Darshan Vinod Parikh is an urban planner and project management professional with over 20 years of experience in areas such as disaster mitigation, urban infrastructure, and financial risk assessment. Darshan has led the CITIIS 2.0 program to enhance climate governance and managed the Patna Master Plan 2031. He has provided technical assistance for India's Smart City Mission, developed value-capture finance frameworks, and improved property tax collection systems. Darshans expertise also extends to Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects. Darshan has worked on urban planning in India and countries like Bangladesh, Botswana, Kenya, Nepal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Thailand.

As Director at CEPT Research and Development Foundation (CRDF), Darshan advises on strategy and oversees operational, financial, and policy implementation. He has also held roles at CRISIL Risk and Infrastructure Solutions Limited, Jacobs Engineering India, and the Environmental Planning Collaborative.

Darshan holds an Executive General Management degree from IIM Bangalore, a Master of Technology in Housing and Urban Planning from CEPT University, and a Master of Social Work and Bachelor of Science from Sardar Patel University.

An effective communicator, Darshan has presented on economic recovery post-disasters and organised conferences on urban infrastructure financing and disaster mitigation. With a background in urban planning and sustainable development, he continues to work on projects that enhance urban living and resilience.