Architecture Faculty


 

Prof. DURGANAND BALSAVAR,

Professor & Dean

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.

Prof. Dr. N. JOTHILAKSHMY,

Professor & Principal


Prof. Ar. MANINDER SINGH.,

Professor

Prof. Ar. Maninder Singh is a distinguished architect, urbanist, and educator with over two decades of experience in architectural education, design consultancy, and institutional leadership. Currently a Professor at SCAD, Saveetha University, he has shaped design pedagogy and fostered innovation in architecture and urban studies. With 16+ years of teaching experience, he has mentored students across multiple institutions in India and served as an external juror and guest faculty. His expertise includes professional practice, UX/UI design, urban theory, and sustainable architecture. With 12+ years in architecture and urban design, he has contributed to major projects like the Central Delhi Redevelopment Plan. His research, featured in international conferences, emphasizes sustainable urban solutions. He remains committed to inspiring the next generation of architects.


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. M. SENTHIL,

Professor

 

 

Ar. PRIYANKA RACHAEL MATHEWS,

Associate Professor

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. Chithraprabha, with nearly a decade of experience in residential and commercial architecture, has worked as a Project and Senior Architect. Her expertise includes design, project coordination, material selection, schematic planning, and interdisciplinary collaboration. As an educator for three years, she has guided design studios, thesis projects, and student competitions. Currently a freelance Architectural Consultant at Studio அ, she focuses on innovative design solutions. An awardee of the UNI.XYZ International Interior Design Competition and an IGBC-CII Accredited Professional, she is dedicated to sustainable architecture. Proficient in AutoCAD, Photoshop, SketchUp, V-Ray, ArchiCAD, and MS Office, she integrates technology with design thinking.

 

 

Ar. SANDHYA P,

Associate Professor

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.

Ar. VINAYAKAN ASHOKAN,

Associate Professor

 

 

Ar. SIVASANGARI P,

Associate Professor

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. R. Jenita, based in Chennai, began her career as a Research Assistant and Academician for five years. Her passion for Heritage structures led her to pursue a Masters in Architectural Conservation. She co-founded a multidisciplinary design firm offering services in Branding, Printing, Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape, and Restoration. Having completed 30+ projects for clients like Asian Paints, Hyundai, and Kasthuri Groups, some of her work has been featured in Digital Magazines. A Guest Speaker on "Women in Architecture," she continues her pursuit of research and practice.

Ar. R. JENITA,

Assistant Professor (S.G)

 

 

Ar. NIVED NARENDRAN,

Assistant Professor (S.G)

Ar. Nived Narendran is an aspiring architect and urban designer researching "Safety in Urban Public Spaces through Built Spaces" and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. After earning his B.Arch. from Karpagam University, he worked with renowned architects on residential, commercial, and adaptive reuse projects. A GATE Scholar 2017, he completed his M.Arch in Urban Design from CET, Trivandrum. His thesis, "Restructuring the Urban Panopticon to Increase Safety in Rapidly Growing Cities: Case of Gurugram," won the best presentation at ICCUEURI 2020 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. SRI VENGADESH. K,

Assistant Professor (S.G)

 

 

Ar. S. VIGNALAKSHMI,

Assistant Professor (O.G)

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. 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. DIVYA B,

Assistant Professor (O.G)

 

 

Ar. SUBHASREE P,

Assistant Professor (O.G)

Ar. Subhasree P, an ambitious architect and researcher based in Chennai, completed her undergraduate studies at Rajalakshmi School of Architecture and topped her Master's in Housing from Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science. Her research in Sustainable Design Development has been published, focusing on Sustainable Housing and BIM evaluation. With three years of practice, she worked as a Senior Architect at Larsen & Toubro Ltd, leading major national projects such as the Statue of Unity, Narendra Modi Stadium, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial, along with various other diverse projects.

 

 

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. UVAPRIYA C,

Assistant Professor (O.G)

 

 

Ar. INDHUMATHI VENKATESH,

Assistant Professor (O.G)

Ar. Indhumathi Venkatesh, with a Master's in Urban Design from Cardiff University, UK, began her professional journey as an Assistant Architect at Quadent Design Associates, focusing on residential and commercial projects. She volunteered with Intac Chennai for heritage education and contributed to the Haram Charitable Trust. Proficient in AutoCAD, Lumion, and SketchUp, she excelled academically, topping subjects and receiving distinctions. She was shortlisted for prestigious competitions like SIDC and NASA. With leadership roles as NASA Treasurer and Design Club Vice President, she showcases a commitment to excellence and social responsibility.


Ar. Syed Tajudeen, a trained writer and conservation architect from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, has extensive experience with INTACH Pondicherry, NCSHS, IIT Madras, CCKS - SPA Bhopal, and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. His work includes conducting site visits, producing architectural drawings, developing conservation plans, and managing project communications. He has contributed to several restoration projects and has a strong track record in project delivery. His interests include architectural and urban conservation, the history of architecture, and cultural landscapes.

Ar. SYED TAJUDEEN,

Assistant Professor (O.G)


Artist. Mr. P. DHANASEELAN,

Assistant Professor (S.G)

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. J. Samuel Simron Rajkumar, a transportation engineer, educator, and researcher with over 14 years of experience, holds a postgraduate degree in Transportation from CEG Chennai and a Ph.D. in Transportation Engineering from Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology. His research focuses on sustainability in the built environment, and he is committed to advancing knowledge in this field. Beyond academia, he actively contributes to sustainable societal development and explores innovative solutions for transportation challenges while mentoring students and professionals in engineering and sustainability.

Dr. J. SAMUEL SIMRON,

Associate Professor

 

 

Mr. RAGAVENDRAN R,

Associate Professor

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.

Dr. VISHNU VARDHAN,

Associate Professor

 

Visiting Faculty


 

Ar. MONA DOCTOR-PINGEL,

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. Diwaker Kaushik, a senior architect with extensive experience in Residential, Industrial, Commercial, and mixed-use projects, excels in conceptual and strategic design thinking. As the principal architect at 10 Degrees Design Studio and with prior roles at JTC Corporation and Ong and Ong Architects, he has successfully led multidisciplinary teams to deliver projects within time and budget. His affiliations with the Council of Architecture, Indian Institute of Architects, and Singapore Institute of Planners reflect his commitment to professional development. Ar. Kaushik's certifications in environmental sustainability and urban planning further enhance his expertise in contemporary architectural challenges.

Ar. DIWAKER KAUSHIK,

Visiting Faculty

 

 

Ar. R. VIDYA,

Visiting Faculty

Ar. R Vidya, a senior architect at L&T Chennai, is renowned for her expertise in architectural design, working drawings, and site execution. With extensive experience across residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial sectors, she excels in delivering innovative design solutions. As a visiting faculty member, she shares her passion for architecture, combining theoretical knowledge with real-world insights to inspire and guide aspiring architects.

 

 

Ar. Mythili, an architect with a B.Arch and M.Des, brings extensive expertise in architectural design, working drawings, and site execution to her role as a visiting faculty member in Chennai. Actively engaged in practice, she enriches the academic environment with practical knowledge and industry insights. Passionate about teaching, Ar. Mythili inspires students to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation, offering a holistic perspective on the world of architecture and design.

Ar. MYTHILI,

Visiting Faculty

 

 

Ar. RESHMA M GEORGI,

Visiting Faculty

Ar. Reshma M Georgi, an Urban Designer at L&T Chennai and visiting faculty member, brings extensive expertise in urban design and site execution to the classroom. Her experience at L&T has equipped her with valuable skills in urban planning, which she shares with students to foster a dynamic learning environment. Passionate about teaching, Ar. Reshma is committed to providing hands-on experience and enriching the educational experience for aspiring architects and urban designers.

 

Design Faculty


 

With 15 years of experience in film and television production, Dr. M. Nandha Kumar combines hands-on expertise in directing, producing, cinematography, and post-production with a strong foundation in narrative structures and cinematic techniques. Specializing in film festival research, he guides filmmakers with insights into industry trends and strategies. His student-centered, project-based teaching approach integrates theory with practical application, preparing students for success in film and multimedia careers. Continuously updating his curriculum to reflect the latest industry trends, he fosters a diverse and inclusive learning environment that empowers students for lifelong learning.

Dr. M. NANDHA KUMAR,

Associate Professor

 

 

Dr. SHASHI NAG,

Associate Professor

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".

 

 

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.

Mrs. SRIVIDHYA S,

Assistant Professor (S.G)

 

 

Ms. REKHA NAGESH ,

Assistant Professor (S.G)

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. 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.

Mr. KARAN N,

Assistant Professor (O.G)

 

 

Ms. NAVANEETHA S P ,

Assistant Professor (O.G)

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.

Mr. J MOHEMED YASIN ,

Assistant Professor (O.G)

 

 

Ms. MAHALAKSHMI ,

Assistant Professor (O.G)

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.