Ar.Prof.Pranoti Nagaraj is working as the Principal and Professor at The Oxford School of Architecture, Bengaluru. She has been associated with the college for more than 8 years. She completed her Masters in Urban Planning from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, and has completed her Bachelors in Architecture from the University of Pune. She has been awarded several awards for academics and Architecture designing. 

The Oxford School of Architecture

What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

“Education is an investment for life and it empowers you with critical thinking”

I am passionate about Architectural Education, it keeps you connected with young and creative minds ready to explore at the grass-roots level and be grounded. Architectural Education is a technical and professional course. Teaching is quite a fulfilling experience too which makes me passionate about my work. 

How would you describe your leadership style?

“Leadership is not just leading, but working as a team”

Being Principal of The Oxford School of Architecture, Leadership is all about addressing Academic Challenges which are unexpected. We need to work as a team with Educators and students which is extremely important in the Architectural profession. We need to graduate students who would be FUTURE READY and NOT just armed with a degree but also with Entrepreneurship abilities. 

How does the curriculum of the institution ensure the best practice of industry?

“It’s important to have two-way knowledge transfer” 

The two-way knowledge transfer would bridge the gap between the industry and institutions and would enable the students to become industry-ready. We do assessments to address the industry skills gap to ensure a relevant curriculum is achieved along with evaluating the program’s growth potential to lead to other advanced degrees. 

Check The Oxford School of Architecture Courses & Fees

How is your institution welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

“By not being bias based on caste or creed”

Experiencing different cultures is an opportunity in student life and Diversity enriches the educational experience. It encourages critical thinking. Life at TOSA would help students learn to communicate effectively with people of varied backgrounds to strengthen the bond which promotes Empathy, reduces Prejudice, be respectful to each other, share ideas, opinions and values.

What do you think your roles and responsibilities to the college and the students are?

“Different situations demand a different type of roles”

I think the role of a Principal of a Design course is very different. I consider the power of leadership is the power of integrating. The roles keep changing as per time and situation. 

I am responsible for communicating strategies and guiding the faculty towards the successful completion of Lesson plans in a conducive environment. 

What do you see as your institution’s greatest strengths?

“Campus facilities, world-class faculty, students, infrastructure”

We have a spacious infrastructure and experienced faculty members who are always there for the students. We do enjoy a local advantage being in a prime location right on the expressway and now with the new metro line, we have another advantage of the metro station by our institution’s name.

Click The Oxford School of Architecture Placement

What are some of the biggest challenges you see for the institution?

“Lockdown period has seriously impacted the education”

The long-lasting Pandemic has emerged as one of the biggest challenges. Subjects related to Architectural Design are best taught in a real Class environment. The students’ expectations are rising as they would like to get the best of the education to place them suitably in highly competitive global markets.