I'M Nayna Tabassum
Architect , Academic, Researcher
& Urban Design Professional
I am Nayna Tabassum, an architect, academic, researcher, and urban design professional based in Bangladesh. As an Assistant Professor in the Department of Architecture at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), I work at the intersection of architecture, urban design, spatial research, and design education.
My skills
About Me
I am Nayna Tabassum, an architect, academic, researcher, and urban design professional based in Bangladesh. As an Assistant Professor in the Department of Architecture at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), I work at the intersection of architecture, urban design, spatial research, and design education. My academic and professional practice explores how cities can become more resilient, inclusive, and people-centered through thoughtful design, with particular interests in public space, climate resilience, urban morphology, mobility, and spatial analysis.
Alongside teaching and research, I actively engage in architectural practice, believing that meaningful design emerges from the continuous dialogue between theory and real-world application. My work ranges from architectural design and urban strategies to interdisciplinary research, publications, and international collaborations across academia and professional organizations.
Beyond architecture, I am a lifelong learner and a creative thinker who enjoys transforming complex urban challenges into design opportunities. Whether mentoring future architects, conducting research, designing spaces, or exploring new technologies and visual storytelling, I strive to create work that is rigorous, innovative, and socially meaningful. This website brings together my academic journey, research, design portfolio, teaching, publications, and ongoing explorations in architecture and the evolving future of cities.
Academia- Work Experience
Assistant Professor
Department of Architecture, Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET)
May 2022 – Present (4+ Years)
Advisor / Architect
Baya Werke Architects (BWA)
June 2023 – Present (3+ Years)
Lecturer
Department of Architecture, Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET)
December 2017 – May 2022 (4 Years 6 Months)
Associate Architect (Part-time Apprenticeship)
Sajiuj Consultant
July 2019 – December 2023 (4 Years 5 Months)
Lecturer
Department of Architecture, University of Asia Pacific (UAP)
January 2017 – December 2017 (11 Months)
Student Intern
Vistaraa Architects Pvt. Ltd. (Delvistaa Conglomerate)
July 2015 – February 2016 (360 Hours / Approximately 45 Working Days)
Experience at a Glance
- 10+ Years in Architectural Education
- 6+ Years as Assistant Professor, BUET
- 3+ Years as Advisor / Architect, Baya Werke Architects
- 4+ Years of Professional Architectural Practice (Concurrent)
- Experience in Teaching, Research, Design Studio Instruction, Architectural Consultancy, Project Development, and Professional Practice
ACDEMIA SEMINAR/ WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES
- Workshops on Interpretation and Implementation of BAETE POs, 15 September 2025, 26 September 2025 , 27 October 2025, 10 November 2025, Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology(BUET).
- Participant, CPD, AI is Loading…Are we ready for Architecture, 21 April 2026, Institute of Architects Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Participant, CPD, Integrated Plumbing Design in Architectural Practice, 30 December 2025, Institute of Architects Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- Participant, CPD, VAT & AIT for Consultancy Services, 13 October 2025, Institute of Architects Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- Participant, CPD, Project Management: Breaking the Ice, 5 January 2025, Institute of Architects Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- Participant, Workshop on “Mapping and Cartography”, organized by Space Syntax Cell, Department of Architecture, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), February 2025.
- Participant, Workshop on “Teaching Structure to Architecture Students”, Seismic Resisting Structures by Associate Professor Andrew Charleson , Victoria University of Wellington, organized by Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB), 02 May 2023
- Participant, “Five Key principles of Architectural Seismic Design” , Seismic Resisting Structures by Associate Professor Andrew Charleson , Victoria University of Wellington, organized by Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB), 28 April 2023.
- Participant, Author Workshop on “Fundamentals of Writing Research Articles for Top Journals” organized by Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) in association with Elsevier, 10 August 2021.
- Participant, Training Workshop on “Learning Management System ; Moodle” organized by
- Institutional Quality Assessment Cell (IQAC) BUET, 14-15 July 2020
- Speaker, “Future Cities Dialogue: Reshaping the cities for Children and Youth”, organized by Save
- the Children and Bangladesh Institute of Planners.
- Rapporteur, Round Table Discussion of Urban Design and Landscape Division, Urban Thinkers Campus (UTC-BUET 2019), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), 6-7 December 2019
- Participated as a ‘Local Registered Delegate’ in the Architects Regional Council Asia -ARCASIA Forum 20 Dhaka 19, Architecture in a Changing Landscape”, 02-08 November, 2019, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- Member Secretary, Registration Committee, ARCASIA Forum 20 Dhaka 19 Organizing Committee, Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB), July – November 2019
- Participated in the “Foundation Training for Newly Appointed Faculty Members”, organized by Institutional Quality Assessment Cell (IQAC) BUET, 25-26 August, 2019
- Participant, Curriculum Development for Alumni Feedback on Graduates of the Department of Architecture, BUET, organized by Architecture Department Monitoring Committee (ADMC), Department of Architecture (DoA), BUET, Dhaka, 03 August, 2019.
- Participated in the BUET-KADK International Workshop on “Architecture for the Displaced: Exploring Interventions for Sustainable and Resilient Communities”, April 12, 2019, Department of Architecture, BUET, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- Completed three CPD courses – GIS Workshop, Professional Project Management, FAR on Detail Area Plan (2022-2035), Universal Accessibility, Glass and Coatings for Architecture and Imarot Nirman Bidhimala, organised by IAB, 2019-2025
- Participant, Workshop on “Fire Safety In Buildings”, organized by Department of Architecture, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), 15-16 February & 2 March, 2019.
- Participant, Search Workshop 18, “Landscape Urbanism”, organized by Search Trust and IIT Kharagpur, India, 21-27 December 2018
- Participated in a two-day workshop on “ Building Information Modelling: Phase I & II” under Higher Education Quality Enhancement Project (HEQEP) CP 6041, UGC, Project Title: Development of ICT Based Teaching Learning Facilities, held during 09-10 June 2018 , 03-04 September 2018 at Department of Architecture, BUET, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- Participated in training workshop on “Outcome Based Education for Sustainable Teaching and
- Learning” organized by Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), BUET, 28-29 August 2018.
- Participant, workshop on “Teaching Techniques for Better learning” organized by Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) in association with World learning -Education, Development and Exchange, 19 February 2018
- Participated in the “Foundation Training for Newly Appointed Faculty Members”, organized by
- Institutional Quality Assessment Cell (IQAC) BUET, 25-26 April, 2018
- Completed Spring Sequence 2017 Session : “How to Read the City and Other Things”, by Bengal Institute, May 2017
- Competition Coordinator from IAB, Open Architectural Design Competition for Historic Preservation and Landscape Design of the Old Dhaka Central Jail and Redevelopment of its Surrounding Area, organized by Central Jail Authority, Prison Directorate, Dhaka, 2017
- Deputy Competition Coordinator, Open Architectural Design Competition for the Design of Coordinated Complex of Department of public Libraries (DPL) and Bangladesh National Museum, organized by Institutes of Architects Bangladesh (IAB), 2017.
Awards & Honours
A consistent record of academic excellence, recognized through prestigious scholarships and merit-based awards at the national and institutional levels.
Vrooman Memorial Scholarship
Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET)
2022
Awarded the prestigious Vrooman Memorial Scholarship in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and excellence.
University Merit Scholarship
Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET)
2010 – 2016
Recipient of the University Merit Scholarship throughout undergraduate studies, recognizing sustained academic excellence and outstanding performance.
Government Scholarship for Outstanding Performance (Higher Secondary Certificate – HSC)
Viqarunnisa Noon School & College, Dhaka Board
2009 – 2016
Awarded a Government Scholarship for exceptional academic performance in the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination.
Government Scholarship for Outstanding Performance (Secondary School Certificate – SSC)
Viqarunnisa Noon School & College, Dhaka Board
2007 – 2009
Received a Government Scholarship in recognition of excellent academic achievement in the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination.
General Scholarship – Junior Scholarship Examination
Secondary & Higher Education Division, Dhaka
Awarded: 2004
Recipient of the General Scholarship in the Junior Scholarship Examination for distinguished academic performance.
Recognition at a Glance
- Vrooman Memorial Scholar, BUET (2022)
- University Merit Scholarship Recipient (2010–2016)
- Government Scholarship Recipient – HSC
- Government Scholarship Recipient – SSC
- General Scholarship Recipient – Junior Scholarship Examination (2004)
Professional Memberships & Affiliations
Member
Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB)
September 2024 – Present
Active member of the national professional body representing architects in Bangladesh.
Associate Member (Membership No. A-100)
Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB)
April 2017 – August 2024
Contributed to professional activities and engagement with the architectural community prior to attaining full membership.
Member
Urban Designers and Landscape Institute (UDLI), Department of Architecture, BUET
December 2017 – Present
Member
Architecture Alumni Association of BUET (ArcAAB)
September 2016 – Present
Member
BUET Teachers Club
December 2017 – Present
Academic & Institutional Leadership
Member Secretary
Board of Undergraduate Studies (BUGS), Department of Architecture, BUET
January 2023 – April 2024
Coordinated undergraduate academic affairs, curriculum-related activities, and departmental administrative responsibilities.
Convener / Member
Archives BUET Editorial Committee
June 2022 – Present (Convener: January 2018 – May 2022)
Led and contributed to editorial planning, documentation, and publication initiatives for the university archives.
Member Secretary
Architecture Students Association (ArcSA) – Advisory Committee
May 2022 – January 2018 (Advisory Committee Member since January 2018)
Provided academic guidance and institutional support for student-led activities, design initiatives, and professional development.
Literature & Publication Secretary
BUET Teachers Association
December 2022 – December 2023
Oversaw publication initiatives and literary activities within the association.
University Committees & Academic Service
Member
Counselling Committee, Department of Architecture, BUET
January 2025 – Present
Member
Working Committee on International Accreditation, IAB
May 2025 – Present
Member
Environment and Urbanization Committee, IAB
May 2025 – Present
Member
International Relations Committee, IAB
May 2025 – Present
Member
Education Advisory Committee, IAB
May 2023 – December 2025
National & International Professional Engagement
Member
Consulting Architects’ Forum – Bureau of Research, Testing and Consultation (BRTC), BUET
December 2017 – Present
Participates in professional consultancy, research, and technical services supporting industry and public-sector projects.
Observer Member
ARCASIA Committee on Architectural Education (ACAE), ARCASIA
August 2022 – Present
Represents and contributes to regional dialogue on architectural education across Asia.
Observer Member
Young Architects Committee (YAC), ARCASIA
October 2021 – August 2022
Participated in regional initiatives promoting collaboration and professional development among emerging architects.
Lifetime Memberships
Life Member
Viqarunnisa Alumni Association (VAA)
2015 – Present
Life Member
Viqarunnisa Noon Science Club
2009 – Present
Professional Engagement at a Glance
- Full Member, Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB)
- Member Secretary, Board of Undergraduate Studies, BUET
- Convener, Archives BUET Editorial Committee
- Member Secretary, ArcSA Advisory Committee
- Committee Member for International Accreditation, Education, Environment & Urbanization, and International Relations (IAB)
- Observer Member, ARCASIA Committee on Architectural Education (ACAE)
- Consultant Member, Bureau of Research, Testing and Consultation (BRTC), BUET
- Life Member of Viqarunnisa Alumni Association and Viqarunnisa Noon Science Club
Contact Information
Phone: +880 1795556574
WhatsApp: +880 1795556574
Email: nayna@arch.buet.ac.bd, nayna.arch@gmail.com
Academia: buet.academia.edu/naynatabassum
ResearchGate: www.researchgate.net/profile/Nayna-Tabassum
Linked In: nayna-tabassum-6905b7313
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nayna_tabassum
RESEARCH & JOURNALS
- All
- M.Arch Thesis
- PUBLICATIONS
- MENTORSHIP - STUDENT WORK
Design Work
VENTURES
HAPPY DOT Art & Craft School
Founder | 2013–2016
A community-based social initiative dedicated to nurturing creativity among children aged 3–16 through interactive art and craft education. The venture culminated in the Happy Dot Children’s Art & Craft Exhibition 2016 in Dhaka, where renowned Bangladeshi artist Mostofa Monowar joined as Chief Guest, encouraging young artists and celebrating creative learning.
Creative Works
Creativity has always complemented my work as an architect and educator. I have worked as a voice artist for institutional productions, written youth opinion articles for national newspapers including Kaler Kantha, Amar Desh, The Prothom Alo, The Daily Star and shared my experiences through interviews with Bangladesh Television (BTV), ATN News, Showcase Magazine, Berger Paints, Asian Paints, Seven Rings Cement, and other media platforms/ podcasts.
One of my most cherished creative roles is being an Emcee, having hosted more than 30 national and international events, including academic conferences, professional seminars, cultural programs, international collaborations, MoU signing ceremonies, coffee talks, and television programs such as BTV’s special broadcasts on the birth and death anniversaries of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Photography is another lifelong passion, and I enjoy documenting architecture, cities, landscapes, and people through my Canon EOS 70D and Nikon D3500.
Travel & Architectural Explorations
For me, every journey is an opportunity to learn from cities. My travels combine academic conferences, professional engagements, architectural exploration, and cultural discovery, allowing me to experience how different societies shape their built environments.
A 45-day architectural study tour across India introduced me to the country’s remarkable diversity—from the Mughal heritage of Delhi and Agra to the planned city of Jaipur, the Himalayan landscapes of Shimla and Manali, the stepwells and modern architecture of Ahmedabad, the coastal settlements of Kerala and Goa, and the cultural richness of Chennai and Pondicherry. Since then, my journeys have taken me to Sri Lanka (ICCPP Conference, 2017), Thailand (2018), Nepal (2020), Mongolia (ARCASIA Forum, 2022), the Philippines (ACA20, 2023), Singapore (architectural exploration, 2023), South Korea (ACA21, 2025), and China (Designing Resilience Global 2026). Through sketches, photographs, and observations, I continue to study architecture, public spaces, urban life, and cultural landscapes—bringing these experiences back into my teaching, research, and professional practice.
ArcAAB – Architecture Alumni Association of BUET
General Member | 2016–Present
An active member dedicated to strengthening the connection between academia and professional practice. Served as Election Commissioner during the 2019 and 2022 elections and regularly contributes to alumni events as an organizing member and master of ceremonies, fostering collaboration among graduates, students, and industry professionals.
Educational & Social Engagement
My leadership journey began long before my professional career. I served as Class Captain for eleven consecutive years (1999–2009) at Viqarunnisa Noon School & College, followed by roles as Assistant Head Girl (2005–2006) and Head Girl (2006–2007). During higher secondary education, I was elected President of the Viqarunnisa Noon Science Club (2009–2010) and previously served as an Executive Member of the Viqarunnisa Noon
Debating Club. At university level, I served as the representative of Architecture Student’s Association (ArcSA) (2010-1016) while also pursuing recitation through Kontho and Shoroshruti.
Today, I continue contributing beyond academia through the BUET Teacher’s Association (BUET TA), BUET Teachers Club Architecture Alumni Association of BUET(ArcAAB), Viqarunnnisa Noon Alumni Association(VAA), Institution of architects Bangladesh (IAB) etc. where I regularly perform, host cultural events, and serve as an emcee. These experiences have shaped my confidence in leadership, teamwork, public communication, and community building.
Green & Blue
Co-founder | 2010–2015
A multidisciplinary student-led creative venture established by architecture and engineering students, providing design and technical services including graphic design, branding, printing, web design, interior design, CAD drafting, and construction support. The experience fostered entrepreneurship, teamwork, client communication, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB)
Student Volunteer (2014–2016) | Committee Member (2017–Present)
An active contributor to the professional development of architecture in Bangladesh through service in numerous committees, including Architectural Education, International Accreditation, Build Expo, and the IAB 50 Years Celebration Committee etc. These roles have strengthened my leadership, professional networking, event management, and policy engagement while contributing to the advancement of architectural education and practice.
ARCASIA – Architects Regional Council Asia
2019–Present
Actively engaged in regional architectural collaboration through the ARCASIA Committee on Architectural Education (ACAE) and formerly the Committee on Young Architects (ACYA). Participation in ARCASIA Forums and Council Meetings in different countries ( Bangladesh, Mongolia, Phillipines, South Korea, India) has provided valuable opportunities for international networking, knowledge exchange, leadership development, and collaboration on architectural education across Asia.
Viqarunnisa Alumni Association (VAA)
General Member | 2015–Present
A lifelong platform for maintaining meaningful connections with alumni while participating in educational, cultural, and social initiatives that promote community engagement and lifelong learning.
BUET Teachers Association
General Member | 2017–Present
Actively involved in organizing academic, cultural, and professional events that strengthen collaboration among faculty members. Served as Cultural and Publication Secretary (2023), contributing to institutional publications, cultural programming, and initiatives that foster a vibrant academic community. Served as Editor of the annual literary publication Probha for 2023.
Voluntary Works
Community service remains deeply connected to my roots in Shonakanda, Narayanganj. I have been actively involved with Sonakanda Madinatul Ulum Alia Madrasa, where many orphaned children receive education and residential care. My contributions include organizing food distribution, clothing drives, educational materials, and special support during Ramadan and Eid, believing that education and compassion should go hand in hand.
I also volunteer with We Are One, a local social welfare organization working for disadvantaged communities through flood relief, COVID-19 response, medical and vaccination camps, educational support, and humanitarian initiatives. These experiences continue to shape my understanding of empathy, leadership, and social responsibility.
Beyond organized volunteer work, I am personally passionate about advancing girls’ education, empowering women, and advocating for inclusive, child-friendly built environments through education, community engagement, and design.