Great Concordian: Cuckoo Kochar, the socially conscious property developer

Throughout his successful career as an engineer and real-estate developer, Cuckoo Kochar, MASc 78, has been grateful for the doors that Canada opened for him as an immigrant from India.

The Ottawa-based president and founder of DCR Phoenix Group began his career as a project designer and site engineer in Quebec, working on projects such as the hydraulics systems at Mirabel Airport and the infrastructure development of Mercier, a southwestern suburb of Montreal.

Kochar moved to Ottawa in 1977 to apply his experience to projects at the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. After more than a decade in leadership roles there, he founded his own company.

Kochar’s firm has since flourished to include construction, property management, commercial and rental development, hardwood and granite supply, and more. Sustainability and energy efficiency has become crucial to the company’s growth as well, a part of the business entrusted to Kochar’s son, Rahul.

DCR Phoenix pioneered the first net-zero residential development in Ottawa. A current project has it partnered with an Indigenous-led company out of Nunavut on a $100-million health-care facility in Ottawa that will service patients from the northern territory.

In 2013, Kochar and his company gave $1.2 million to Carlton University’s Faculty of Engineering and Design. The contribution established the Kochar Family Scholarships, aimed at exceptional engineering and architecture students from India.

At Concordia, Kochar teamed up with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations to co-fund a new academic position at the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science in 2021. The first visiting scholar, Rajiv Gupta, was a senior professor from Kochar’s alma mater in India — the prestigious Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, in Rajasthan.

“Bringing people together to work on projects that provide economic and social benefits for Canada is immensely satisfying,” says Kochar. “I’m hoping to encourage others to become ambassadors and give back as well.”

When you reflect on your time as a Concordia student, what stands out?

Cuckoo Kochar: I was fully engaged in my thesis work, juggling a full-time job while attending evening classes as a part-time student. Interactions with professors was very personalized, fostering a supportive learning environment. Dr. M.S. Nasser, my thesis advisor, provided invaluable mentorship.

Overall, I would say that my experience at Concordia was transformative, offering a rare blend of academic rigour and real-world applicability.

What are some of the factors that have enabled your success?

CK: I’ve always had an entrepreneurial streak and a willingness to take on risk. As I’ve built my company, I’ve tried to hire the best talent possible and then treat them well to ensure they feel invested in our success. I don’t lose employees. They stay with us because we look after them. We give them good salaries. We give them good benefits.

What advice do you have for students who may want to follow in your footsteps?

CK: It’s very important to cultivate good relationships with talented partners and to build trust as you work towards a common goal. This health-care project our company is developing in Ottawa with our partner in Nunavut is a good example.

There’s a tremendous amount of teamwork behind the scenes and a lot of planning, hard work and patience. And relationships are at the heart of that. When it all comes together, it’s a win-win and is incredibly fulfilling.

How does it feel to be a Great Concordian?

CK: It’s truly amazing. You know, I’m certain there are others who have achieved even more than I have. So I’m genuinely happy that they have chosen to recognize me. It’s also incredibly gratifying to feel appreciated, especially considering it’s been 50 years since I enrolled at Concordia. Knowing that my alma mater acknowledges my contributions leaves me with a great deal of satisfaction.