Our Founders
Our Legacy
Founded in 1963, 63 years ago, by Late Dr. Rasvihari Vakil, Dr. Mahendra Mehta & Late Mr. Ramesh Sheth, VMS has thrived under the values they instilled. Their vision has guided us through evolving market, societal, and economic dynamics.
Based on our founders’ vision, we are rooted in these themes:
- Quality orientation, rigor & research-based practices
- Prioritizing client interests over financial considerations
- High ethical standards and integrity
- Simplicity & economy of means
- Responsible stewardship of natural resources
- Training and mentoring young professionals
- Providing a great work environment
- Knowledge sharing and dissemination
- Lifelong learning & continuing education
- Collaborative spirit and teamwork
- Making meaningful contributions to our professions
- Engaging in activities that benefit society
Our Founders
Meet the founders of VMS Consultants, whose vision, expertise, and values built a strong foundation and continue to guide our approach to quality, integrity, and client-focused work today.
Late Dr. Rasvihari Vakil
Dr. Rasvihari Vakil was a renowned engineering professional, an academician and an institution builder. After earning a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, he worked with Ammann & Whitney Consulting Engineers in New York. He also taught at Washington University, University of Wisconsin, Columbia University and Pratt Institute.
Dr. Vakil was one of the founders of Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology (CEPT University) and served the institute for 50 years out of which last 30 years were as its Honorary Director. Under his leadership CEPT grew from an architecture school to an internationally renowned university offering Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral programs in design, technology, planning and management. He was also active in the advancement of technical and science education as well as in the advancement of the engineering profession. He founded and mentored many citizen/social organizations.
Dr. Mahendra Mehta
Nationally renowned Structural Engineering expert with many iconic and landmark projects to his credit, Dr. Mahendra Mehta has a special ability to utilize computer programming to solve complex engineering problems. He has developed numerous codes for design of chimneys, floor plates, dynamic machinery foundations, etc. As a strong advocate of automation, he has helped VMS with development of many software applications for improving quality and productivity of routine engineering processes. He ensured that VMS stayed ahead on the technology curve at all times.
Many social and non-profit organizations are thankful to him for lending his expertise for building their facilities. Dr. Mehta holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois and a Master’s in Civil Engineering from Purdue University.
Late Mr. Ramesh Sheth
In a long and productive career of 50 years, Mr. Ramesh Sheth consulted for over one thousand projects and built a loyal client base for VMS. He had a substantial experience with projects in the Middle East and Africa. Mr. Sheth contributed to several innovations in steel design for industrial projects in India.
A generation of engineering professionals owes their mentoring and career development to Mr. Sheth. He held a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from the University of Bombay and a Master’s in Civil Engineering from Stanford University. He worked for Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM) in San Francisco before returning to India and founding VMS.