Architecture Faculty
Prof. Durganand Balsavar has 31 years of academic experience and practice. Graduating from CEPT, Ahmadabad (ETH Zurich-Exchange), He worked with Pritzker laureate B.V. Doshi and is a member Board of Studies, at Anna University. He is a nominated member of the CMDA Master Plan Committee, Barcelona AMB - post UN Habitat III, Berlin Climate Policy 2050, and Chair at Cambridge University-VIT Future Cities Summit (2018). He is an invited member of the Council of Architecture, NEP advisory Committee and CoA Social Forum.
Prof. Dr. N. Jothilakshmy is an ambitious core researcher in the field of urban design and is very keen on inculcating research in the mind of young budding architects through her vast architectural research experience. She has done her Master’s degree in Town and Country Planning and Ph.D. from SAP, Anna University Chennai on the topic “Evaluation of Form-Based Codes and the Image of Chennai, Tamil Nadu”. She has presented and published more than 50 papers in various National and International Conferences Journals and chapters in books related to her area of research including ten Scopus-indexed publications. She has more than 30 years of experience in teaching, academics, research, and practice.
Ar. Madhuri, an accomplished Architect with 24 years of experience, holds a Master of Architecture from Kansas State University and a Bachelor of Architecture from Trivandrum, India. Her accolades include the John Helm Memorial Award and the Sir J. C Alexander Memorial gold medal. With extensive experience at Designs Inc., Gurgaon, and GBBN Architects, Cincinnati, she specializes in architectural design, detailing, and site supervision. As a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Kansas State University, she facilitated courses and maintained records. Madhuri's affiliations include LEED Professional for New Construction and membership in the Indian Institute of Architects and the Council of Architecture. Her dedication to architecture and education reflects in her impactful career.
Prof. Ar. M. Senthil is an architect and urbanist with 21 years of experience, holding a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from the University of Madras and a Master's from Hindustan University. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Anna University, Chennai, with a focus on urban design. As the Principal Architect of SEN DESIGNS, founded in 2003, he has completed numerous projects in and around Chennai. He is also a founding partner of BAREFOOT Urban Lab, specializing in innovative urban planning. Prof. Senthil has published extensively, presented at various conferences, and his work emphasizes sustainability and walkability in urban environments, reflecting his deep commitment to livable cities.
Ar. Priyanka Rachael Mathews is an Architect, Researcher, and Academic based out of Chennai. She is also a consultant architect with Rolins Engineering Consultancy. Her experience spans over eight years of working with various architecture Schools in Chennai, Mumbai, and Dubai while exploring the different styles of design and construction incorporating History and Design Theories. She has completed her M.Arch in Digital Architecture at the School of Architecture and Planning, Anna University. Going forward, she aims to do her research on how urban spaces are perceived through the eyes of a child.
Ar. Sandhya P is an accomplished, creative individual seeking opportunities to evolve through continuous learning besides sharing knowledge with others. She is a Gold medalist, graduated from T.K.M Engineering College, Kerala University followed by Post Graduation in “Sustainable Architecture” from Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai. She has more than a decade of teaching experience along with practice and also she is very inquisitive to expand her research with respect to sustainability in the built environment. Simultaneously she engages in works for the sustainable development of society.
Ar. Vinayakan Ashokan has 12 years of experience as an Architect in the construction industry. As an Academician he has 8 years of teaching experience and is currently pursuing his research on "Design attributes of Koothambalam in Kerala and its visual impact on the performance spaces around it". He has acquired his B-arch. degree from Sathyabama University, Chennai and M-arch Degree from MEASI Academy of Architecture (Affiliated to Anna University), Chennai. He is a Registered Architect with Council of Architecture, India and an associate member of the Indian Institute of Architecture. He has excessive professional exposure in the Middle East and India, working as Project Manager on significant architectural projects.
Sivasangari Pandiarajan is an accomplished architect with a Bachelor’s degree from Thaigarajar College of Engineering, Madurai, and a Master’s from Dessau School of Architecture, Germany. With over a decade of academic experience, including 8 years in Foundation Design Studios and 4 years in Design Thinking Studios, she specializes in guiding students in architectural fundamentals and innovative problem-solving. Sivasangari has held significant roles at DGI BAUWERK in Berlin and consults for Design Houz. Her research integrates design thinking into architectural education, and she has presented at prestigious international conferences.
Ar. Sriranjani Srinivasan, an Architect based in Chennai, is dedicated to climate action and sustainability with 13 years of experience. Specializing in Architectural Design and Sustainable Design, she holds expertise in LEED, WELL, and IGBC rating systems. As Associate VP of Technical Development at the Global Network For Zero, she leads sustainability projects. As Assistant Professor at MEASI Academy of Architecture and Meenakshi College of Engineering, she teaches Sustainable Architecture and coordinates design studios. With a Master of Architecture from Anna University and Bachelor of Architecture from Sathyabama University, Sri Ranjani is accredited in various sustainability certifications. Her contributions through conferences, NGO volunteering, and media engagements reflect her significant role in Architecture and Sustainability.
Ar. R. Jenita is an Architect based out of Chennai. She began her professional career as a Research Assistant and Academician for five years.Her love and keen interest on Heritage structures and buildings made her to pursue Masters in Architectural Conservation. She also established her own design firm along with partner being a graphic designer with the view to provide a multidisciplinary platform concerning itself with all aspects of designs ranging from Branding to Printing, Architecture, Interior Designs, Landscape and Restoration. She have successfully completed more than 30+ projects which includes a leading clients like Asian paints, Hyundai, Kasthuri groups and few of her projects have been featured on Digital Magazines. She also been invited as a Guest Speaker to share her insights and challenges being a "Women in Architecture". Further on, her thirst for research and practice never ends.
Ar. Nived Narendran is an aspiring architect and urban designer who is currently researching in “Safety in Urban Public Spaces through Built Spaces” and on the concept of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. After earning his B.Arch. from Karpagam University in Coimbatore, he worked with renowned architects, concentrating on designing residential and commercial spaces as well as adaptively reusing built spaces. He is a GATE Scholar 2017 and completed his M.Arch in Urban Design from CET, Trivandrum and his thesis, "Restructuring the Urban Panopticon to Increase Safety in Rapidly Growing Cities: Case of Gurugram, Haryana," was highly regarded internationally and won the best presentation at ICCUEURI 2020:22nd International Conference on Creative Urban Environments and Urban Resource Innovations, which was held in Rome, Italy.
Ar. Sri Vengadesh holds a M.Arch in Building Management from Sathyabama Deemed University Chennai, and completed his PG Diploma in Urban Planning and Development (PGDUPDL) from IGNOU, New Delhi. Additionally, he holds a Masters of Arts in Urban Studies (MAUS) from IGNOU. With over 7+ years of experience in teaching and architectural practice, Ar. Sri Vengadesh brings a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical insights to his role. Known for his commitment, he has showcased his expertise in various capacities, including as Project Architect for the Taj Wellington Mews project in Chennai. His contributions extend beyond practice, as he has presented papers at National and International Conferences, demonstrating his dedication to advancing architecture.
Ar. S. Vignalakshmi is an interested and upbeat Architect and designer. During her bachelor’s, she interned at PWD which developed some unique questions within her. Thereafter, she specialized in architectural design at Hindustan Institute of Technology & Sciences, Chennai. She is experienced in academia for 2 years and wants to venture into Indian heritage discourses.
Ar. U. Goushika is an Architect who graduated from Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai. She has worked in various architectural firms focusing on design and developing commercial and residential projects. She has also contributed to the architectural design formulations, detail and working drawings etc.
Ar. Divya Balachandran is a very energetic and ambitious person who has developed a responsible approach to the tasks she undertakes. She pursued her M. Arch in Building management from Sathyabama University in 2020 and was practicing as an Architect come Project coordinator. She has worked on Interior Turnkey Projects during her internship. She is fascinated and interested in Architectural Research and Project management.
Ar. Subhasree P is a very ambitious architect and Researcher based out of Chennai. She pursed her under-grad in Architecture from Rajalakshmi school of architecture, and topped her Master's in Housing from Hindustan Institute of technology & Science. As an academic researcher she carried out a comprehensive research in the field of Sustainable design development and have also published paper on Sustainable housing development and Evaluating it using BIM. She also have a three years of practice along with BIM and as a senior architect in Larsen & Toubro Ltd has headed various incredible national diversified projects like Statue of Unity-Gujarat, Narendra Modi Stadium-Gujarat, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial-Mumbai and also various projects in different streams.
Ar. Uvapriya is a highly energetic and passionate young architect who received her Undergraduate at MIDAS - Anna University, and Postgraduate at SPADE - Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science. She has carried out an extensive research in Urban environments in her post-graduate thesis. Also, she published a paper on "Urban Heat Island Mitigation in a tropical climate through building design employing passive design strategies". She is an adventurous practicing architect and turned into an architectural educator in 2021 who is always keen on exploring Innovative new ways, motivating students to acquire a better understanding and process-based design approach towards architecture.
Ar. Indhumathi Venkatesh pursued her Master's degree in Urban Design from Cardiff University, UK, following which she embarked on her professional journey. As an Assistant Architect at Quadent Design Associates, she focused on residential and commercial projects, successfully obtaining approvals. Additionally, she volunteered with Intac Chennai for heritage educational programs and contributed to the Haram Charitable Trust in Chennai. Proficient in software such as AutoCAD, Lumion, SketchUp, and more, she excelled academically, consistently topping subjects and receiving distinctions. Notable achievements include being shortlisted for prestigious architectural competitions like SIDC and NASA. With leadership roles in sports and student organizations, including serving as NASA Treasurer and Design Club Vice President, she demonstrates a commitment to excellence and social responsibility.
Ar. Syed Tajudeen is a trained writer and conservation architect with a background from the School of Planning and Architecture in New Delhi. He has extensive professional experience, having held roles at INTACH Pondicherry, the National Centre for Safety of Heritage Structures (NCSHS), IIT Madras, CCKS - SPA Bhopal, and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. His work has involved conducting detailed site visits, producing architectural measured drawings, developing conservation management plans, and managing project communications. Additionally, he has assisted in multiple restoration projects and has a strong track record of delivering project . His areas of interest include architectural conservation, urban conservation, the history of architecture, Historic urban landscape and cultural landscapes.
Artist. Mr. P. Dhanaseelan is an excellent sculptor and painter. His artworks are in a wide range of media like metals, wood, FRP Sketching, and bronze casting. He has created unique form models for cars at TVS and Ashok Leyland and won several awards.
Dr. R. Ganesan, a seasoned expert in civil and structural engineering, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our architecture department. With a passion for hands-on and practical learning, Dr. Ganesan has dedicated years to teaching architecture students the intricacies of their craft. His expertise extends beyond the classroom, as he guides students through real-world applications and challenges, ensuring they are well-equipped for success in their careers. With a B.E. in Civil Engineering, an M.E. in Environmental Engineering, and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Dr. Ganesan possesses a comprehensive academic background that enriches his teaching. With three decades of teaching experience, he has honed his pedagogical skills and developed innovative approaches to education that engage and inspire students.
Mr. Ragavendran R did his M.Sc. in Mathematics at IIT Madras and completed his M.Phil at Alagappa University. He has technical qualifications on the courses PGDCA with First class at National Computer centre and EJP with A grade at Orchid soft systems. He has more than 16 years of teaching experience in various institutions.
Dr. V. Vishnu Vardhan, a distinguished academic with extensive qualifications in English, holds a B.A, M.A, M.Phil, and PhD in the subject. With over 14 years of teaching experience, Dr. Vishnu Vardhan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our architecture department. His strong command of English and keen understanding of communication dynamics enable him to teach architecture students essential skills such as etiquette, manners, communication, dressing attire, and confidence. Through interactive learning and hands-on activities, Dr. Vishnu Vardhan ensures that students develop not only their linguistic abilities but also their professional demeanor and interpersonal skills.
Visiting Faculty
Ar. Mona Doctor-Pingel is an architect based in Auroville since 1995. She studied architecture at the Center for Environment and Planning (CEPT), Ahmedabad (1984 -90), and has a master’s degree in Appropriate Technology from Flensburg University, Germany (1992-94). She has a small independent set-up where she experiments with sustainable building technologies using local materials and craftsmen with stress on client interaction.
Ar. Mohan Hariharan armed with a piece of in-depth knowledge and extensive expertise in the realm of architecture and design, he and his firm are known for transforming basic brick and mortar into extraordinary spaces. His professional enterprise visualizes, ideates, and implements residential, commercial, and/or industrial projects that redefine a particular area's architectural landscape at large.
Ar. Diwaker Kaushik, a senior-level architect, boasts extensive experience in various building types, including Residential, Industrial, Commercial, and mixed-use projects. With a strong background in conceptual and strategic design thinking, he adeptly balances business considerations, functional requirements, technical aspects, stakeholder interests, and market positioning. Throughout his career, Ar. Kaushik has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills as the principal architect at 10 Degrees Design Studio, and associations with prestigious firms such as JTC Corporation, and Ong and Ong Architects, effectively managing multidisciplinary project teams to deliver projects within time and budget constraints. His affiliations with the Council of Architecture, Indian Institute of Architects, and Singapore Institute of Planners showcase his commitment to professional development. Additionally, Ar. Kaushik's certifications in environmental sustainability and urban planning further enhance his expertise in addressing contemporary architectural challenges.
Ar. R Vidya, a distinguished architect renowned for her expertise in architectural design, working drawings, and site execution, serves as a senior architect at L&T Chennai. With a wealth of experience accumulated over years of practice in the field, Ar. R Vidya brings invaluable insights and practical knowledge to her role. Her contributions to architectural projects, spanning diverse sectors such as residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial, underscore her commitment to excellence and innovation in design. As a visiting faculty member, she shares her passion for architecture with students, imparting both theoretical foundations and real-world insights to aspiring architects. Her presence enriches the academic landscape, inspiring students to explore new horizons and excel in the field of architecture.
Ar. Mythili, a distinguished architect with a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) degree and a Master of Design (M.Des) degree, brings a wealth of expertise in architectural design, working drawings, and site execution to her role as a visiting faculty member. Based in Chennai, she is actively engaged in architectural practice, where her extensive experience in the field has honed her skills and deepened her understanding of the built environment. With a passion for both teaching and architecture, Ar. Mythili enriches the academic environment with her practical knowledge and industry insights. As a visiting faculty member, she is committed to nurturing the next generation of architects, imparting invaluable lessons from her professional journey and inspiring students to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation in their architectural pursuits. Her presence on the faculty team further enhances the educational experience, providing students with a holistic perspective on the multifaceted world of architecture and design
Ar. Reshma M Georgi, an accomplished Urban Designer currently engaged with L&T Chennai, is a visiting faculty member at our esteemed university. With a profound expertise in urban design and extensive experience in site execution, Ar. Reshma brings a wealth of practical knowledge and industry insights to the classroom. Her tenure at L&T has equipped her with invaluable skills and a deep understanding of urban planning principles, which she is eager to impart to the next generation of architects and urban designers. As a visiting faculty member, Ar. Reshma is dedicated to fostering a dynamic learning environment where students can explore the complexities of urban design and gain hands-on experience in site execution. Her passion for teaching and her commitment to excellence make her a valuable addition to our faculty team, enriching the educational experience for all our students.
Ar. Naveen Ferdinand D., an esteemed Principal Architect at Cut Spaces, brings his wealth of expertise to our university as a visiting faculty member. With extensive experience in architectural design, working drawings, and site execution, Ar. Naveen has honed his skills through years of practical application in the field. His tenure at Cut Spaces has provided him with invaluable insights and a deep understanding of architectural principles, which he is keen to share with our students. As a visiting faculty member, Ar. Naveen is committed to nurturing the next generation of architects by imparting his knowledge and fostering critical thinking and creativity. With a passion for teaching and a dedication to excellence, Ar. Naveen enhances our faculty team, contributing to a vibrant learning environment where students can thrive and excel in their architectural endeavors.
Design Faculty
With 15 years of academic and industry experience in film and television production, Dr. M. Nandha Kumar combines extensive hands-on roles in directing, producing, cinematography, and post-production with a strong theoretical foundation in narrative structures, genre conventions, and cinematic techniques. His specialization in film festival research enhances his ability to guide filmmakers by providing insights into industry trends and strategies. Committed to fostering lifelong learning and adaptability, he employs a student-centered, project-based teaching approach that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application. By continuously updating his curriculum to include the latest industry trends and technologies, he creates a diverse and inclusive classroom environment that empowers all students. His goal is to equip students with technical skills while inspiring confidence, resilience, and a passion for lifelong learning, preparing them for success in their film and multimedia careers.
Dr. Shashi Nag is an Associate Professor with the department of Fashion Design. She is a NIFT alumna with graduation from NIFT Chennai specialization in Fashion Design and Post Graduation from NIFT Mumbai specialization in Design Research. Her area of doctoral research is in Tasar Silk Fabric. She has an overall of 8 years of experience in Research, teaching and corporate. She has published many research papers in web of science and scopus journals. Dr. Shashi has a flair for writing and is working on a book on " Tasar beauty, from Fibre to Fashion".
Mr. Azmal Mohamed is an educationalist, model and actor. He hold his masters in computer science, English & Business Analytics with bachelors in education. “Learning and empowering others with what he learnt“ is his signature. He is the founder & CEO of Darlins Production. As a model, he has attended various pageants nationally and internationally. He also been in board of juries for various pageants held at national level. As a successful person, he has nearly 5 years of experience in modelling & has acted in a bilingual movie. He recently represented our country in an international pageant conducted in Malaysia. He has been an icon of inspiration for budding models in fashion industry.
Srividhya, with a rich background in the Fashion and Apparel sector, has excelled in skill development, content creation, and academic teaching. She has worked across India on key skill development programs, delivering training and assessments to uphold high professional standards. Passionate about curriculum design, she has created comprehensive learning materials aligned with industry needs. As an academic, Srividhya is dedicated to teaching the next generation of fashion professionals, focusing on practical application, creativity, and staying ahead of trends. Her blend of industry expertise and academic insight empowers students to thrive in the fashion industry.
Ms. Rekha Nagesh is a design enthusiast . She holds a Bachelor's degree in Interior Design from SRM School of Architecture and Design- kattankulathur & Master's program in Interior Design from Florence Design Academy, Florence, Italy. With more than 8 years of practical experience in Interior Design field, she brings industry insights to her teaching. As a faculty member her main focus is on teaching design concepts as interactive learning to encourage creativity. Beyond her professional and academic roles, she has a profound interest in field of Photography and Fashion.
Mr. Kaushik S Thiyagarajan is a seasoned 3D Character Animator and Mentor with over 9 years of experience in multimedia. He specializes in 3D animation and has worked on projects across various platforms including television, augmented reality, virtual reality, and mobile applications. Kaushik is proficient in computer animation, rigging, motion graphics, 2D animation, and oil painting. He holds a post-graduate degree in Electronic Media from the College of Engineering Guindy, Chennai, and a bachelor's degree in Animation and VFX from Bharathiar University, Coimbatore. Kaushik's journey began as an intern at Prana Animation Studio, and he has since made significant contributions to projects such as Moto Patlu, Tashi, Saint-Gobain, Thanthi TV, and TADA mobile applications from multiple animation studios.
Mr. Karan N is a highly skilled and adaptable professional who earned his Viscom degree at SRM University. He has experience in show production and creative directing, and he has also worked as a freelance video editor for a variety of content on a range of multimedia platforms. He has a track record of effectively overseeing and producing interesting content on the YouTube platform. Adept at managing every step of the production process, from conceptualization through final implementation. His Strong technical abilities, outstanding creative vision, and strong leadership traits all work together to produce consistently high-caliber shows.
Ms. Navaneetha is a highly ambitious designer and researcher who did her Post Graduate, Masters in Textile Technology from Jaya college of Engineering & Technology, Chennai and holds her Under Graduate, Bachelors in Fashion Technology from Angel College of Engineering & Technology, Tirupur. She has worked in various Fashion Designing Organization & research the Medi Textile Oriented & futuristic Projects. She published some of her excellent project as a paper in research websites. She is currently researching on various innovative topics under the protection textiles of various fibres. She has presented papers at National & International conferences.
Mr. J. Mohemed Yasin, a seasoned fashion designer with a passion for crafting iconic styles. Over the past 4 years, he's had the privilege of designing for renowned celebrity personalities, showcasing his creativity and dedication to the art of fashion. He is the proud owner of a boutique, also he has done his post graduation from NIFT. where he curates exclusive collections that reflect his unique vision. Additionally, he contributes to the fashion community as an educator in multiple institutions, workied as a fashion consaltant and also more than 12 flims he worked as a lead costume designer. Sharing his expertise and shaping the next generation of talent. His journey is a testament to his commitment to the ever-evolving world of style.
Ms. Mahalakshmi is an artist who seeks to bridge the gap between reality and imagination through her paintings. Art has always been a significant part of her life, serving as a medium for expressing her feelings, thoughts, and emotions. She is committed to helping others do the same and is deeply passionate about teaching art, nurturing creativity, and guiding others to discover their own artistic voices. Ms. Mahalakshmi earned her Visual Arts degree from Stella Maris College, Chennai, and has showcased her work at Chitra Santhe in Bangalore and the Kasturi Srinivas Art Gallery in Coimbatore. In addition, she is a freelance wall muralist, creating customized murals for Shoppers Stop, a running club, and several schools.