Prof. (Dr.) Kailasa Rao M. is an architect and heritage expert, currently serving as Director, School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal. He has earlier served as Professor of Architecture at SPA Vijayawada and has extensive experience in teaching, research, and academic administration.
His areas of expertise include Architectural Conservation, Heritage Studies, Historic Settlement Management, and Traditional Knowledge Systems.
He holds a Ph.D. from Manipal University, an M.Arch in Architectural Conservation from SPA New Delhi, and a B.Arch from JNTU Hyderabad.
Prof. Rao’s research focuses on the heritage management of major religious centres in India, employing advanced documentation techniques such as LiDAR, drone-based 3D mapping, and digital surveys.
He has served as a Member of the National Monuments Authority, Convener of INTACH, Member of the Academic Senate, SPA Vijayawada, and is a registered member of the Council of Architecture.
He has led major conservation projects, including the ASI-funded Integrated Conservation of Sannathi Stupa project, and has received the Dr. T. M. A. Pai Endowment Chair from Manipal University.
