Chaitanya Korra, a sustainability-driven Indian American architect whose work is reshaping the landscape of clean energy infrastructure, has won the University of New Mexico Alumni Association’s Inspirational Young Alumni Award.
He will be recognized with eight other outstanding individuals at the association’s annual Alumni Awards Dinner on Feb. 26 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The event celebrates leadership, professional excellence and lifelong commitment to community and humanitarian values.
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Korea’s work bridges architecture, technology and environmental strategy, and he remains active as a researcher, speaker and mentor, His professional achievements and commitment to sustainability and innovation reflect the leadership and excellence honored by the Inspirational Young Alumnus Award, says the association.
Korra, who earned his Master of Architecture from UNM, has rapidly emerged as a pivotal figure in the circular economy. Currently serving as a senior design manager at Nevada-based Redwood Materials, he leads the end-to-end design for the nation’s first large-scale lithium-ion battery recycling facilities. His work is not merely about building structures; it is about creating the physical foundation for a sustainable, low-carbon future.
The Hyderabad, India native’s journey from the UNM American Institute of Architecture student to the forefront of global sustainability exemplifies the university’s mission.
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Before his current role, Korra refined his expertise at Amazon, where he helped develop net-zero carbon warehouse design standards. His colleagues and mentors describe him as a strategist who views architecture through the lens of resource efficiency and environmental stewardship.
“The achievements of our alumni represent the heartbeat of this institution,” said a representative for the UNM Alumni Association. “Chaitanya’s commitment to solving complex environmental challenges through design shows how our graduates are driving meaningful change on a global scale.”
For Korra, the award is a testament to a career that began in Albuquerque and now powers the clean energy transition across the country.
The Inspirational Young Alumni Award recognizes significant contributions by an individual, whether through professional achievement or community service. Recipients demonstrate a commitment to excellence in post-academic life and an ongoing commitment to professional work, research, multicultural relations and/or volunteerism, while being recognized as an emerging leader.