Shaping the Future of Architecture and Design for India’s $10 Trillion Economy, Says President, CEPT University

In this insightful conversation, Prof. Mehta reflects on the university’s journey, the evolving demands of the built environment, the integration of technology and sustainability in education, and how CEPT has adapted to the changing landscape of professional requirements.

As CEPT University celebrates over six decades of academic excellence, we sit down with Prof Barjor Mehta, President of the university, the visionary leader steering the institution’s growth. From its humble beginnings as the School of Architecture in 1962, CEPT has evolved into a multidisciplinary university, offering programs that span architecture, urban planning, design, technology, and management. In this insightful conversation, Prof. Mehta reflects on the university’s journey, the evolving demands of the built environment, the integration of technology and sustainability in education, and how CEPT has adapted to the changing landscape of professional requirements. He also shares his thoughts on gender diversity and how the university is preparing students for a rapidly changing world, all while staying true to its foundational values.

Q. The first thing I’d like to understand from you is how you view CEPT University’s journey over the past six decades since its establishment in 1962. It has been a long and eventful journey. What are your reflections on this?

Prof Mehta: Indeed, this year marks 62 years since CEPT’s inception in 1962, and it has been a remarkable journey. When CEPT began, we started with just the School of Architecture, and that was the sole focus. However, over time, the institution expanded to meet the evolving demands of education in the built environment.

Ten years after the School of Architecture was established, we introduced the School of Planning. Later, the School of Interior Design, which eventually became the Faculty of Design, was added. We continued to grow, establishing the Faculty of Technology and subsequently the Faculty of Management. Today, CEPT is a multidisciplinary university, offering education across fields related to the built and design environments.

We have more than 11,000 alumni spread across 20 different countries, though the majority are based here in India. Our alumni have achieved significant milestones, holding prominent positions both in academia and in practice. For instance, graduates of the School of Architecture are now in senior positions at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. Many are also leading practitioners shaping India’s urban and architectural landscape.

In engineering, for instance, we have alumni serving in key roles such as the Chief Operating Officer at Turner International, a global construction management firm. Across various cities in India, and even in smaller towns like Kolhapur, you’ll find CEPT graduates contributing to the country’s development.

It’s always a proud moment when I attend conferences or gatherings and ask how many in the room are from CEPT—so many hands go up. This reflects how deeply CEPT has influenced the fields of architecture, planning, and urban design, and how we’ve consistently produced competent professionals equipped to address the challenges of their fields.

As India grows from a $4 trillion economy toward becoming a $10 trillion economy, the scale and complexity of projects in architecture, planning, and design will grow exponentially. Our focus at CEPT remains on preparing our students not just to meet these challenges but to excel with integrity and professionalism.

Q. Over the decades, as CEPT has grown, how has the demand for professionals in the fields of architecture, planning, and design evolved? Has this demand changed with shifts in the economy?

Prof Mehta: Absolutely, the demand for professionals in these fields is closely tied to economic growth. As the economy expands, the need for well-designed and efficiently built environments also increases. Today, there is a noticeable emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency, which wasn’t as prevalent a few decades ago.

For instance, commercial builders are increasingly prioritizing green buildings—not just to obtain certifications but because they recognize the cost-effectiveness and long-term benefits. A well-designed sustainable building ensures energy efficiency and reduces operational costs, creating a better experience for occupants.

In response to this demand, our programs emphasize sustainability across all fields. Students learn to analyze materials, evaluate energy efficiencies, and design solutions that address climate challenges. This knowledge is integrated into every aspect of their education, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet market expectations.

Q. With the rapid adoption of technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, how is CEPT incorporating these advancements into its programs?

Prof Mehta: Technology is undeniably transforming our professions, and CEPT has actively adapted to these changes. At the undergraduate level, we’ve introduced students to AI and computational tools right from the start. For example, in our Common Foundation Program—which all first-year students, regardless of their discipline, go through—students are taught to interact with AI systems and utilize tools like generative design models.

At the master’s level, we’ve introduced specialized programs like Computational Design. This relatively new program, now in its second year, offers a cutting-edge curriculum where students explore advanced design methodologies, 3D printing, and parametric modeling. It’s an exciting area that opens up new possibilities for architects and engineers, allowing them to approach design challenges in entirely innovative ways.

Q. While there is significant demand for skilled professionals, there’s often talk of a disconnect between graduates and job availability, even in reputed institutions like IITs and IIMs. How does CEPT address this gap?

Prof Mehta: This disconnect between demand and supply is a common challenge, particularly in engineering. However, at CEPT, we’ve consistently worked to bridge this gap by keeping our programs aligned with industry needs.

One of the ways we achieve this is through regular feedback loops. Every semester, during exhibitions showcasing students’ work, we invite around 50-60 professionals from various fields to review and provide insights. Their feedback helps us fine-tune our programs to ensure they remain relevant and industry-focused.

Our placement record reflects this approach. For instance, last year, 20 out of 30 project management students were hired by a single large construction company. This level of demand is a testament to the quality of our programs and the practical skills our students bring to the table.

Q. Post-COVID, placements across sectors have been challenging. How has CEPT fared in this scenario?

Prof Mehta: Post-COVID, our placement scenario has remained stable and, in some cases, even improved. At the undergraduate level, our students have diverse aspirations. About one-third pursue further studies, often abroad, while another third enter the workforce, either joining established firms or starting their own practices. The final third take some time off to reflect on their career paths, often engaging in freelancing or light academic roles during this period.

In our postgraduate programs, the focus shifts more toward employment, with around 70-80% of students seeking jobs immediately after completing their degrees. The remaining choose to extend their learning journey, often as research assistants or by pursuing PhDs.

Q. Gender diversity in fields like B.Arch and B.Tech has often been skewed. How does CEPT’s campus reflect gender diversity?

Prof Mehta: CEPT is proud to have achieved remarkable gender diversity. Over 50% of our student body is female, and this is consistent across our programs. It’s always inspiring to see our auditorium filled with such a balanced representation of genders on the first day of the academic year.

Moreover, this diversity extends to our leadership and faculty as well. Two of our five faculties—Planning and Technology—are led by women. Our faculty members, too, comprise more than 50% women, which fosters an inclusive and progressive academic environment.

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