Ms. Zara Amjad RHSA - BNU

Zara Amjad is an architect, educator, and academic leader with a Master's in Architecture from the Razia Hassan School of Architecture (RHSA) at Beaconhouse National University (BNU), Lahore. With over a decade of experience in architectural education, she has played a formative role in shaping pedagogical frameworks and enriching studio-based learning environments.

Zara began her academic career in 2011 as Visiting Faculty at RHSA and currently serves as Assistant Professor. Her trajectory within the institution reflects a steady progression into leadership roles, including her stewardship of the First Year and History programs. In these capacities, she has developed integrative curricula that emphasize critical thinking, contextual understanding, and interdisciplinary engagement.

Her teaching philosophy blends design, history, and theory with an emphasis on experiential and hands-on learning. Zara’s design studios move beyond traditional formats, exploring the intersections of architectural form, cultural narratives, material practices, and technological innovation. Her research interests focus on the cultural and symbolic dimensions of historic architecture, examining how built heritage interfaces with contemporary urban life.

In addition to her academic commitments, Zara is actively involved in professional development and scholarly discourse. Her contributions to publications and conferences reflect a dedication to advancing architectural education within both local and global contexts.

• Master of Architecture (M.Arch), Razia Hassan School of Architecture, Beaconhouse National University, Lahore
• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch), Razia Hassan School of Architecture, Beaconhouse National University, Lahore

• Registered Architect, Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners (PCATP)
  Registration Number: A03792

• Assistant Professor, Razia Hassan School of Architecture, Beaconhouse National University, Lahore, Pakistan (2019–Present)
• Visiting Faculty, Razia Hassan School of Architecture, Beaconhouse National University, Lahore, Pakistan (2011–2019)
• Head of Operations, Women in Architecture Pakistan (2024)

• Alumni Excellence Award, Beaconhouse National University, Lahore, Pakistan (2023)
• Gold Medal, Beaconhouse National University, Lahore, Pakistan (2011)
• Mehdi Ali Mirza Award, Institute of Architects Pakistan (IAP), Lahore, Pakistan (2012)

• Fellow, Muslim Institute, London, United Kingdom (2012–2014)

• Coordinator, IAPEX Lahore 2024 – Led planning, logistics, and coordination across multiple event teams.
• Symposium & Workshop, RHSA & WIA (2024) – Co-organized two-day symposium on women in architecture with local and international collaborators.

• Urban Heritage Identity & Social Justice Workshop, UET, Cardiff, WCLA (2023) – Led by Dr. Federico Wulff and Dr. Mamuna Iqbal.
• Architectural Photography Workshop, Kennesaw State University (2021) – Conducted by Matt Haffner & Liz Martin-Malikian.
• Freehand Drawing Workshop (2021) – With Frank DK Ching.
• COMSATS Summer Workshop (2015) – "Contemporary Asian Architectural Agendas" with Prof. Hasan-ud-Din Khan.
• Teachers’ Training Workshop, SADA–NUST (2013) – “Designing the Design Studio,” conducted by Prof. Daniell & Prof. Soares.

• Reuse Italy – Fallen Church Competition (2021) – Proposed concert hall reuse for Chiesa Diruta, 15th-century church. Link to Competition

• Educating Architects: In Search of Directions, Nairang Gallery, Lahore (2011).
• THAAP ‘Portrait of Lahore’, Alhamra Gallery – Student Work Exhibition (2011).
• BNU 10th Anniversary Exhibition, BNU, Lahore (2013).
• In the Making, Curated & Organized at RHSA (2022).
• Multiple Exhibits, Curated at RHSA, BNU (Ongoing).

• BNU 10th Anniversary Exhibition, BNU, Lahore (2013)
• Muslim Institute Highlighted Artist, Online Gallery (2013) – Reimagining Cordoba Mosque – Link
• Educating Architects Exhibition, Nairang Gallery, Lahore (2011)
• BNU Thesis Show, BNU Tarogil Campus, Lahore (2011)
• SAARC Exhibition, BNU (2007)
• Annual SVA Exhibition, SCAD, BNU, Lahore (2007)

• AMPS Conference, “A Focus on Pedagogy” – Chaired: Cross-Design Pedagogies (April 2022).
• AMPS x Routledge Conference, “Online Education” – Chaired: VR & Teaching Design (April 2021).
• The Unboxed Lab – AMPS/Routledge, BNU – Chaired: Interdisciplinary Pedagogy (Nov 2021).

• SPACE STUDIES – Heidegger’s Dwelling – To be published by SPACE: Studies of Planning and Architecture Consulting & Education, London, UK.
• Representations – “Object of Curiosity” selected by the DCA editorial board for inclusion in the Design Communication Association Journal (2021–2022).
• DCA Conference 2020 – “Object of Curiosity,” presented at the Design Communication Association Conference, Kennesaw State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA (Oct 21–24, 2021).
  Authors: Zara Amjad, Sara Assad, Hina Irfan, Hassan Wajid, Dr. Gulzar Haider.
• DCA Conference 2020 – Poster: “Looking Beyond a Surface,” presented and published at the Design Communication Association Conference, Kennesaw State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA (Oct 21–24, 2021).
  Authors: Hina Irfan, Zara Amjad, Sara Assad, Hassan Wajid, Dr. Gulzar Haider.
• IAFOR – The 12th Asian Conference on Arts and Humanities (ACAH:2021) – Paper: “Van Gogh and Perception of Space,” presented online from Tokyo, Japan (May 24, 2021).
  Authors: Zara Amjad, Mahnoor Khurram.
• Comparative Study of Selected Plans and Sections of Islamic Monuments – Sourced from George Michell; published by Razia Hassan School of Architecture (2014).
• DAKAM: ARCHDESIGN 2014 – Architecture Design Conference – Paper: “Awakening the Architectural Sensibilities: Gravity the Ever-Present Nemesis,” Istanbul, Turkey (May 8–9, 2014).
  Authors: Razia Latif, Zara Amjad, Haseeb Amjad, Gulzar Haider.
• 10-Year Anniversary Publication – Beaconhouse National University, Lahore (2013).
• Critical Muslim Journal – Issue 6: Reclaiming Al-Andalus – “Re-imagining the Cordoba Mosque,” London: Hurst & Company, pp. 153–167 (April 2013).
  Authors: Zara Amjad & Dr. Gulzar Haider.
• Online Gallery – Muslim Institute – “Re-imagining the Cordoba Mosque” featured as highlighted artist (2013).
  View Gallery
• ADA Magazine (Architecture Design Art) – Issue 18: Thesis featured as ‘Distinctive Thesis’ (2012).
• AMPS – Routledge Conference (Abstract Accepted) – “Exploring Heidegger’s Fourfold through Architecture: Dwelling for Fictional Characters.”
  Conference: Online Education – Teaching in a Time of Change (2021).
  Authors: Gulzar Haider, Zara Amjad, Hassan Wajid, Sara Assad, Jehanzeb Shoaib, Fahad Mayo.

• Email Address: zara.amjad@bnu.edu.pk
• Ext Number: 269