Architecture

Chhabi Mishra | Director (Architecture Department) | DIT University

What is Architecture?

A Career in Architecture is very interesting. One should first understand What a Career in Architecture entails before investing time and effort to figure out How to start a Career in Architecture. The most authoritative source of information on Architecture is someone with real experience in it.

Director (Architecture Department) Chhabi Mishra is an experienced professional with 27 years in Architecture. According to Director (Architecture Department) Chhabi Mishra, Architecture is:

Architecture is both the process and the product of planning, designing, and constructing buildings or any other structures.

How Director (Architecture Department) Chhabi Mishra got into Architecture?

After completing my B Arch from JJ College of Architecture, Mumbai and Masters in Landscape Architecture from University of Wisconsin Madison, US, I started working as Campus Master Planner/Project Manager at SmithGroup JJR, Ann Arbor, Michigan. I worked there for almost 8 years and later I started working with J Robert Anderson as a Senior Planner. I have worked with many other international organizations like Bosse and Turner, Austin TX, Neighborhood Planning and Zoning Department. In 2009, I came back to India and in 2014, I joined GD Goenka University and founded the Architecture Department of GD Goenka University. In May 2018, I joined DIT University as the Director of Architecture Department.

Director (Architecture Department) Chhabi Mishra's Talk on Architecture

Understanding the World of Architecture: Insights from Professor Chhabi Mishra Architecture is more than just the design of buildings; it is a transformative discipline that shapes our built environment and the way we interact with it. According to Professor Chhabi Mishra, whose extensive experience spans across India and the United States, architecture influences every aspect of human life, from individual residences to complex urban landscapes. In this article, we will delve into what architecture entails, the educational pathways it requires, the skills necessary for success, the positives and challenges of the profession, and what a typical day looks like for an architect. --- What Is Architecture? Defining Architecture Architecture is fundamentally about creating the built environment that humans inhabit. It encompasses not simply the aesthetic design of structures but also the functionality, sustainability, and human interactions that occur within these spaces. As Professor Mishra aptly puts it, the interaction of humans with their surroundings leads to the formation of the built environment, making architecture an essential field that addresses both individual needs and wider societal demands. Importance in Society Architecture is vital in shaping communities and facilitating human connections. For instance, buildings are not mere physical structures; they manifest cultural values and societal norms. From residential homes to skyscrapers, each architectural decision impacts the quality of life for its inhabitants and the larger community. An architect's role is not only to deliver stylish buildings but also to ensure those structures contribute positively to the environment and the people who use them. --- Education Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics The educational journey in architecture typically begins with a strong foundation in the sciences, particularly Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM). Professor Mishra emphasizes the importance of a PCM background as it provides students with the analytical skills necessary for understanding structural integrity and material properties—two cornerstones of architectural design. Designing Design education in architecture is heavily studio-based, whereby students progress from designing small spaces, like rooms, to larger environments such as urban areas. This hands-on approach fosters creativity and practical problem-solving skills. For example, Professor Mishra explained how students evolve from small-scale projects to complex designs throughout their academic journey, gaining confidence and expertise along the way. Construction Understanding construction principles is critical in architecture, as it bridges the gap between design and practical realization. Professor Mishra notes that students learn how their designs must be structurally sound and feasible. This knowledge allows aspiring architects to create innovative designs that can be effectively constructed, heightening their marketability in the professional world. Management In today’s architectural landscape, management skills are essential. Future architects are trained in project management and construction oversight to navigate the complexities of bringing a design from concept to completion. As Professor Mishra pointed out, many architects now assume managerial roles, coordinating between various contractors and stakeholders to ensure successful project execution. Emerging Technology Architecture is a rapidly evolving field, heavily influenced by advancements in technology. Emerging technologies, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and sustainable design practices, are integral parts of modern architectural education. They prepare students to innovate and adapt in a competitive industry that continually seeks new solutions to complex design challenges. Humanities A well-rounded education in architecture also includes the humanities, helping students to understand human behavior and cultural contexts. This knowledge is critical for designing spaces that resonate with user needs. As Professor Mishra mentioned, architects must engage deeply with how people interact with environments and how those environments can influence human behavior. Psychology The study of psychology in architecture equips students with insights into client desires and communal needs. Professor Mishra highlighted the significance of understanding users, as it often falls on architects to extract meaningful design briefs from clients, ensuring that the end results align with the aspirations of those who will inhabit the spaces. --- Skills Drawing & Sketching Graphic skills are foundational in architecture, enabling students to convey their ideas through sketches and architectural renderings. While students initially learn manual sketching, they progress to using advanced design software to articulate their visions clearly. This transition enhances their ability to communicate complex design concepts more effectively, making it an essential skill for future architects. Communication Skills Effective communication is paramount in architecture, as professionals must present their ideas convincingly to clients, stakeholders, and collaborators. Professor Mishra emphasizes the importance of developing these skills early in students' education through debates, presentations, and critiques. This not only builds confidence but also prepares them for collaborative projects and discussions in their careers. Project Management With many architects stepping into project management roles, proficiency in this area is critical. Students learn to manage timelines, budgets, and stakeholder expectations, which helps streamline processes from design to construction. Professor Mishra’s experiences in various architectural firms illustrate how essential these skills are, especially in large-scale projects requiring extensive coordination. Team Work Architects frequently work in teams, making the ability to collaborate and contribute to group efforts essential. Professor Mishra notes that teaching students how to work in diverse groups nurtures individual accountability and collective responsibility, ensuring that they can produce comprehensive results while learning from each other's strengths and insights. Entrepreneurial Skills Given architecture's multifaceted nature, entrepreneurial skills are increasingly relevant. Students are encouraged to think creatively and commercially, empowering them to start their design firms post-graduation. This is crucial in a profession where innovation can lead to groundbreaking new practices or solutions, as highlighted by Professor Mishra's emphasis on potential career paths for architecture graduates. Leadership Skills Architects naturally take on leadership roles in projects, guiding teams and making critical design decisions. Education in leadership equips architecture students with the confidence to champion their ideas and steer projects effectively. Professor Mishra illustrates this by discussing the inherent responsibility architects carry in bringing their visions to fruition while inspiring and managing diverse teams. Community Engagement Architecture possesses a unique responsibility to engage with communities, addressing real-world issues through design. Professor Mishra advocates for hands-on projects that immerse students in the community, enabling them to understand local needs and develop solutions that resonate with users. This community-focused approach ensures that architectural designs serve as catalysts for positive change. --- Positives Highly Creative Field Architecture is characterized as a highly creative profession that transforms students into more observant and perceptive individuals. According to Professor Mishra, studying architecture enhances one's ability to see and interpret the world differently, developing a sensitivity to design and environment that enriches one’s personal and professional life. Growth Opportunities The field of architecture opens doors to numerous career pathways beyond traditional practices. Graduates can excel in various domains, such as urban design, interior design, or even venture into unrelated fields like photography or filmmaking. Professor Mishra underscores this versatility, emphasizing that an architectural background equips professionals to pursue diverse roles. Mother of all Professions Professor Mishra describes architecture as the "mother of all professions," indicating its foundational significance across disciplines. He asserts that the skills gained in architecture—analytical thinking, creativity, project management—can be transferred to numerous careers, enhancing graduates' employability and adaptability in an evolving job market. Individualistic The architectural profession is highly personal, allowing individuals to carve unique paths based on their passions and interests. Professor Mishra encourages students to leverage their talents and aspirations to pursue areas that resonate with them, fostering a sense of ownership and fulfillment in their careers. --- Challenges Unawareness on Role of Architecture Despite its significance, the role of architects is often misunderstood or underappreciated. As Professor Mishra notes, architects frequently find themselves in a struggle to articulate their value to clients and regulators. Bridging this gap in understanding is a continual challenge, requiring persistent advocacy and education. Unwillingness to Accept Resistance to change poses a significant hurdle for architects who aim to implement innovative designs. Professor Mishra emphasizes that overcoming client skepticism and legislative barriers is often one of the profession's toughest challenges, underlying the need for effective communication and a solid track record. Labour Intensive Architecture is labor-intensive, requiring extensive effort to translate ideas into reality. Professor Mishra points out that the journey from conceptualization to actualization demands considerable teamwork, time, and resources. This labor-intensive nature can lead to high levels of stress and burnout in the profession. Ethical Challenges Architects frequently face ethical dilemmas, particularly in balancing client demands with professional integrity. Decisions may have to be made that conflict with their ethical training, such as adopting compromised project designs due to budget constraints. Professor Mishra highlights the need for architects to navigate such challenges judiciously, ensuring they maintain their professional standards while meeting client expectations. Competition The architectural field is highly competitive, with many talented individuals vying for attention and projects. As Professor Mishra notes, securing commissions often favors those with established reputations or ties to international firms. This competitive landscape emphasizes the need for architects to continually develop their skills and establish their unique voices in the industry. --- A Day Of Architecture A Day in the Life of an Architect The daily life of an architect can vary widely, reflecting the diverse challenges and responsibilities within the profession. For instance, Professor Mishra shared his experiences working in corporate America, where each day presented different tasks ranging from teamwork and client meetings to site visits and attending seminars. This dynamic nature keeps the profession exciting and allows architects to adapt to evolving situations and demands. --- Conclusion Architecture stands as a profound profession that shapes our interaction with the built world. With its blend of artistry, science, and community impact, the discipline offers endless opportunities for creativity and innovation. As highlighted by Professor Chhabi Mishra, those aspiring to enter this field must embrace both its challenges and its vast potential, remaining steadfast in their education and professional development. Whether designing residential properties or large urban projects, architects have the unique opportunity to influence lives and inspire future generations, making this profession both rewarding and essential.

Install the LifePage App to:

(for Free) Watch Director (Architecture Department) Chhabi Mishra’s full Architecture Career Talk

₹ Do a Self Assessment on Architecture to calculate your Dream Index, which is defined as:

According to Chhabi Mishra your chances of success in Architecture is __%

Access your personalized Dream Index Report which will have all your Dream Indices sorted in descending order.

How to get into

Architecture?

If you are want to get into Architecture, start by investing in a Career Plan.

The 14 hour process, guided by a LifePage Career Advisor, will help you introspect and check whether your interest in Architecture is merely an infatuation or is it truly something you wish to do for the rest of your life.

Next, your Career Advisor will help you document how you can get into Architecture, what education and skills you need to succeed in Architecture, and what positives and challenges you will face in Architecture.

Finally, you will get a Career Plan stating which Courses, Certifications, Trainings and other Items you need to do in the next 7 years to become world’s best in Architecture.

LifePage Career Plan

14 hour personalized guidance program

Your LifePage Career Advisor facilitates your guided introspection so that you systematically explore various Career options to arrive at a well thought out Career choice.

Next: your Advisor helps you figure out how you will get into your chosen Career and how will you develop the skills needed for success in your Chosen Career.

LifePage Plan will not stop at saying "to become an Architect study Architecture". It will guide you on which Certifications, Trainings and Other items you need to do along with your Architecture education to become the world's best Architect.

Links for this Talk

Director (Architecture Department) Chhabi Mishra's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/chhabimishra

LifePage Career Talk on Architecture

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/architecture-8

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20180907-0002

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hju4KEazcWI

(Architecture, Chhabi Mishra, DIT University, Director, Architecture Department, Architect, Designing, Constructing Buildings, Structures, Business Architecture, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Interior Architecture)

Similar Talks

Architecture

Anubha Kakroo
Dean, Faculty of Architecture | DIT University

[ 4 years & 4 months Experience ]

There are three basic necessities of life, which is food , clothing and shelter. Architecture constitutes of working for shelter. It deals with creating built environment for people which are safe and sustainable. It includes planning and building schools, houses, buildings, markets , among other things. All cities and villages we live in are also a product of architecture.

"After completing my B Arch and Masters in Industrial Design from School of Planning and Architecture, I worked for ten years. Later I did masters degree in Design Management from Brunell University, London. I am working as a Dean, Faculty of Architecture in DIT University."

Architecture

Swabhavi Agarwal
Architect | Various Assignments

[ 4 years Experience ]

The art or practice of designing and constructing buildings

"After completing my schooling from St Josephs Academy, Dehradun, I went on to do my Architecture from Chitkara School of Planning & Architecture, Chandigarh. I have been working as an Architect since 2013."

Architecture

Junaid Khan
Project Manager | AK Associates

[ 6 years & 5 months Experience ]

Architecture is a general term to describe buildings and other physical structures, its the art and science of designing buildings and some nonbuilding structures. It's the style of design and method of construction of buildings and other physical structures.

"After doing my schooling from KCM School Moradabad, I did my graduation in B Arch from Gautam Buddha University, Lucknow. I have been working as a Project Manager in AK Associates since 2016."

Industrial Designing

Siddhartha Mukherjee
Architect | Artifacts & Habitats Sustainable Solutions

[ 3 years Experience ]

Industrial design is a process of design applied to products that are to be manufactured through techniques of mass production.

"I have done B Arch from Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University and M Des from Industrial Design Centre, IIT Bombay. I worked at Godrej for 3 years. I am an Architect with Artifacts and Habitats Sustainable Solutions. I am an Assistant Professor at DIT University since 2017."

Earth Architecture

Swati Negi
Architect | Various Assignments

[ 6 years & 1 month Experience ]

Earth Architecture is a technique for building walls using natural raw materials such as earth, chalk, lime or gravel. It is an ancient building method that has seen a revival in recent years. The walls are simple to construct, non-combustible, strong, and durable.

"After completing B Arch from Sinhgad College of Architecture, Pune, I started working at Auroville Earth Institute where I worked for 2.5 years. Post that, I started travelling mainly to hill stations such as Ladakh, Spiti, Nepal and Uttarakhand and experienced working with various masons and traditional techniques. In 2017, I came to Dehradun and joined DIT as a visiting faculty and besides that I have been working as a freelance earth architect mainly using different natural building techniques."

Architecture

Malvika Ahuja
Architect | Malvika Ahuja Architects

[ 25 years Experience ]

Architecture is one of the most interesting and creative fields which anybody can work for, in which you are always doing some design work and in which we always follow some rules forms and functions. These are premium rules which are set be one of the masters of architecture. There are debating issues in it whether form follows function or function follows form. So people have different lines of thought about this issue. But Architecture is basically the study of the built form and it is been there for generations. And every city or place is remembered by architecture wonders or structures which are built there, like Coloseum in Rome, like Indian stupas or Taj Mahal.

"After completing my graduation in Architecture from Chandigarh College of Architecture, I started working with Kothari Associates for almost 18 years. After that, I started my own practice in Dehradun with the name Malvika Ahuja Architects."

Urban Designing

Resha Patil
HOD | DIT University

[ 20 years Experience ]

Urban design is the process of designing and shaping cities, towns and villages. In contrast to architecture, which focuses on the design of individual buildings, urban design deals with the larger scale of groups of buildings, streets and public spaces, whole neighborhoods and districts, and entire cities, with the goal of making urban areas functional, attractive, and sustainable.

"After my Bachelors in Architecture & Masters in Urban Design, I started working as an Architect and have worked on various projects at various organizations like SEA, Arcop, Akruti Nirman Ltd and Utopia Architects. I have 20 years of experience in this field. I am also working as an Urban Design & Green Building Consultant. I am working at DIT University as HOD of Architecture Department since 2016."

Architecture & Planning

Y S Pundir
Architect Planner | SIIDCUL

[ 21 years & 11 months Experience ]

Planning is the design of cities, towns and neighborhoods. Planning may include developing architectural guidelines for planned neighborhoods, or building massing studies for large urban projects.

"I did B Arch from Shivaji University, Kohlapur. I did Post Graduation in Infrastructure Development & Management from NICMAR, Pune. I started my own venture in 1997 by the name Map Age. I shifted to SIIDCUL in 2005 and am an Architect Planner there. I am also a Fellow Member of Institution of Valuers."

Architecture & Conservation

Mauli Mishra
Architect | Artifacts & Habitats Sustainable Solutions

[ 5 years & 1 month Experience ]

Architecture is both the process and the product of planning, designing, and constructing buildings or any other structures. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural symbols and as works of art. Historical civilizations are often identified with their surviving architectural achievements. Conservation is the process of maintaining and managing change to a heritage asset in a way that sustains and where appropriate enhances its significance.

"I did my B Arch from Government College of Architecture, Lucknow and M Arch from CEPT University. After completing my education, I got an opportunity to work with Tibet Heritage Fund and CEPT University. I also got an opportunity to work with Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board. In 2017, I started my own venture Artifacts & Habitats Sustainable Solutions and I also work as a visiting faculty at UPES, Dehradun."

Architecture

Tarun Walecha
Director | RLaPL

[ 24 years Experience ]

Architecture is both the process and the product of planning, designing, and constructing buildings or any other structures. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural symbols and as works of art. Historical civilizations are often identified with their surviving architectural achievements.

"After doing my schooling from Sharda Public School New Delhi, I did B Arch from Manipal Institute of Technology and then did PGDEE from Sikkim Manipal University. After that, I did Project Management Course from IIT. In my initial years worked with various Architecture firms including Abhimanyu Dalal. Later, I started my own Architectural firm by the name R L Walecha & Associates Private Limited (RLaPL)."

Architecture

Amrita Ghosh
Assistant Professor | DIT University

[ 5 years Experience ]

Architecture is both the process and the product of planning, designing, and constructing buildings or any other structures. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural symbols and as works of art.

"I did B Arch from NIT, Patna. I worked at Sathe & Associates, Bangalore for 9 months and at Arcop Associates, Gurgaon for one and a half years. I then did M Tech from IIT, Roorkee. I am Assistant Professor at DIT University."

Architecture

Purnima Verma
Architect | Various Creative Assignments

[ 7 years & 10 months Experience ]

Architecture is a profession where you learn about how to deal with spaces. Not only you work on buildings but also on landscape and softscape.

"After completing my masters, I started working as a Freelancer and take up projects for Architecture and Energy Efficiency. I am also teaching at DIT University."

Design and Architecture

Rajesh Jain
Architect | Ichinen Architects (P) Ltd

[ 27 years & 7 months Experience ]

Architecture is both the process and the product of planning, designing, and constructing buildings or any other structures. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural symbols and as works of art. Historical civilizations are often identified with their surviving architectural achievements. Architecture can also mean a general term to describe buildings and other physical structures. The art and science of designing buildings and non building structures. The style of design and method of construction of buildings and other physical structures.

"After completing my schooling from Grasim School Nagda, I did my Bachelors of Architecture from NIIT, Bhopal. Thereafter, I started working as an Architect with Consulting Engineering Services, Delhi. I worked on several Government projects like pilot project of metro line and airport and have been to Muscat & Turkey for the projects. Later, I started my own architectural firm named Ichinen Architects (P) Ltd."

Urban Planning

Riyan Habeeb
Architect & Urban Planner | CEDAR

[ 9 years & 11 months Experience ]

Urban planning is a technical and political process concerned with the development and design of land use and the built environment, including air, water, and the infrastructure passing into and out of urban areas, such as transportation, communications, and distribution networks and the provision of municipal services to residents and visitors. Urban planning deals with physical layout of human settlements.

"I graduated in Architecture from NIT, Hamirpur. After working as an architect for few years I went on to do Masters in Urban & Rural Planning from IIT, Roorkee. I am an Architect & Urban Planner with CEDAR (Centre for Ecology Development & Research)."

Teaching Architecture

Kartik Vora
Professor | DIT University

[ 30 years Experience ]

Teaching Architecture is when teachers create lesson plans and deliver lectures on architectural design concepts and the history of the field. Teaching Architecture is when teachers create lesson plans and deliver lectures on architectural design concepts and the history of the field.

"I did my graduation from CEPT, Ahmedabad and started teaching at Academy of Architecture, Mumbai, as well as doing research in Architecture. I have been working at DIT University as a professor since 2017."

Architecture

T S Aswal
Managing Director | Aswal & Asociates

[ 44 years & 7 months Experience ]

Architecture is both the process and the product of planning, designing, and constructing buildings or any other structures. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural symbols and as works of art.

"After completing my graduation in Architecture from Sir JJ School of Architecture, Mumbai, I did Diploma in Clay Modelling and Architectural Assistant from the School of Arts, Lucknow. After that, I have worked with PWD, Lucknow and M E S (Dept of Defence) at the Army Headquarters. Later on. I started my own architecture firm, Aswal & Associates in 1986 in Dehradun and have been running and working there ever since. I am the Managing Director of the company."

Architectural Research

Kartik Vora
Professor | DIT University

[ 33 years Experience ]

Architectural Research includes Architectural processes, Architectural products, Architectural performance. The first stage, process, refers to research into processes involved in the design and construction of buildings, and thus might include for example issues of representation, theories of design, modelling of the environment, and so on.

"After completing my graduation from CEPT, Ahmedabad, I started doing research on various projects. I was the Chief Researcher for festival of India Exhibition in Russia, Japan & Germany. I also worked with SOM Foundation in Chicago. Since 1984, I have been working as a consultant for various projects."