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Pradip Thorat’s Journey From Rural Maharashtra to Global Building Automation

Pradip Thorat’s Journey From Rural Maharashtra to Global Building Automation
From Rural Maharashtra to Global Skylines: The Making of a Building-Automation Engineer · republicworld.com

Pradip Thorat is an engineer who helps large buildings use heating, cooling and control systems more effectively.

He began by designing cleaner cooking technology for rural families in Maharashtra.

Later, he worked on controls for hospitals, airports, schools, courthouses and other major buildings.

His jobs took him from India to projects across the United States and the Middle East.

He often improves old buildings instead of replacing every part.

This can save useful equipment and reduce waste.

Thorat also writes about building-system security, health, artificial intelligence and energy savings.

He has received professional recognition and published a book about building automation.

His career connects practical rural engineering with sophisticated systems used in global buildings.

Key facts

Early work
Developed wood-gasifier cookstoves and tested indoor air pollution for rural and semi-urban communities in Maharashtra.
Johnson Controls
Worked from 2007 to 2015, progressing from HVAC estimation to DDC system design, network architecture and commissioning.
Honeywell Automation
Served as Lead Engineer from 2016 to 2022 on HVAC and building-automation systems.
Current role
Joined NRG Controls as Senior Controls Specialist in April 2026.
Retrofit approach
Reuses existing field devices, wiring and panel enclosures when they remain serviceable.
Book
Published Building Automation System: Design, Integration and Practice in August 2026.
Credentials
Holds Fellowship of the Institution of Engineers (India), IEEE Senior Membership and a LEED Green Associate credential.

Quotes

Pradip Thorat

Building-automation engineer and controls specialist

“True engineering excellence in the modern era isn't just about making systems run. It's about anticipating how those systems will scale, defend themselves against operational failure, and reduce environmental load over a multi-decade life cycle.”
republicworld.com
“Every time I walk into an old mechanical room, I don't see an outdated building. I see an opportunity. Tearing it down and starting over is rarely the sustainable choice. My job is to make what already exists smarter.”
republicworld.com

Sources

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