IPS Academy School of Architecture

The Principal of SOA, Dr. Manita Saxena, did her Phd on “Policy Framework Model to Assess Social Transformation in Peri-urban Areas: A Case of Indore”, Department of Architecture and Planning from (MANIT), Bhopal, Masters in Architecture from YCMOU, Nasik, Maharashtra and Bachelors from MANIT, Bhopal. Stood with the institute for over 20 years in several roles. A highly experienced academician with 26 years of teaching experience. An Architect striving for new innovations and advancement of the field with exceptional knowledge gained through working on several projects. Her research work deals with Peri-urban areas in developing countries, Urban Social infrastructure and Urban transit. Expertise in Research methodology, Services and Graphics. Worked on many projects like state industries, ETNT, etc.

The faculty member with over 38 years of professional experience, Dr. Vikas Gandhe is the epitome of knowledge who has always been the guiding force for the SOA Family. With over 40 Research Papers published, Dr. Gandhe’s expertise in the field of structural engineering has steered the careers of endless numbers of students who have graduated from School of Architecture, IPS Academy

Design Chair of SOA IPS, Gold Medalist from Sir JJ College of Architecture, Ar. Kalpana Babar, with over 30 years of experience in the field, An academician and a practicing architect with thorough practical knowledge, a visionary of design. She has received many awards and commendations. A very enthusiastic and humble personality actively involved in the academic aspects always helping students gain a better perspective.

Ar. C.D. Saxena Ar. C.D. Saxena and his 40 years of contributions in the field of architecture has always been inspirational for our department. An Alumni of the Nagpur university (1980), the work ethic and quality of architecture he teaches the students stands out as the professionals our institution has given to the society.

Professor Ar. Sachin Paliwal, M.Des in Visual Communication IIT, Mumbai and B.Arch from MANIT, Bhopal, who has got a keen eye for Art and Design, more than 30 years of being a great mentor to students and practicing Architects. His sensitivity towards practicality of design and application has always elevated students' enthusiasm for design oriented thinking. His firm Design Avenues (Since 1995) has been credited with projects like Railway officers rest house, Indore, Interior Design for SBI, Regional Office Bank of Baroda, Ratlam, Interior Design for SBI flagship for In-touch branches in Indore Region.

The chief academic advisor and the department’s backbone, Ar. Suman Sharma with her experience of over 18 years in the field and academics has been with our department for over a decade. Graduated from MITS Gwalior in 2000, Professor Sharma has a keen eye for details and guides the faculties and students alike. Her vigilant approach in terms of addressing issues shows her immense experience and subtle command.

Ar. Sarang Bhide is one of the oldest associates of SOA, IPS Academy as a faculty for Landscape. Now with us as a core faculty, Ar. Bhide Graduated in 2002 from IEPT School of Architecture,, Indore and then did his masters in Landscape architecture from the prestigious School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi. His experience in the field and his impeccable knowledge of landscape architecture has guided students of the past several years.

An alumna of Amravati University, Associate Prof. Neelam Kushwah with an experience of more than 15 years in academics. She has a natural disposition towards architectural history and theory, which is evident from the fact that she has published more than 30 research papers. She has also worked in the field for projects like, 200 bedded general hospital at Ratlam, Interiors of various residences and commercial complexes, and many more. A very humble personality who has always been inclined towards helping others.

Associate Professor, Ar. Yashika Gupta completed her Master’s from School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi in Building Engineering and Management and B.Arch from IPS, Indore. With an expertise in Building Services she has guided many students. She has worked on many projects being a part of L&T for more than 2 years in Bangalore, projects ranging from RSS Karyalay renovation at Sagar, Sky corporate park-office interior, Farmhouse interior - Dr. Vipin Goel, has worked as a faculty at SPA, Bhopal for a year.

Assistant Prof. Ar. Nitya Durve, did her Masters in Urban Design from Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute of Architecture(KRVIA) and Bachelors from SDPS women’s college, Indore. Researched on many topics including Regeneration of Mill Lands: Case of Indore, a thorough study on urban regeneration. She has worked on a variety of projects such as smart city indore, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) as well as various commercial and residential projects.

Associate Professor Shailja Soni completed her Bachelor’s from the Shivaji University in Kolhapur and Master’s from SOA, IPSA, Indore. She has an inclination towards construction and technical subjects and has worked on government projects such as Rani Lakshmi Bai square in indore and the Chikitsak Nagar Residential development as well as private projects.

Ar. Harshika Sahay, did her Masters from R.V. School of Architecture, Bangalore. She has a very vast knowledge in many fields that she has gained from traveling around the country and working with various renowned architects on a wide variety of projects ranging from residential to institutional. With an attitude of constantly evolving and growing with students has made her a very important asset to this institute.

Associate Professor Ar. Ratima Dagaonkar, an alumna of IPS Academy, finished her Bachelor’s and Master’s from the SOA, IPSA. She is an active Architect and extraordinary academician with a series of achievements complimenting her. She has placed herself in her independent niche among all faculties. She is adept and skilled in her craft.

Ar. Kamini Jain Badnore is a graduate from LAD college of Architecture , Ar.Jain-Badnore has worked as an Associate Architect on many Projects including Residential and Government buildings. She has worked with Facet Façade Consultancy on facade development in Hyderabad (TL). Also worked as a Junior Project Architect on residential buildings in Oman, Dubai, Singapore, Chandigarh , Hyderabad Bangalore and Delhi and Specializes in Tender creation.

Creativity and management go very well together when Ar. Pranjali Wakhale is involved. A bright and energetic individual who has always brought lively atmosphere to the campus of School of Architecture. A Graduate from MANIT Bhopal, in her professional career of over 8 years, Ar. Wakhale has been involved in numerous tasks at SOA and is an avid admirer and participant in many activities of varied interests

Ar. Monika Saraf is an alumnus of our very institute. Graduated in 2014, Ar. Monika Saraf did her Post Graduation from L.A.D. College, Nagpur. Her intention to learn and share the knowledge is apparent in the subjects she teaches. Her aptitude to teach ranges from graphics, design right up to the technical subjects, Building Construction to services.

An Alumni of the Goa college of Architecture, Ar. Nikhil Harry is truly a jack of all trades. His professional work, along with his interest in education makes him a versatile and able academician with keen practical knowledge owing to his experience of over 8 years and thorough interest in design and theoretical subjects alike.

Ar. Sameer Sharma brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the IPS Academy, School of Architecture. With a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture from the National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur and a diverse 13-year career that combines both professional practice and academic teaching, Ar. Sameer Sharma is a distinguished member of our faculty. His career began with a remarkable four-year tenure working under the esteemed B.V. Doshi Sir, followed by nine years of teaching at prestigious institutions including LPU, Chandigarh University, and RV College of Architecture, before joining IPS Academy. He also leads his own firm, Architect’s Hub, where he continues to apply his philosophy of balancing design excellence with practicality in architecture, ensuring that his work and teachings significantly benefit both students and clients alike.

Ar. Anugya Sharan An alumni of the SDPS Women’s college, Ar. Anugya Sharan is a level headed individual with a will of steel. A multifaceted and talented individual with an interest in building with a mindful approach, she teaches the students with the same sensitivity and grace with which she has worked in the field. With her experience of about 5 years, and now working as a core faculty at IPS Academy, her contribution to the academic end of architecture is apparent in her lectures and the student response.

A student who has roamed these very halls, Ar. Shaan Choudhary graduated in 2011 from School of Architecture, IPS Academy and did his post graduation from SPA, New Delhi in Landscape Architecture. An extremely supportive teacher, who is always teaching students to be resilient and sharing his expertise in the most humble way possible. In his career of about 6 years, Ar. Choudhary has proved to be a never fading spot on the banner of School of Architecture.

A young active and zestful personality, an alumnus of IPS academy. Ar. Khan headed the NASA team here at SOA and now joined as a faculty here, sharing his experience with students and guiding them .

Asst. Prof. Ar. Divya Rastogi is a graduate from Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Architecture, Pune and is adept at elevating the design expression in students. She has worked on numerous wall paintings, sculptures, murals and moonlights as a tattoo artist as well. She has curated and displayed her art in multiple exhibitions all over the country. She has done her diploma in Arts and has worked on multiple Landscaping projects such as Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar, Hyderabad Airport, Doordarshan Building designed by Raj Rewal, New market area development in Bhopal and interior design for various private properties.

Ar Geetika, An academician and teacher who has seen the world from inside a classroom. She has graduated in architecture from MITS in 2015 and completed her master's degree from Jamia Millia Islamia. Ar Geetika believes in the idea of learning to be holistic, integrated, and engaging for students. She has her keen interests lie in the field of urban design and design of public places in a city.

Ar. Naman Shrotriya is a professional architect and a traveler by heart. He has graduated in 2015 from IPS Academy, and his work can be seen at Naman Shrotriya Associates, which he has recently established in 2018. He loves travelling into the wild exploring exotic places and spending time in Ayurvedic awareness. Ar. Shrotriya brings with him an understanding and expertise in landscape, geography/climate study, vernacular architecture, Indian architecture and other related fields. A big assest for IPS Academy and students of architecture.

Ar. Rahul Dongre is a distinguished architect and educator with a strong academic foundation. He graduated from MANIT, Bhopal, in 2015 and completed his post-graduation in 2017. He began his career as an Architect Planner at Gupta and Associates, where he contributed to government projects, including housing board initiatives and temple restorations. Rahul's expertise extended to shaping the master plan for Pachmari Cantonment. In 2019, Ar. Dongre transitioned into academia as an Assistant Professor at APIED and SAGE Universities, specializing in architecture and design. His reputation is built on his innovative teaching methods, which engage students and spark their passion for design. Beyond his professional commitments, Ar. Rahul's hobbies include exploring new places and traveling, enhancing his creative perspective and dedication to the field of architecture. His unique blend of architectural proficiency, commitment to education, and passion for exploration makes him an invaluable asset to IPS Academy.

Ar. Arjun Sharma graduated with a Bachelor's in Architecture from PMCA, Cuttack, and is currently pursuing a Master's in Architecture. With over five years of experience, he has worked with various design firms, including Xdashostudio, ResearchVOIR Studio, ArchitectHub, Archipedia.in, Tata Rio in Goa, and has a strong interest in shipping container designs, all of which emphasize and promote sustainable practices in their work. He incorporates these values into his design approach. From 2018 to 2023, he has successfully managed a wide range of projects, spanning Industrial, Commercial, Residential, Interior, and Space Design, overseeing them from pre-design to execution and completion stages. His professional aspirations are focused on advancing the influence of architecture through academia, innovation, and collaboration with professionals from related fields. Additionally, Arjun Sharma has received prestigious awards such as the Limca Book of World Records in rope climbing, the President's Award, and a Bravery Award for saving a life. Furthermore, Arjun Sharma has generously dedicated his time to the Matri Foundation, an NGO dedicated to women's empowerment.

Vaishali Sharma is an architect and planner with a degree in architecture from SDPS Women's College and persuing master's degree in urban regional planning from IK Gujral Punjab Technical University, Chandigarh. She has 5 years of experience as an assistant professor at APG Shimla University. She has worked on documentation of village Dodra Kwar and Moorang, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, and she has done research on artists' works like painting and dancing. She founded her own firm called Indu Construction Architects & Planners since more than 8 years ago.

A hardworking, ambitious and talented person who has extensive skills and experience in architecture and planning with leading projects. Ar. Prateek Ahirwar is a graduate from MITS Gwalior. Ar. Ahirwar is competent multi-tasker and has good hands in various architectural softwares. His core strength are communication and building solid relationships to achieve the best result. A zealous mind and free spirited soul ready for new challenges and always a frontrunner.

Ar. Kalyani Sahu, an Assistant Professor at the IPS Academy School of Architecture, blends her academic skill, having completed her B.Arch from Kavikulguru Institute of Technology and Science and currently pursuing her M.Arch from our very own institute, with practical expertise in architectural software and working drawings. Her passion for Architectural Art enriches her teaching, fostering creativity among students. Her dedication to her profession and her students makes her a valuable member of the IPS Academy School of Architecture.

Er. Sumit is a staunch engineering by profession and enthusiastic person by nature. An Alumnus of IPS academy, he is very calm and composed personality. His experience in the structural feild will help students to make safe and sound structure. Er. Sumit will make the students of architecture to change their imagination to reality. through stable structures.

An educator, administrator and an impeccable manager, Er. Anuj Bansal is the finest example of reliability at School of Architecture, IPS Academy. Graduated in 2012, Er. Bansal is a part of the team responsible to teach our students to create structures sound at their foundation. Er. Bansal’s work towards training students to be well versed with the technicalities of buildings results in students with a strong base and a bright future

Ar. Shruti Anchliya, a distinguished faculty member whose academic journey began with a B.Arch from our very own institute, followed by an M.Plan from MANIT, Bhopal. Known for her vibrant energy as a travel enthusiast and explorer, Ar. Anchliya brings a wealth of knowledge in urban planning and design, climatology, and building services. Her teaching style is particularly noteworthy for its focus on the practical aspects of architecture, making her sessions a dynamic blend of theory and real-world applications. Ar. Anchliya's passion and expertise not only enrich our curriculum but also inspire our students to explore the vast possibilities in the field of architecture.

Ar.Manimaran an alumni of St. Peter's college from Chennai. This young architect has a deep passion for architecture which made him travel various places all over the country finally to land up here in IPS academy. With his enthusiastic and helpful nature he would guide and influence our students here in SOA

Ar. Shreya Kataria is an alumni of our institute. She pursued her passion for urban design and did her post grad study from School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal. After working professionally for 3 years as an urban designer and architect, her affinity towards Architectural teaching urged her to join our institute as the next step. With her attention to detail and ability to understand and explain the necessary to the students, her varied interests in subjects like Town Planning, Urban Design, Climatology, building science and history makes her a versatile and multifaceted educator.

Asst.Prof