Avani Institute of Design has announced the appointment of two experienced academicians to key leadership positions, strengthening its focus on quality design education and institutional development.
Ar. Sonia Gupta has joined the institute as Head of Department (HOD) for Architecture and Design. With close to four decades of experience in architectural education, research, and professional practice, she has previously held leadership roles at institutions including Woxsen University and Amity University Kolkata. Her work has focused on architecture, sustainability, urban development, and interdisciplinary learning. Over the years, she has contributed extensively to academic development, research, and mentoring students and faculty.
The institute has also appointed Ar. Abhijit Digambar Shirodkar as Dean – Institutional Development and Strategic Initiatives. An architect, educator, and academic administrator with over 35 years of experience, he has served in leadership positions at Woxsen University, Amity University Mumbai, and M.I.E.T. Gondia. A University Gold Medalist in Architecture, he has played an important role in curriculum development, academic governance, faculty development, and institutional growth. He has also served on various committees of the Council of Architecture and other professional bodies.
Welcoming the appointments, Ar. Tony Joseph, Chairman and Principal, Avani Institute of Design, said, “We are pleased to welcome Ar. Sonia Gupta and Ar. Abhijit Shirodkar to the Avani family. Both bring rich academic and professional experience, along with a deep understanding of design education. Their leadership will further strengthen our academic programmes and support our vision of creating socially responsible and future-ready design professionals.”
These appointments reflect Avani’s continued efforts to strengthen its academic leadership and provide students with a learning environment that is innovative, relevant, and rooted in real-world practice.
About Avani Institute of Design:
Avani Institute of Design, a Centre of Excellence in Architecture and Design education is affiliated with the University of Calicut and approved by the Council of Architecture. It is governed by a Council chaired by Ar. Tony Joseph and some of the best emerging practitioners in India namely Ar. Vinod Cyriac, Ar. Brijesh Shaijal and Ar. Vivek PP. The Institute has a very hands-on Advisory Council consisting of some of the best national and international architectural, design and art practitioners and educators namely Ar. Neelkanth Chhaya, Ar. Dean D’Cruz, Ar. Sanjay Mohe, Ar. Bijoy Ramachandran, Artist Bose Krishnamachari, Ar. Peter Rich, Ar. Soumitro Ghosh, Prof. Roger Connah and Prof Durganand Balsavar. Avani Institute faculty includes architects with bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from illustrious institutions such as CEPT, SPA, the University of Texas at Austin, the National University of Singapore, the National Institute of Technology Calicut, the University of Edinburgh (UK), the Bartlett School of Architecture (UK), IAAC (Barcelona, Spain), the University of Leuven, and the University of New South Wales, to name a few.
The institute’s award-winning architecture reflects some of its core values. The Campus, designed by Stapati Architects, won the prestigious National Smart Green Award. 95% of Avani students live on campus, making the Avani experience a continuous, shared, and safe environment that enables learning and sharing. The Residence can accommodate more than 400 people at a time.
