Neha Nair, an Assistant Professor at Anant, is deeply fascinated with the stories behind historical monuments and how their architecture reflects their social, cultural, economic and technological significance. Neha draws inspiration from these stories and integrates historical narratives into the curriculum and pedagogy of Architectural Design Studios and History courses. She leverages folklore and stories as pedagogical tools to enrich the learning experience, believing that this approach aids in retaining and instilling value in the subject matter. 

At Anant National University, Neha actively explores interdisciplinary pedagogical methods by undertaking elective courses which use photography as a lens to review architecture. She is guiding a thesis project which closely ties interaction design and architecture to create engaging architectural interventions in public spaces. She has also been a member of the core team that developed the post-graduate programme at the University, which looks to bridge the gap between the theory and practice of architectural design.

Neha has also been the co-convenor for the international symposium, which discussed the role of architecture in the future as an agency of sustenance. She is also deeply involved in mentoring student competitions.

Neha holds an MArch (Theory and Design) degree from CEPT University and has ten years of experience in architectural practice and eight years in academics. As an academician, Neha is particularly passionate about architectural history and identifying the underpinnings of heritage spaces and their position and relevance in contemporary times. She also has done courses like ‘Seeing Through Photographs’ offered by The Museum of Modern Art and ‘Innovation Through Design: Think, Make, Break, Repeat’ by the University of Sydney.

Before joining Anant, Neha practised as an architect for three years. She then joined CEPT University as a Teaching Assistant, teaching history to post-graduate students. She conducted a Design Studio course at SAL University as a Visiting Faculty. That apart, Neha has been invited for the online lecture to discuss Palladian Architecture at Manipal University, Manipal and as a jury member to several architectural schools, such as CEPT University, Ahmedabad, IPSA, Rajkot and Indus University, Ahmedabad.

Outside of academia, Neha is passionate about photography. Her talent earned her accolades from esteemed platforms, such as the World Photographers Club, where her photographs received ‘honorary mention’ and were showcased in their New Delhi exhibition. She also won awards at WADe Asia in 2018 and 2019, showcasing the depth of her photographic skills. Her work has been featured in prominent events like the LxS Dhal ni Pol festival. Beyond her photographic pursuits, Neha finds joy in table tennis, excelling enough to secure prizes at IIID sports tournaments. She is also a skilled Bharatnatyam dancer, further enriching her artistic portfolio.