At Pillai College of Architecture (PiCA), we are committed to nurturing architects who are not only skilled designers but also socially conscious professionals ready to shape the built environment. With a focus on preparing students for real-world challenges, PiCA established its Placement Cell in 2019. The cell plays a vital role in bridging academic learning with professional practice through supporting students in securing internships during their seventh semester and guiding them as they navigate diverse career pathways after graduation.

The Placement Cell at PiCA assists students with the application process, portfolio development, interview preparedness, and career mapping. It functions as a bridge between students and the professional world, helping them transition smoothly from academia to practice.

The committee comprises:

• The Principal as the President
• 01 Faculty In-charge
• 03 Faculty Members
• Class representatives of each 4th anb 5th yr B.Arch., class representatives of 2nd yr M.Arch. and 3rd Yr. Bsc ID

The Cell functions under the direction of the President, with day-to-day coordination and implementation managed by the Faculty In-charge.

Understanding that architecture as a profession demands a highly personalized and curated approach to recruitment, PiCA follows the principle of “the right person for the right practice.” Unlike traditional centralized placement drives, architecture firms often hire a limited number of fresh graduates based on dynamic timelines and specific skill sets.

At PiCA, the placement process operates in two parallel ways:

1. Firm-Led Opportunities: When the college is informed of openings at various architectural practices, suitable students are recommended based on the firm’s requirements.
2. Student-Led Search: A well-researched database of architecture firms, categorized by Alumni/senior worked/working there and as per geographical location, is shared with the graduating batch. Students then independently apply to firms aligning with their interests, using faculty references and support throughout the process.

We also support students who wish to pursue higher education, explore entrepreneurial pathways, or take time to define their professional goals.

Internships form a critical component of architectural education. At PiCA, we assist students in securing opportunities with reputed architectural firms across India and abroad. These experiences expose students to live projects, interdisciplinary collaborations, and the practicalities of architectural practice under professional mentorship.

With a strong focus on industry exposure, many of our students have interned with national and international acclaimed studios, gaining diverse perspectives and strengthening their portfolios. Our internship support includes guidance in portfolio preparation, application strategies, and soft skill’s development.

At PiCA, we envision our students not just as future employees but as innovators, leaders, and changemakers in the field of architecture. While we facilitate placement support through placement drive in 10th semester for both students and alumni, we equally emphasize entrepreneurship and creative independence.

The Placement drive include an exhibition of Final Year Architectural Thesis (Design) Dissertation of the candidates. Architects their representatives and guest professionals go through the exhibition and express their views on the work done and offer encouragement to the prospective architects. Personal interviews are conducted and candidates are offered placements. Many are invited to various architectural firms for second interviews. Feedback received from the participating forms has been uniformly generous and appreciative. Several firms now part of PiCA’s Placement Network, place students in their firm by invitation.

Our curriculum encourages critical thinking, innovation, and the development of business acumen. Through mentorship, alumni networks, and curated opportunities, the Placement Cell provides a platform for students to explore:

• Guidance for Start-ups
• Guidance for design competitions
• Guidance for International education

Whether stepping into a design firm, starting a practice, or pursuing higher education, our goal is to empower students to craft meaningful, purpose-driven careers in architecture.

Constitution of Placement Cell for the year 2025-26 (view .pdf)