Architecture students spend long hours in the studio, and each design course builds on the one before it. Families new to the discipline may not expect either. To help parents understand what lies ahead, the Department of Architecture at North South University (NSU) held its “Meet the Parents” session on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Auditorium 801, a press relase said.
Held every semester for newly admitted students, the session brought together parents, faculty members, and students of the first-semester design studio course, ARC 111, to strengthen communication between families and the department and to give parents a clearer understanding of architectural education.
Ar. Shahriar Iqbal Raj, Associate Professor and Chairman of the Department of Architecture, opened the session with a welcome address. He explained that close contact between parents and the department matters especially in a discipline that demands so much time, dedication, and hands-on studio work. Parents who understand the nature of architecture, he said, are better placed to support their children through it.
The Chairman described the professional nature of architectural education and the career pathways open to graduates, noting the profession’s growing potential in Bangladesh and abroad. He highlighted the department’s alumni network of approximately 750 Bachelor of Architecture graduates, many of whom have pursued careers overseas. He added that the discipline develops creative thinking, logical reasoning, problem-solving ability, and a broader understanding of society.
He also gave an overview of NSU’s growth, the department’s academic environment, and the value of higher education as a long-term investment. Turning to the practicalities of the program, he explained the sequential structure of the studio courses, the attendance requirements, and the challenges students often face in moving from school to university. He encouraged parents to help their children become independent and responsible, manage their time well, and take an active part in academic and extracurricular life.
While stressing that parents, students, and faculty work best in partnership, the Chairman noted that a student’s success depends largely on their own commitment, supported by guidance from their teachers. He also responded to common concerns about the university, highlighting NSU’s inclusive academic environment.
Faculty members present included Ar. Shahriar Iqbal Raj, Associate Professor and Department Chairman and the ARC 111 studio teachers: Ar. Md. Muhtasim Galib, Lecturer; Devanjon Malaker Sudipta, Junior Lecturer; and Enteba Binte Wazed, Junior Lecturer.
The session ended with an open question-and-answer segment in which parents and students discussed academic expectations, career prospects, and campus security with the faculty. The exchange reinforced the need for a strong partnership between families and the department in supporting students’ academic and personal development.
Through this initiative, the Department of Architecture at NSU reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a supportive academic community and ensuring that newly admitted students and their families feel informed, connected, and prepared for the journey ahead.
