Razia Hassan School of Architecture - BNU

In line with BNU’s Vision 2030, RHSA has established an International Advisory Council to elevate the quality of education and align it with global best practices. The Council will focus on the following key areas:

• B.Arch Program
• B.ID Program

• R-COD

  • Heritage Center
  • CURE-Center for Rural and Urban Environments
  • Emerging Tech Lab

The main idea for creating this advisory council is to get active input from international experts and to uplift the quality of education at RHSA, while considering the following objectives:

• Review existing curriculum and how to connect theory courses with design studios
• Connect theory and studio courses with RHSA Lab initiatives
• Capacity building of faculty in academics
• Understanding future challenges and opportunities in the academic and professional field of architecture
• How to implement international best practices within the local context which may have different priorities.
• How to use low-tech solutions to compensate for the lack of cutting-edge technology (locally) in the field of architecture: To get maximum out of minimum, from available teaching resources and technology.
• To understand the dynamic and changing nature of the profession, so that students can work nationally and internationally in fields that are directly or indirectly related to the field of architecture.
• Online lecture series
• To visit international practices and affiliated universities/ organizations connected to advisory council members by designated RHSA faculty members for capacity building
• Develop a professional network for graduating students

Distinguished Professor of Architecture and Historic Preservation, Roger Williams University, USA

Mr. Hasan-ud-din Khan is a distinguished figure in the field of architecture and historic preservation, currently serving as the Distinguished Professor of Architecture and Historic Preservation at Roger Williams University in the USA. With a background as a graduate of the Architectural Association (AA) and previous tenure as the Head of Architecture Activities at the Secretariat of HH the Aga Khan in the 1980s, Mr. Khan brings a wealth of expertise to his role. He has also imparted his knowledge at renowned institutions such as MIT and the University of California, Berkeley, and is the author of several acclaimed books on architecture.

President and Design Director, NORR Group of Consultants International Limited, UAE

Mr. Yahya Jan holds the prestigious position of President and Design Director at NORR Group of Consultants International Limited in the UAE. A graduate of Princeton University, Mr. Jan is recognized as one of the foremost Muslim architects globally. He serves as a Designated Expert of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) and is currently overseeing the design and engineering of the world's tallest hotel under construction in Dubai, among other notable projects.

Associate Professor and Co-Director of the Architecture Program, Roger Williams University, USA

Ms. Olga Mesa serves as an Associate Professor and Co-Director of the Architecture Program at Roger Williams University in the USA, as well as a Research Associate at MaP + S, Graduate School of Design. With design degrees from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and the Graduate School of Design (GSD) at Harvard, Ms. Mesa brings a multifaceted perspective to her role. She has shared her expertise through teaching positions at RISD, MIT, Northeastern University, and the Universidad Tecnologica Equinoccial (UTE), and has contributed to leading architectural firms including Gensler, 3six0, and Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects.

Owner/Designer at 2Storydesignbuild.com, USA

Mr. Aaron Brode is the visionary Owner/Designer at 2Storydesignbuild.com in the USA, where he applies his expertise as both a sculptor and architect. With degrees from Tyler University and the Rhode Island School of Design, Mr. Brode has held influential design leadership roles at prominent firms such as Gensler, Marmol Radziner, and 3six0. He is a staunch advocate of the "design-build" philosophy, overseeing design and fabrication across all projects, and has shared his knowledge as a teacher at institutions like RISD and Roger Williams University.