Ar. Maya Mohan has been working as a principal of Ranganathan Architecture College for 14 years. She has completed her M.Arch and is now pursuing PhD. She was involved in all phases of the master planning process, including program development, alternative concept analysis, community outreach and entitlement. She has a passion for managing complex, interdisciplinary planning processes that draw on the collective expertise of designers, economists, engineers and other technical specialists to optimize the value of the project.

Ranganathan Architecture College

What are some of the greatest strengths of your institute?

Our greatest strength lies in the factor that we are offering hands-on learning on every subject for students. Also, we promote research and innovation in the field of architecture that can inspire students to explore new ideas and contribute to the advancement of the discipline. We have also established a partnership with industries and architectural firms for industry-related projects. The teaching fraternity as well as the student community is imbibed with a research culture incorporating a design thinking-based approach.

Being a principal of this college, what is your leadership philosophy?

My leadership philosophy is centered around creating a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students. I believe in leading and fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and continuous improvement. And I believe in empowering my staff to take ownership of their roles and providing them with the necessary support and resources to succeed. Also Giving them the proper freedom and ambience to achieve a goal is an essential part of the appreciation.

What is the key factor that you keep connected with the educational sector?

Firstly, I am passionate about the power of education to transform lives and communities. Seeing our students grow and develop into confident, knowledgeable individuals are incredibly rewarding. Collaborating with colleagues, sharing ideas, and working together to create a better future for our students is what keeps me connected to the education sector. Therefore, I can proudly say that the driving factor that keeps me associated with the education sector is nothing but my enthusiasm and determination to prepare our youths for the industry and society in the best possible way.

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How do you ensure that the curriculum is up-to-date and aligns with the evolving needs of the architecture industry?

I always used to have strong connections and partnerships with architectural firms, professional associations and industry experts. We engage them in curriculum development processes by inviting them as guest lecturers, and advisors. And ensuring that the curriculum incorporates the latest architectural software, tools, and technologies that are widely used in the industry. This includes BIM (Building Information Modelling) software, 3D modeling tools, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications, and sustainable design practices. And Encouraging faculty and students to conduct research and case studies that focus on current architectural challenges and trends. This can help bridge the gap between theory and practice and contribute to the evolution of the curriculum.

How does the program ensure that students are being prepared for the future?

In order to ensure that students are being prepared for the future, the architecture program incorporates several key elements into its curriculum and educational approach. These elements are designed to equip students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and mindset to thrive in the evolving field of architecture. We regularly review and update our curriculum to align it with the latest industry trends, technological advancements and best practices. Architecture is a field that heavily relies on technology. We integrate the latest architectural software, design tools, and building information modeling (BIM) platforms into our curriculum. Architecture is a complex and multifaceted field that requires critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to navigate challenges. We integrate these skills into our curriculum through design projects, case studies, and collaborative exercises. By encouraging students to think critically, analyze problems, and propose creative solutions, we prepare them to tackle the complex issues they may encounter in their future careers.

What measures do you take to attract and retain highly qualified faculty members?

To attract and retain highly qualified faculty, it is essential to provide ongoing professional development opportunities. I would establish a robust program that supports faculty members in attending conferences, workshops and seminars related to their fields of expertise.it is important to provide adequate support for research and scholarly activities. I would allocate funds to establish research grants and provide resources such as laboratories, equipment, and research assistants. Also, I would foster partnerships with other institutions, industry professionals, and research organizations to create opportunities for faculty collaboration and engagement. Regular feedback and support are crucial for faculty members’ professional development and job satisfaction.

How does the curriculum of Ranganathan architecture college align with the best practices of the industry?

We are affiliated to Anna University and our curriculum is based on the syllabus prescribed by Anna University. The presence of faculty members with industry experience or ongoing research collaborations can bring industry relevance to the curriculum. Their insights and connections can help shape the course content and teaching methodologies. The curriculum can include opportunities for students to enhance their professional skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and leadership workshops.

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Any suggestions that you would like to give to the current youth and aspiring students?

I would like to offer the following suggestions to the current youth and aspiring students: set clear goals, develop a growth mindset and stay focused and disciplined as we all know without goals we cannot have discipline so I would tell the younger generation to set clear goals and stay focused on their goals and prioritize their time and energy accordingly. Finally, believe in yourself and your abilities. Have confidence in your skills, talents and potential.