Beaconhouse National University (BNU)

Aarish Sardar is a distinguished communication designer, researcher, writer, and interdisciplinary creative practitioner with a career spanning over two decades in academia and industry. He is currently an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Visual Communication Design at the Mariam Dawood School of Visual Arts & Design (MDSVAD), Beaconhouse National University (BNU), Lahore. With a deep commitment to fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, Aarish has played a crucial role in advancing pedagogical methodologies in communication design, technology, and creative research. His leadership has been instrumental in integrating contemporary design practices with emerging technologies, equipping students with the necessary skills to thrive in the ever-evolving industry.

Aarish holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Fine Arts (2000) and a Master of Arts (MA) in Multimedia Arts (2003) from the National College of Arts, Lahore. To further refine his expertise, he pursued an MA in Communication Design from Kingston University London (2006) after gaining substantial industry experience as an Associate Producer at GEO TV Lahore. Additionally, he has completed National Vocational Qualification (NVQ – Level 3) UK modules in Children Safeguarding and National Open College Networks (NOCN) UK certifications in Communication & Conflict Management, further strengthening his ability to engage with diverse creative and educational contexts.

Beyond academia, Aarish has worked extensively as a communication designer and multimedia consultant, collaborating with international clients across the USA, UK, Pakistan, and beyond. His portfolio includes work with Sophia Learning, Autograph ABP, Hulton Archives (Getty Images), DFID UK, Linge Roset, Eugene Dodd Typographics (EDT), Woolpack Inn, Hamptons of London, Aconflag Group Europe, and Salt’n’Pepper Restaurants (PAK/UK), among others. His expertise in design strategy and creative direction is evident in projects such as the design and art direction of the monograph “& She Wandered” (March 2020), which highlights the acclaimed academic and visual artist Farida Batool’s art practices.

As an artist and interdisciplinary practitioner, Aarish has exhibited his works in multiple group shows across Pakistan, the UK, and beyond. His exhibitions include Kunj Art Gallery (Karachi), Rohtas Gallery (Islamabad), Croydon Clock Tower Gallery (London), Bermondsey Gallery (London), the School of Tomorrow exhibition at the Royal Palm Club (Lahore), and Alhamra Art Gallery (Lahore). His ability to merge traditional and contemporary artistic expressions underscores his commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and visual storytelling.

Through his extensive academic, professional, and artistic contributions, Aarish Sardar has solidified his position as a thought leader in Pakistan’s design education landscape. His influence extends beyond the classroom, shaping critical discourse on design, technology, and creative research, making him a mentor and role model for aspiring designers and scholars alike.

• MA Communication Design – Kingston University, London
• MA Multimedia Arts – National College of Arts, Lahore
• BFA (Printmaking) – National College of Arts, Lahore

Beaconhouse National University

• Associate Professor & HoD, Visual Communication Design (2021 – Present)
• Overseeing curriculum development and implementation
• Supervising thesis projects and major studio courses
• Teaching courses in Design Fiction, Portfolio Development, and Photography
• Associate Professor (2019 – 2021)
• Led major studio courses in design
• Developed innovative teaching methodologies in art and design
• Assistant Professor (2011 – 2018)
• Introduced interdisciplinary teaching strategies
• Conducted research in communication design and media theory

Previous Industry Experience

• Book Designer, Kandoto Studio, London (2007 – 2010)
• Art & Design Technical Instructor, Prime Tech Academy, Croydon (2007 – 2010)
• Freelance Graphic Designer & Filmmaker, London (2004 – 2007)
• Associate Producer, Geo TV Network, Lahore (2003 – 2004)
• Art Director, Prime TV, Lahore (2001 – 2003)

Aarish Sardar has led and contributed to several prestigious national and international projects, conferences, and exhibitions, including:

• Design Lead for the 75th Commemorative Logo celebrating Pakistan-Netherlands Bilateral Relations.
• Creative Lead for UNESCO’s “Surangla Punjab” Outreach Project, focusing on cultural heritage preservation.
• Branding & Packaging Design for “Minus Glocal” – a pop-up store by Rashid Rana at Manchester Arts Festival.
• Incubation Cycle Participant with “Curating for Culture”, collaborating with South Asian archivists and curators.
• Panel Chair & Moderator for AMPS (USA) and Routledge Conferences.
• Co-founder of “The Unboxed Lab”, a research consortium at BNU promoting interdisciplinary design research.
• UI/UX Designer for Autograph-ABP, London, developing a web app with Hulton Archives.
• Website Design & Development for renowned South Asian artists Rashid Rana and Risham Hossain Syed.
• Exit Strategy at IAF 2019, group exhibition at the National Art Gallery, PNCA, Islamabad.
• Monograph on Farida Batool’s Art Practices, launched at Lahore Literary Festival (LLF).
• Conservation Project with Walled City of Lahore & AKDN, focusing on the Mural Wall at Lahore Fort.

Aarish Sardar is an accomplished writer whose thought-provoking articles have been published in The News on Sunday (TNS). His work is featured in two prominent columns: Encore, which focuses on art, culture, and critical discourse, and Footloose, which delves into personal reflections, travel, and societal observations. His notable writings include:

• Seeds and Roots, Elsewhere – TNS, Footloose, February 26, 2023
• Ephemeral Permanence – TNS, Encore, February 12, 2023
• Sign, Signifier, and Signified – TNS, Encore, February 5, 2023
• Hues of Personal and Collective Memory – TNS, Encore, January 15, 2023
• Generations of Game-Changers – TNS, Footloose, December 4, 2022
• Introspection: Outside and Beyond – TNS, Footloose, November 13, 2022
• An Aptitude for Symmetric Alternatives – TNS, Encore, October 23, 2022
• A Weekend in Derbyshire – TNS, Footloose, October 16, 2022
• Objecthood: The Decolonised Viewpoint – TNS, Encore, May 29, 2022

• Email Address: aarish.sardar@bnu.edu.pk
• Ext number: 210