Prof. Yogesh Gandevikar
Principal

Prof. Yogesh Gandevikar is a graduate from CEPT University in 1980. He has been very active in academics as well as practice. He has his own firm Akshara. He has undertaken many projects like commercial, residential, recreational etc. He has taught at various prestigious institutes like CEPT University, NIRMA University, LJK University etc. His academic journey did not stop here, he further pursued Master in Urban Planning at Parul University in 2018. He has not only worked in the capacity of an academician but also as founder principal at Banasthali Vidyapeeth, Rajasthan. He has joined as Principal at P P Savani University with a mission to propagate architecture, Planning and Interior design as prime courses and make students as well as staff to be more ambitious and professional.

Prof. Rajendrasinh Pardeshi
Visiting Faculty

He is an Architect, Interior Designer, Urban Planner and avid Academician. He is a graduate of CEPT University – 1978 Batch, and did his Master of Urban Planning from HNGU, Patan. He is also a qualified LEED AP (BD+C) with USGBC since last eight years and LEED AP with IGBC, proposing and promoting sustainable practise, since last 34 years.

He spent formative years of his professional journey with the renowned architect Shri.Anant Raje, Ahmedabad, learning the basics of architecture. Established his own Architectural – Interior Design practice in 1990 in Ahmadabad. His projects involve wide variety of both Architectural & Interior Design projects such as, Residential, Commercial, Hospitality, Healthcare, Institutional and Industrial projects.

He also got associated as Head / Principal / Chief Architect with top leading AEC giants of national & international repute i.e. VMS Engineering, L&T ECC, Shapoorji Pallonji, Jacobs Engineering & Mott MacDonald. He was involved as Design Lead on very large scale prestigious projects like, IIMA Faculty Building Annexe-Ahmedabad, Langage Energy Centre - UK, Eden Garden Stadium - Kolkata, Garima Park, TCS - Gandhinagar, NTCB – Shell R&D Centre - Bangalore, Dandi Kutir, Museum on Gandhiji - Gandhinagar, Sinermas Oleo Plant, Jakarta - Indonesia, Comfort-Inn Hotel, CT - USA. This exposure and experience led to develop expertise and excellence in prevailing Indian and International architectural and construction practise

Before joining P P Savani University, he was involved as visiting faculty with the leading Architectural Institute i.e. CEPT University and as Associate Professor with NIRMA university. He is visiting various institutes i.e. CEPT University, Anant Institute of Architecture, LJ Institute of Architecture, SAL Institute of Architecture and ITM Baroda as Jury member and also as external examiner from GTU.

He has joined P P Savani University School of Architecture and Interior Design with clear objectives of implementing an integrated and disciplined approach to design education. He advocates the most appropriate, advanced and innovative teaching methods, comparable to the best in the world. With a very strong industrial experience and exposure, he believes in extending the class room exercise and activities to the field. He believes in inspiring students to be active learners and explore and experiment endless possibilities in the world of architecture. He has a vision to give the best to the society by promoting and producing the competent and confident professionals in today’s competitive world.

Prof. Ashvin Modi
Professor Design Chair

Prof. AshvinModi is the Principal of School of Architecture in P P Savani University.

He is a graduate of CEPT University Ahmedabad- 1975 batch.

After working with reputed architects on various large scale projects in initial years, he embarked upon his private architectural practice in 1983. AshvinModi Architects, the 34 years long practice encompasses huge array of large to small scale projects in the tune of 200+, varying from residential, institutional, industrial and corporate sectors. The firm has always attempted a contextual, dynamic & innovative approach for all of their projects. Though a practicing professional, he has always been an avid academician. He has been a visiting faculty, final year thesis guide and examiner with many prestigious universities like M.S. University- Vadodara, APIED - VallabhVidyanagar, SMAID - VallabhVidyanagar and SVIT College of Architecture – Vasad.

He has joined P P Savani University School of Architecture with a focused objective of implementing an integrated approach to design education. He has a vision to produce the best quality graduates from both the departments of Architecture and Interior Design. He is optimistic to utilize the most advanced and innovative teaching methods, comparable to best in the world. He envisages to bridge the gap between the theoretical knowledge and on ground practical skills by leveraging upon his own industry experience. He believes in inspiring students to be active learners and explore the limitless possibilities in the world of architecture.

He has been the Founder Chairman and member of Indian Institute of Interior designers, Bharuch, Member of Council of Architecture, Member of Indian Institute of Architects, Vice President of Bharuch District Traffic Education Trust, Member of Rotary Club of Bharuch since 1989 and President in the year 1992 ,with many significant awards till date.

Prof. Girish Panchal
Expert
Email: girish.panchal@ppsu.ac.in

Mr. Girish Panchal is the Head of the Department of the School of Architecture. He is Bachelor of Architecture with Honours from Sir J.J. School of Architecture Mumbai and Diploma in Project Management & Project Planning.

He was a visiting faculty at International Institute of Fashion & Interior Design (Mumbai), and Thakoor Polytechnic Mumbai. He is an energetic architect professor who has an interactive approach to teach the art of architecture subject.

He is adept at developing comprehensive lessons and communicating directly with students to improve their grades and creating unique projects which allows students to develop their competencies.

In his entire carrier he has been associated with well-known firms like Premnath& Associates, ABM Architects and RatanJ.Batliboi Architects, Mumbai on projects like Hotel Windsor Manor, Hotel Ambassador, Hotel Bawa International, Hotel Horizon, Corporate office for Grindlays Bank, Patspin India Ltd and GTN Textile Ltd.

He has been involved with Al Murooj Complex, Jumaira Lake Towers, Jumaira Beach Residence, and New Gold Souk near BurjKhalifa Dubai as a Project Coordinating Architect.

He has designed many international exhibition stalls, car showrooms for Toyota, Renault, Volkswagen, Lexus, Television Studio, National Bank of Oman, Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries and Army Museum in Muscat, Oman.

Prof. Alpesh Golakiya
Assistant Professor
Email: alpesh.golakiya@ppsu.ac.in

Prof. Alpesh Golakiya is an Assistant Professor at the School of Architecture in P.P. Savani University. He has done Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) from Faculty of Architecture, SCET; Surat. He is an alumnus of P. P. Savani School.

He has used his sound management skills to give shape to his entrepreneurial ambitions. He runs his own Design institute and Architectural firm called “A. GOLAKIYA Architects” in Surat. He is an associate member of IIA and IIID. He has been a successful mentor to many students aspiring for careers in Design and Architecture.

He has worked in many residential high-rise and commercial projects with Raghuvir Developers in Surat. Having an intrinsic interest in Green Building/ Energy Efficient architecture, he has worked as LEED green building architect for Surat’s most famous residential project “Raghuvir Shell”.

He was involved as a Planner in “Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana” for Mr. Vallbhbhai Savani’s (Founder of P. P. Savani group) Village named “Ranparda” at Palitana, Gujarat.

Prof. Ruchi Gandhi
Assistant Professor
Email: ruchi.gandhi@ppsu.ac.in

Prof. Ruchi Gandhi is an Assistant Professor at School of Architecture in P.P. Savani University. She has pursued her Bachelor from Sarvajanik College of engineering & tech., Surat, Gujarat.

She has been awarded a gold medal from Indian Institute of Interior Designs, Surat Regional Centre (2012) for the overall best performance in Academics and also received Scholarship from Landscape Institute of India (2012).

She has done Masters in Architecture from Sarvajanik College of engineering & tech., Surat, Gujarat and was top 10 shortlisted winners of COA National Awards for Excellence in Post-Graduate Thesis in Architecture (2017) and thesis project was – Reinvigorating the City Center of Dudhiya Lake, Navasar, Gujarat.She has more than two years of professional experience in the fields of Interior designing and Architecture wherein she has dealt with residential, commercial, institutional scale projects.

Prof. Maitri Buch
Assistant Professor

Maitri studied architecture at CEPT University, Ahmedabad. She did her training at the Auroville Earth Unit chaired by UNESCO, under aegis of Architect Satprem Maini at Auroville. She joined Ar Kalapi Buch in 2005. She since has been responsible for several architectural, landscape design and interior design projects. She also innovated ‘Mind Sketch’ a system of analysis to know the person of an individual and there by suggesting the kind of space that will be appropriate for them. Besides se had been visiting faculty at APIED, VDA, SDPS Indore, P P Savani University. She has guided many thesis students of various different collages. She is also called upon as a juror to various institutes. She has conducted numerous workshops and presently she is an integral part of a very innovative and new concept to explore architecture fusing the Indian Classical Music called “Muzitecture”.

Maitri has co- founded Sfurna Designs in year 2011.

Maitri has co-founded a design School named Sfurna Design School in Bharuch in year 2016. It presently runs the course of Interior Design.

Prof. Shahabuddin Contractor
Associate Professor and I/C Principal

Asso.Prof.Shabuddin Contractor, an accomplished architect from Bharuch, stands out with a stellar academic background, graduating with first-class distinction in Architecture from Pune University in 2005. Under the mentorship of Architect Karan Grover, he honed his skills during an insightful internship, marking the beginning of his 18-year professional journey across diverse architectural domains.

His academic prowess expanded with a year of academic experience at P.P. Samani University, followed by a significant tenure as a visiting faculty member, accumulating a total of 15 years of academic expertise. Renowned for his versatile portfolio, Shabuddin has seamlessly navigated through commercial, residential, industrial, and interior projects, showcasing his prowess in varied architectural realms.

Shabuddin's talent and dedication were recognized early in his career when he received the prestigious Best Thesis Award in 2005 from IIA Pune, a testament to his innovative and meticulous approach to architecture. His professional trajectory has seen him contribute to renowned architectural firms across Surat, Anand, and Vadodara, fostering a rich and diverse experience.

Not bound by borders, he broadened his horizons by contributing to the architectural landscape in Saudi Arabia, lending his expertise to the esteemed French company, Saudi Oger, for two years. In 2022, he expanded his academic repertoire, completing a Master's in Urban Planning from P.P. Savani University, once again securing first-class distinction.

Shabuddin Contractor's journey embodies a blend of academic excellence, diverse professional experiences, and a commitment to innovative and sustainable architectural practices, making him a standout figure in the architectural realm.

Prof. Vidita Parikh
Visiting Faculty

Prof. Vidita Parikh has earned her Diploma in Architecture from Govt. Girls Polytechnic-Surat . She has pursued her Bachelor degree from Sarvajanik College of Engineering & Technology (SCET)- Surat. During the academic period she worked with renowned architects, Prof. Sanjay Joshee (Surat) and Prof. Hiren Patel (Ahmadabad). During her internship period itself, she started working on hands-on projects varying from small scale product design to large scale commercial projects. Landscape design for Magnet commercial hub by Ganesh housing in Ahmadabad is one of her well-known executed competition projects during her internship tenure.

She has a professional experience of five years in the fields of architecture, interior and landscape design. She has worked with Prof. Aniket Bhagwat, Prof.Vishal Shah & Prof.Vishal Desai where she worked in projects of various scales including residential, commercial, institutional & industrial. Also, she is the founder architect of firm the Little Studio. She is a professional member of IIA - Surat, IIID - Bharuch & BAUDA.

Prof. Sagar Desai
Associate Professor

Prof. Sagar Desai graduated from SCET (Sarvajanik College of Engineering & Technology), Surat. He pursued Post Graduation from CEPT University, Ahmedabad. He is also an IGBC-AP (Indian Green Building Council-Accredited Professional).With an extensive experience in academia & as a professional he has also contributed at Calcutta Riverside Project. As a researcher his area of interest is smart cities and published many papers on the same. He is actively involved in Institutional Consultancy Projects. He is also in the board of certain international institutes, for research paper reviews. He did his second masters in urban planning and has also completed his PG diploma in Environmental development & sustainability. He is in continues process of knowledge gaining and sharing through workshops and lecture series like GICEA. Beyond being an academician is also a very good chess player and swimmer.

Prof. Eeshan Vairagkar
Assistant Professor

Prof. Eeshan Vairagkar Assistant Professor at School of Architecture P P Savani University. He pursued his bachelor's degree from the School of Architecture IPS Academy, Indore. Has done Masters of Architecture in Construction Management from Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune Maharashtra. Did his second Masters (M.Sc.) in Real Estate Valuation from Annamalai University Chidambaram Tamil Nadu. Has an experience of more than 4.5 years in academics. He has also worked on various residential (Architectural and Interior Designing) projects in Indore. He keeps an interest in swimming and Indian Classical Music.

Prof. Kripa John
Assistant Professor

Prof. Kripa John completed her Bachelor of Architecture from SDPS College of Architecture, Indore in the year 2018. In the same year, she went on to pursue her Masters in Sustainable Architecture from De Monfort University, Leicester, UK. She worked on residential projects there and later returned to India and started working at Sfurna Design Studio, Bharuch. She has joined P P Savani University, School of Architecture & Planning as an Assistant Professor.

Prof. Nishita Chevli Hathiwala
Assistant Professor

Prof. Nishita Chevli Hathiwala a young Architect & Planner is keenly interested in expressing her views along with sharing her knowledge which she has gained through her Bachelors and Masters studies. She has joined P P Savani University, School of Architecture & Planning as an Assistant Professor. Architect and Planner Nishita has completed her Bachelors in Architecture, Advanced Diploma in Interior Design and Masters in Urban & Regional Planning. During her internship period and years of experience she has worked on many Gujarat tourism projects, commercial projects, residential projects and interior renovation projects. Her interests lie in Dancing, Reading, travelling and exploring new ideas and things. She believes in a friendly approach to studies. She has keen interest in History and Archaeology studies. Her mission is to gain and spread knowledge at her best.

Prof. Kandarp Bhatt
Expert

Prof. Kandarp Bhatt graduated from CEPT, Ahmedabad (Gujarat, India) in 1983. He then pursued post-graduate from same institute in 1987. He is vastly experienced in industry in both capacities of architect as well as a planner. He had his own consulting firm for more than 15 years. He is also a renowned academician and has worked in different capacities at various institutes. He has total more than 15 publications/articles/papers to his credit 5 out of which are international.

Ar.Raxit shah
Assistant Professor

Ar. Raxit Shah is an Architect and a Town planner who runs his own design firm in Ahmedabad & Bharuch, India. An architect graduated from GMSA, started his career with the national institute of design (NID), and even worked with many legendary designers. He entrenched his own design studio named Aarunya architects. Raxit is a protean in Architecture, Interior and Furniture Design. Raxit likes to combine old, local crafting traditions with modern design, resulting in unique uncompromising pieces. Raxit aims at bringing the magic of Indian artisan tradition also to western interiors. He eye`s for design detailing and expertise in construction technologies has enabled interpret the firm's vocabulary in new and innovative ways. He not only works for nationals but also has many international projects under his belt.

Prof. Gajendra B. Majithia
Visiting Professor

Prof. Gajendra has been a freelance artist for the last 35 years and has nearly 32 years of teaching experience in Architecture, Fashion designing, Home science, and Interior designing. He has achieved an extraordinary portfolio as well as varied accomplishments including exhibitions, workshops, and artistry achievements. He possesses a strong sense of artistry perspective and forward thinking that is consistently displayed across all his art pieces.

Prof. Rashmi Dave
Visiting Professor

Prof. Rashmi Dave has an outstanding academic and Professional background. He is a lifelong teacher. From studentship till present he has been a true inspiration for young architects. He specialised merely in all subjects of Architecture. Environmental science,History of Architecture, Technology and Digital Architecture are the areas of special interest. There is ample professional work covering theory and practice. From precious buildings ,temples and campuses are the milestones of his professional works. He wishes to contribute his knowledge to deserving candidates.

Prof. Rajesh Joshi
Assistant Professor

Ar Rajesh Joshi graduated from M.S. University in 1981. He has a vast experience of over 35+ years in the Architectural Profession. He has worked on various commercial, residential and industrial projects. Being a professional and academician he held various positions of IIA in Gujrat Chapter as well as Surat Centre. He has worked with Sarvajanik College of Architecture, Surat for approximately 10+ years. He has been associated with P P Savani University since 2021. He keeps his interest in reading, exploring new cities, and playing table tennis. A good combination of academia and professional fields.

Prof. Keval Valambhia
Associate Professor

Ar. Keval Valambhia, is associated with P P Savani University since 2017, he has worked in the capacity of Chief Operations Officer of CREDAI-MCHI and former Vice President of Hubtown Limited; is having 18+ years of industry experience in the field of Real Estate Development, Policy and Planning, Architecture and Urban Planning. He is an architect and urban planner by qualification and is also a bravery award winner from the United Kingdom. Ar.Keval brings with him extensive insight on policy, planning, and Government liaison with a proven and disciplined record of driving growth without losing sight of the needs of the planning sector based on his years in the urban planning and real estate industry. Ar. Keval is a high-energy professional with distinction in executing and managing prestigious real estate projects of large magnitude. Ar. Keval has worked on various residential, commercial, industrial, PPP and SEZ projects from the ground up while identifying targets in diverse market cycles. He has been associated with NMIMS, and KRVIA by sharing his knowledge with the budding students of Urban Planning, Architecture, and built environment courses. Ar. Keval has a robust understanding of aspects of real estate development, urban planning, liaison, architecture, and project management. Ar. Keval has excelled as a leader of many projects while being an efficient negotiator and a top performer with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Prof. Pinal Patel
Assistant Professor

Ar. Pinal Patel is serving as an Assistant Professor at the School of Architecture & Planning, P P Savani University. She pursued her bachelor’s degree in architecture from Sarvajanik College of Engineering and Technology, Surat. She pursued her Master’s in Landscape Architecture from Bhanuben Nanavati College of Architecture(B.N.C.A.), Pune University, Pune.

She had worked with renowned architects such as Ar. Kallol Joshi, Ar. Sanjay Joshi, and Landscape Ar. Umesh and Ar.Prachi Wakeley, which gave her knowledge of different practices across regions. She has a strong understanding and experience in the field of Landscape Design and Terrace gardening. She has her own Studio, and successfully works as a Landscape professional. She contributes in the field of architecture, by focusing on the human and environmental side of each design experience. Apart from being an Academician, She is also a “Classical Dancer”, as she has done Bachelors in Arts,(B.A.) in “Bharatnatyam”(Classical dance form), and Performed her “Aarangetram” in 2008.

Prof. Nikunj Patel
Assistant Professor

Ar. Nikunj is serving as an Assistant Professor at the School of Architecture & Planning, P P Savani University. He pursued his bachelor’s degree, from Sarvajanik College of Engineering and Technology, Surat. He pursued his master’s degree in Product Design from Domus Academy in Milan, Italy. He is very passionate about design and he believes in researching, his approach towards design is practical and aesthetic, with a keen interest in detail. After completing architecture, He had an opportunity to work on a large-scale urban design project which gave him an ample amount of knowledge about urban scenarios. At the same time, he started indulging himself in detailing the designing and small products that were designed for the projects which made him think about continuing his further studies in product design, where he had a great opportunity to work with students from various parts of the globe, there he learned about developing the products into a marketing world, and many other Techniques to deal with a project in all the aspects. He attempts to consciously redefine, reimagine and construct spaces and furniture pieces by capturing 'people’s imagination'.

Prof. Nilkanta Burkhawala
Visiting Professor

Ar. Nilkantha A. Burkhawala completed his under-graduation in Architecture from IED, Vallabh Vidyanagar, and later on his master in Town and Regional Planning from SVNIT, Surat. He started his academic career as a visiting faculty with the School of Interior Design, AAERT, Surat from 2000 to 2009, where he also headed the department for the last 2 years. He taught at the Faculty of Architecture, SCET, Surat from 2009 to 2014, as Assistant Professor, at Raman Bhakta School of Architecture, Bardoli as Professor and Head of Department from 2014 to 2019. He joined Vidyamandir College of Architecture in 2019 as Professor and I/C Principal where he worked till May 2022. Currently, he is serving as a visiting faculty with VNSGU, Surat, and School of Architecture & Planning, P P Savani University, Surat.

Prof. Kalapei Buchh
Visiting Professor

Enrooted to Bharat, Ar Kalapei Buchh is a visiting faculty who is quite passionate and innovative to translate the Indian rich culture and wisdom into an architectural curiosity. He is a graduate of one of the esteemed Institutes of the country APIED. Ar Kalapei Buchh is the Grandson of a freedom fighter who founded ‘Hindu Mandal’ in Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania, and went on to confiscate the British passport not only of his but his entire family too and joining the freedom fight of Tanzania becoming a close ally with the then President Shri Julius Nyerere; besides offering himself into many initiatives concerning societal upliftment. His profound academic interest and an aspiration to share the gained wisdom with the imminent generation has culminated in the first design school of Bharuch, Sfurna Design School in 2015. To foster an atmosphere of design in their city Bharuch, they initiated the IIID Bharuch Centre. The piety to glorify the craft for enriching the terrene SFUURRNA AKRRIITT incites them to the pursual of sageness.

Prof. Swati Deo
Associate Professor

Ar. Swati Deo is a graduate from Amravati University in the year 1994 and Master from MIT Pune in the year 2020. She has been very active in the academics with an experience of 23 years. She is in academics since 1998. She has not only worked in the capacity of an academician but also as head of the department of Interior Design for many years at Institute of Design and Technology (IDT) and Universal School of Design (UID) at Surat and as In-charge Principal at Vidyamandir College of Architecture, Surat. She has completed many Residential and Office projects as a Principal architect. She is Green Building Assocham Gem CP. She has applied for PHD under Veer Narmad South Gujarat University. She has joined P. P. Savani University as Associate Professor with a mission to propagate. Architecture and Design as main courses and to produce quality graduates from both the departments.

Prof. Roshni Bais
Assistant Professor

Prof. Roshni Bais, has recently joined PPSU as an Assistant Professor. She has an experience of 2 years in the field of Architecture, Structural Auditing and Heritage conservation. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Anant institute of Architecture, Ahmedabad and Master’s degree in Architecture from Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee. She has also worked as Project Associate at CSIR - Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee. She has a wide experience in the field of Architectural research. Apart from this, she also loves to explore places and local cuisines.

Prof. Yogesh Kumar
Assistant Professor

Prof. Yogesh Kumar is a Young Architect and Urban planner. He joined P P Savani University as a faculty member in July 2023. He embarked on his academic career at P P Savani University in the same month. He completed his Post Graduate degree in Urban Planning from Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur, Rajasthan in 2023. His thesis topic was “Transformation of Residential neighbourhood in Bapu Nagar, Jaipur”. Additionally, he worked as a Senior Architect at Good Living India, Delhi from 2019 to 2021, and as an Architect at eSpaces Architect, New Delhi from 2018 to 2019. Other than office work he has been involved in various personal residential projects. He earned his Bachelor of Architecture Degree from the National Institute of Technology Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh in the year 2018. Apart from his professional experience, he also demonstrates enthusiasm for music and sports activities. He was also the runner-up in a music competition at Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur in 2023.

Prof. Urvi Rathod
Assistant Professor (Visiting)

Prof. Urvi Rathod is a Visiting faculty at School of Architecture & Planning in P.P. Savani University. She has pursued her Bachelor in Civil Engineering from Shree Swami Atmanand Saraswati Institute of Technolog., Surat, Gujarat. She has done Masters in Town and Country Planning from Sarvajanik College of Engineering & Tech., Surat, currently she is pursing PhD in Urban Planning from Uka Tarsadia University. She has more than 6.5 years of teaching experience as a assistant professor in Uka Tarsadia University, Maliba Campus, Bardoli.

Prof. Esha Mittal
Assistant Professor (Visiting)

Prof. Esha, the accomplished architect with two decades of experience, began her architectural journey in 2003. After honing her skills, she earned a master’s degree in Milan from 2012 to 2014. Her professional career launched in 2008, and by 2015, she fearlessly ventured into entrepreneurship, founding Design Hive. In 2016, Esha embraced academia as a visiting professor, recognizing the synergy between teaching and practice. This blend of theoretical and practical knowledge kept her consistently updated and grounded, fostering a holistic approach to architecture. Esha’s unwavering commitment to merging creativity with pragmatism defines her architectural philosophy, cementing her as a well-rounded professional in the field.