Know an inspirational story filled with passion, resolution and purpose of Dr. Sheetal Sharma

 

 

   Dr. Sheetal Sharma

Dr. Sheetal Sharma : A Visionary Leader in Architecture, Research, and Education .

Dr. Sheetal Sharma’s journey is a remarkable story of passion, perseverance, and purpose. As both an architect and an educator, she has seamlessly blended traditional wisdom with modern innovation, leaving an indelible mark on architectural education, research, and urban
planning. 

Born into a family where architecture and academia were a way of life—her father, an architect, and her mother, a professor and principal—Dr. Sharma grew up immersed in an environment of creativity, intellect, and leadership. Inspired by their roles, she chose to embody both professions, shaping herself into a trailblazer in architectural research and
education.

The Making of a Thought Leader

From an early age, Dr. Sharma was fascinated by the interplay of architecture and the environment. This passion led her to specialize in water-sensitive urban planning, where she extensively researched urban floods, decreasing green spaces, and sustainable city development. Her work has not only influenced architectural pedagogy but has also played a crucial role in policy discussions and urban resilience strategies.

Her expertise is widely recognized, and she has been a sought-after speaker at national and international platforms, addressing Net Zero settlements, AI-driven urban forecasting, heritage conservation, and sustainable infrastructure.

A Transformative Educator

Dr. Sharma currently serves as the Dean and Professor at the School of Architecture, VIT Bhopal, where she has revolutionized architectural education. Under her leadership, the school integrates cutting-edge AI, AR/VR, and digital tools into its curriculum, preparing students for the evolving demands of the profession. 

Beyond her institution, she influences architectural education at a national level as a Senate Member and Board of Studies Member at SPA Delhi, ensuring that modern technological advancements become an integral part of architectural training across India.

Breaking Barriers in Professional Practice

As one of the few women in India to achieve the status of a Government Approved Valuer (MP) under Section 34AB of the Wealth Tax Act, Dr. Sharma has assessed projects worth over ₹100 crores. Her expertise in valuation, digital architecture, and sustainable planning has positioned her as a leading force in both academic and professional circles.

Pioneering Research and Global Recognition

Dr. Sharma’s contributions to research are extensive, with 48 publications and three book chapters, primarily focusing on AI-driven urban planning, metaverse-based heritage conservation, and digital architecture.

One of her most groundbreaking projects, funded by DST-SHRI, involves creating an immersive metaverse experience of Maladevi Temple, Vidisha. With a budget of ₹43,28,660, this initiative harnesses Explainable AI (XAI) and Mixed Reality (MR) to preserve and present heritage sites digitally, setting a new benchmark for cultural conservation using technology.

Accolades and Honors

Dr. Sharma’s relentless contributions have earned her numerous prestigious awards :

• Bharat Ratna Indira Gandhi Gold Medal Award (2021) for research and social

work in architectural education and old-age homes.

• Women Excellence Award (2021) in Architecture and Urban Planning.

• Excellence in Research and Academics Award for AI-driven heritage conservation.

• Best Educator Award (2019) presented by former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh

Chouhan.

• Best Thesis Award (Nominated, 2010) for her research in urban planning.

• GEM Certified Professional (2022) for expertise in sustainable architecture.

• Inspiring Women Citation Award (2023) for her role in shaping education,

presented by IES University Bhopal.

A Voice for Women and Future Generations

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Sharma is a role model for aspiring architects, researchers, and women in leadership. Her ability to navigate a male-dominated profession with confidence, intelligence, and innovation serves as an inspiration to countless young minds.

She firmly believes that technology and sustainability should go hand in hand, and her work exemplifies how women can lead groundbreaking research, hold top academic positions, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Dr. Sharma’s story is not just about accomplishments-it is about breaking stereotypes, challenging norms, and paving the way for future generations. By integrating AI into architecture, advocating for responsible urban development, and pushing the boundaries of research and education, she continues to redefine the future of architecture while inspiring students, professionals, and women to dream bigger and achieve fearlessly.

Difficult times were more productive!

1 . College Struggles and Early Career

College life was tough—our family's financial struggles worsened after my father’s hospitalization, leading to the loss of one income. Supporting my siblings' education while managing my own costly B.Arch studies was an immense challenge, but I persevered.

To sustain myself, I took up karate and judo training, cycling 16 km at 4 AM for classes before heading to college. By my third year, I started working in an architect’s office to cover my expenses. Despite juggling part-time work, full-day classes, household responsibilities, and caring for my father, I never lost my passion for dance, sports, and creativity.

Through determination and hard work, I graduated with a Gold Medal from Amravati University, securing six additional gold medals in various fields. Given our financial struggles, I immediately took up a lecturer position in an architecture college to support my family.

Within a year, my elder sister got married, and I also married a Bhopal-based valuer, a civil engineer. Marriage eased my parents’ worries, and I relocated to Bhopal, starting a new chapter in my personal and professional life.

2 . Balancing Family, Career & Education

For the next 13 years, I worked on architectural projects in Bhopal, Itarsi, and Vidisha, managing both my career and family. Never wanting to lag behind, I taught myself AutoCAD, 3ds Max, and other design software—often working with my child in my arms.

After over a decade in practice, I felt a strong pull toward education. With two young children (aged 4 and 9), a joint family, and ongoing projects, I enrolled for a PG at MANIT. This was one of the toughest phases of my life—balancing family, sites, studies, and my children's education. Realizing that my kids’ upbringing was being affected, I made the difficult decision to scale down my projects to focus on them.

During my postgraduate studies, I delved into urban planning, valuation, and environmental issues, leveraging my professional experience to understand policies in realworld contexts. Once again, I emerged as a topper in 2010.

At the same time, I achieved a historic milestone—becoming the first female governmentapproved valuer for Wealth Tax Act 34AB in Madhya Pradesh, breaking barriers in a male-dominated field.