Visakhapatnam: The GITAM Architecture Reinvention Conclave 2026 (GiARC-2026), hosted by the GITAM Deemed to be University School of Architecture in collaboration with the GITAM Career Guidance Centre, brought together prominent architects, urban planners and industry leaders around the theme, “From Studio to Site: Bridging Architectural Education and Industry Practice”, to prepare B Arch students for modern professional demands.Opening the event, GSA dean Dr Vebhuti Sachdev said that architectural education must move beyond abstract drafting and integrate structural viability and community impact from the outset. Supporting this view, GITAM registrar Dr D Gunashekran highlighted the need to strengthen industry-academia connections so students gain practical exposure. Adding to the institutional perspective, GCGC senior director Dr Edwin Anthony emphasised GITAM’s commitment to building practice-readiness, sustainable leadership, agility and professional ethics among students preparing for global markets.Industry experts also shared insights on various aspects of the profession. Meeta Jain, founder and principal architect of Meeta Jain Architects, spoke on “Studio Pedagogy”, encouraging students to move from theoretical studio exercises to multi-disciplinary collaborative frameworks that address structural, environmental and social needs. Spatial designer Chandramouli Dooda spoke on “Design Solutions by Reading Client Needs”, explaining how empathy and user-centric analysis can help translate ambiguous client briefs into precise spatial outcomes.Urban designer Garima Grover, speaking on “technology & future of architecture”, highlighted how generative AI, parametric tools and digital twins can act as force multipliers for human creativity rather than replacements. Corporate dynamics were covered by Chandranath Dey of JLL, who guided students through project pitching, value propositions and commercial feasibility. HR professional K Lakshmi Priya detailed portfolio expectations, emphasising structured narratives, technical clarity and authentic problem-solving.The event was coordinated by GCGC senior manager Prabhha Rajamannhati, Amit Zacharias and Dr Dibya Jivan. It concluded with an interactive “Ask the Industry” Q&A session with students.
