Prof. (Dr.) Shaila Bantanur is the Director at the BMS School of Architecture. She has a Doctoral Degree from The Indian Institute of Technology; Roorkee, from the Department of Architecture and Planning and was the recipient of a GATE Scholarship from the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) to pursue her Doctoral program. She also holds two master's degrees, a Master’s in Architecture, from Rizvi College of Architecture, Mumbai and a Master’s from the Institute of Town Planners India (ITPI), New Delhi.

With more than 20 years of experience as a Researcher, Academician, and Practitioner, she is a life member of the Council of Architecture (CoA, New Delhi), INTACH, ITPI and the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA). She has been instrumental in guiding research scholars and postgraduate scholars. Her research works have been published and presented in various national and international peer-reviewed journals and conferences.

Currently, she is the project investigator for two International collaborations with the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, United States, and Kathmandu University, Nepal. She is also the Coordinator for Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA), a flagship program of the MHRD and part of the Scientific Program Committee for International conferences like ZEMCH 2019 held at South Korea & ZEMCH 2020 in UAE; COSVERD 2019 and 2020 (Conference on Smart Villages and Rural Development), SEES 2018 (International Conference on Sustainable Energy and Environment Sensing), HEAd’16 (Member Program Committee for International Conference on Higher Education Advances).

Professor Bantanur has received many commendations and awards. She was the recipient of the INTACH UK Scholarship Award 2017 from INTACH Heritage Academy, New Delhi; the India National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) award of merit (South Zone) for two continuous years (2016 and 2017) for documenting unlisted heritage structures; recipient of the Technical University Dresden (TU Dresden) travel fellowship. Presently, she is an active member of, the Doctoral Advisory Committee (DAC) of Manipal University and; Faculty Advisory Committee for other renowned institutions and she was also a Member of the Board of Studies (BOS) & Local Inquiry Committee (LIC) of Visvesvaraya Technical University (VTU).

BMS College of Architecture - [BMSCA]

You have held key positions at education institutes throughout your professional career. What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

The essential duty of an educator revolves around inspiring students to explore their academic and extracurricular passions while fostering their overall personal development. Educational institutions bear the responsibility of shaping students' characters. Witnessing students evolve into individuals driven by goals and social awareness has been a significant motivator for me to connect with the education sector. Educators play a pivotal role in understanding societal requirements and guiding students to become conscientious and responsible members of society.

Being the Director of BMSSA, what is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

As a leader, my role is to ensure equal opportunities and resources for all in the organization. I connect BMS Educational Trust and Academia, following a leadership style based on understanding individuals and their strengths. Upholding principles and values, I play multifaceted roles, leading academia and ensuring efficient administration for a quality institute.

The education systems in India and other foreign countries are structured very differently. In your experience, what can an inbound student gain from studying here in your college?

At BMSSA, students have the option to choose from various additional courses and workshops provided by industry and academic experts. International collaborations and study trips are also available for a more comprehensive learning experience. As the Director of ZEMCH India Network, I connect with national and international universities, benefiting our students further.

How does the curriculum of BMSSA ensure the best practice of industry?

Our curriculum is student-centered, promoting experiential learning and industry links. Architecture students benefit from personalized teaching based on their skills and interests. Workshops, expert-led classes, and collaborations provide practical experiences, with extracurricular activities enhancing the overall learning environment.

What do you think your roles and responsibilities to the College and the students are?

As a Director, my main role is to create a platform for students and staff to enhance their performance. I focus on identifying individual strengths, interests, and potential. Understanding community needs is crucial for developing socially-responsible and skilled professionals. I believe in providing ample resources and opportunities for everyone, fostering a flexible and coordinated learning environment. Working together towards common goals ensures a holistic learning experience.

What do you think should be the College's top priority over the next 10 years?

BMSSA actively promotes research culture and employability, planning an advanced research and consulting cell for innovation and professional growth. Over the next ten years, the goal is to have more collaborations. Collaborations with international and national bodies offer valuable opportunities for students and staff; fostering a progressive mindset and strengthening global relations is the goal.

When you first came to BMSSA, what was your vision for the college? Has it evolved over time, and how far along in implementing that vision are you?

My objective was to promote healthy relationships on campus through open communication and inclusivity. We provide equal opportunities for individual interests and potential. Town Hall discussions involve students, faculty, and staff for transparent decision-making. The campus offers a safe space for self-expression and exploration. Our focus is on the welfare of all members, resulting in a democratic and transparent administrative environment at BMSSA.