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.

Qualification
Ph.D (Manipal university)
M. Arch (Architectural Conservation, SPA New Delhi )
B. Arch (JNTU, Hyderabad)


Earlier Directors
1. Prof. Chandra Charu Tripathi
     Director NITTTR, Bhopal (Additional Charge)
     24 July 2022  - 27 April 2023
2. Prof. Dr.  N. Sridharan
     24 July 2017  - 23 July 2022
3. Prof. Chetan Vaidya
     Director SPA Delhi (Additional Charge)
     26 October 2015  - 24 July 2017
4. Prof. V.K. Singh
     Director IISER (Additional Charge)
     Aug 2014 – October 2015
5. Prof. Ajay Khare
     July 2009 – July 2014
6. Prof. V.K. Singh
     Director IISER (Additional Charge)
     Oct. 2008 – July 2009

CV