field, and build strong relationships with clients and partners. Be patient, and trust the process.”
He believes that for anyone starting a business in the field of structural design, it is essential to have thorough knowledge of structural analysis and design principles, Indian Standards (I.S. Codes), and good communication skills. Above all, he advises entrepreneurs to build a strong team and boost their confidence, as success in the consultancy business is rarely a one-person job.
From a young engineering graduate in Kolhapur to the founder of a leading structural consultancy firm, Bhushan Vijay Thakkar’s story is a true inspiration. Through Hierarchy Structures, Thakkar has shown that with the right blend of technical expertise, strategic vision, and a relentless work ethic, one can turn dreams into reality. As the company continues to grow and evolve, the future looks bright for Thakkar and his team, and their journey is one that will undoubtedly inspire many others to take the entrepreneurial plunge.
