| Subject | Internship |
| Year | 2025-26 |
| Date | 10th September, 2025 |
| Time | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon |
| Venue | 4th Floor Studio |
| Faculty Co-ordinator | Prof. Suvarna Thakare |
| Guest Speaker | Ar. Keshav Chikodi and Ar., Major (Retd.) Vinay Degaonkar |
The Placement Cell of Pillai College of Architecture (PiCA), New Panvel) conducted a guest lecture on “Acing your Architectural Placement” on 10th September 2025 at 4th Floor B. Arch Studio of the campus. The event was attended by 53 students of 4th year B. Arch, and faculties. It concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ar. Keshav Chikodi to strengthen internship and placement opportunities for PiCA students. The session was organized under PiCA Placement cell to prepare students for their first professional experiences, focusing on how to transition smoothly from academics to practice. The event also emphasized the importance of portfolio development, industry readiness, and discipline in professional life.
Brief Introduction of the Guests
Ar. Keshav Chikodi – A distinguished architect, interior designer, and government-registered valuer with over 27 years of experience. He is the proprietor of Vastukala, holds advanced degrees in Architecture and Real Estate Valuation, and is empanelled with over 60 organizations across India. He also serves as the Chairman of IIA, Kalyan-Dombivli Centre.
Ar., Major (Retd.) Vinay Degaonkar – An architect, retired Army officer, GIS & Remote Sensing expert, entrepreneur, and registered valuer. He combines military discipline and technical expertise in his professional practice and has also patented a cartographic visualization system.
Following points were covered in the lecture
- Importance of building a strong and professional portfolio.
- How to approach interviews and communicate confidently with employers.
- Discipline, punctuality, and adaptability as key professional values.
- Real-world insights from architecture, project management, and allied fields.
- Preparing students for industry expectations and long-term career growth.
Students gained valuable clarity on how to bridge the gap between campus learning and professional practice. They understood the importance of preparing quality portfolios, maintaining professional ethics, and developing soft skills to excel in internships and placements. The MoU signing further reinforced PiCA’s commitment to creating structured industry linkages for its students.
