Pallavi Swaranjali

Pallavi Swaranjali is a full-time faculty in the Bachelor of Interior Design Program, at Algonquin College, Ottawa. She has a B.A. in Architecture, an M.Design in Industrial Design from India, and a PhD in Architecture from the Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism, Carleton University, Ottawa. She is presently an intern architect with the Ontario Association of Architects, Canada. Her research centers on the relationship between architecture and storytelling, looking at non-conventional modes of architectural representation that combine the normative and the fantastical, and the ways in which they meaningfully transform architectural making and experience. Her areas of teaching include residential and corporate studio, senior project, foundations of design as well as the history and theory of design. She has been a coordinator of Carleton Research | Practice of Teaching | Collaborative (criptic.org) from 2019-2021 and is one of the founding members of the Canadian Centre for Mindful Habitats (mindfulhabitats.ca). Pallavi Swaranjali's academic journey and professional endeavors have been a testament to her dedication to the field of design and architecture. Hailing from India, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, Dr. Swaranjali went on to pursue a Master of Design in Industrial Design. Her insatiable thirst for knowledge and a desire to explore the convergence of disciplines led her to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture from the esteemed Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada.


Dr. Swaranjali's doctoral research focused on the intricate relationship between architecture and storytelling. She delved into unconventional modes of architectural representation, seamlessly blending the normative with the fantastical. Her research explored how these representations could meaningfully transform the creation and experience of architectural spaces. Her findings have significant implications for the future of architectural design, suggesting that by embracing the power of storytelling, architects can create spaces that are not only functionally efficient but also emotionally resonant and evocative.


Dr. Swaranjali's teaching responsibilities at Algonquin College encompass a wide range of subjects, including residential and corporate studio courses, senior projects, foundations of design, and the history and theory of design. Her passion for teaching is evident in her commitment to fostering a creative and intellectually stimulating learning environment for her students. She encourages them to think critically, experiment with new ideas, and push the boundaries of design.


Beyond her academic pursuits, Dr. Swaranjali is actively involved in professional organizations and initiatives. She serves as a coordinator for Carleton Research | Practice of Teaching | Collaborative (criptic.org), a platform dedicated to advancing research and innovation in teaching and learning. She is also a founding member of the Canadian Centre for Mindful Habitats (mindfulhabitats.ca), an organization that promotes the creation of spaces that support well-being and mindfulness.


Dr. Swaranjali's contributions to the field of architecture and design are notable. Her research, teaching, and professional engagements have had a profound impact on the discipline, inspiring a new generation of architects and designers to explore the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Her dedication to excellence and her commitment to improving the built environment make her a valuable asset to the architectural community.