Dr. Shaila Bantanur is a Director of BMS School of Architecture, Bangalore. She holds two Master Degrees in Architecture and Doctoral Degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee. She is a life member of the Council of Architecture and also a Member of the Indian Institute of Architects. She has more than 20 years of experience as a Researcher, Academician, and Practitioner in her career. She received the INTACH UK Scholarship Award, India National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage award of merit, and a recipient of Technical University Dresden travel fellowship. She contributes several research papers in national and international journals. 

BMS School of Architecture

What is your leadership philosophy? 

“Provide a platform for different stakeholders, students, faculty, experts, and management”

The role of a leader is to provide equal opportunities and the best resources to each member of an organization. A leader gives a platform for different stakeholders, students, faculty, experts, management, and implementation. My role is to link the BMS Educational Trust and Academia. I follow the leadership style of understanding individuals and assigning responsibilities based on strengths and interests. I believe in principles and produce them with a strong value system. The quality of an Institute is determined by leadership. It becomes my primary responsibility to view rules and regulations. One must be proficient in playing multifaceted roles. It helps to lead the academia and carry out the roles as an efficient administrator.

What are the prime factors that connect you with the education sector?

“To see students as goal-oriented and socially responsive citizens”

The vital responsibility of an educator is motivating students to pursue their academic and extra-curricular interests. Educational Institutes are responsible for the personality development of the students. One of the factors that connect me with the education sector is seeing students grow as goal-oriented and socially responsive citizens. Educators play a crucial role in assessing the needs of society. It is sensitizing students to take up responsibilities. 

What are your roles and responsibilities?

“Provide a platform that boosts the performance of students and staff”

My primary role as a director is to provide a platform that helps to grow the performance of students and staff. It involves identifying individual strengths, potential, interests, and capabilities. One of the essential responsibilities is to understand the requirements of the community. It aids to build up the students as socially-responsible citizens and excellent professionals. I believe in acquiring multiple resources and opportunities to build a firm for everyone. The flexibility of the organization stands with coordination between stakeholders and the Director. I try to keep everyone together towards common goals. This helps to provide a holistic learning environment.

Check BMS School of Architecture Courses & Fees

How does the curriculum of BMS School of Architecture ensure industrial practice?

“Experiential learning, industry-linked modules, and various workshops provided to students”

The curriculum on campus is designed with the vision of opportunities for students based on their interests. Experiential learning and industry-linked modules allow students to explore their creative parts. The Architecture course consists of a multi-pronged teaching approach. It is according to the proficiency and passion of the student. Moreover, various workshops, add-on courses, and certificate programs are provided to students apart from course requirements. Industry experts take classes to students ready for the dynamic requirements. The collaboration of campus with various government and international organizations provides an opportunity to gain practical experience for pupils. Our curriculum is integrated with extra-curricular activities that create a balanced knowledge ecosystem. 

What plans are currently designed for students in BMSSA?

“An advanced research and consultancy cell decided to implement it for pupils”

We are recently planning to develop an advanced research and consultancy cell. This acts as a launchpad for innovation. It allows students and staff to meet their professional aspirations. We collaborate with both International and National professional bodies to get opportunities for this plan. Individuals develop a progressive mindset through research, infrastructure, and resources. It paves the way for exchange programs in projects and course modules and aims at information exchange at various levels. The launchpad helps us to provide opportunities and approaches for students and staff. These collaborations are an essential step towards strengthening foreign relations in today’s globalized world. 

How do you establish a healthy relationship in BMSSA?

“Provide equal opportunities for individuals and attain transparency in the decision-making process”

The prime factors to establish healthy relationships on campus are communication and inclusivity. A healthy environment is created by providing equal opportunities for an individual’s potential and interests. Townhall activity brings together students, faculty, and staff together for discussions on various social issues. The increased participation creates transparency in the various decision-making processes. I respect the ideas of every member at a stage of planning. The campus acts as a firm foundation for students to explore their abilities and interests. One of my serious responsibilities is to create a safe space for young minds to express themselves. To strengthen the relations in the Institute, the welfare of every member is necessary. 

Click BMS School of Architecture Placements

Any suggestions do you give for the aspiring students?

“Open themselves for various opportunities and exposure to learning opportunities”

I like to stress the importance of using our time and energy through time management. Every aspiring student must spend time looking into the nature of their field and goals. It is essential to observe and listen to everything happening in the world. A strong value system brings selectiveness. One must open themselves to various opportunities and find learning opportunities. The time and energy of individual benefits by accessing knowledge. Develop a strong value system, set your goals, and participate in several opportunities for chasing your dreams.