HISTORY

In 1955, three young architects, professors and friends - Prof C.K. Gumaste, Prof. S.H. Wandrekar and Prof. V.G. Mhatre set up an educational initiative to impart professional training in Architecture. One was a teacher at heart, the other a visionary and the third a strong influencer! Together, they were the perfect team and selflessly set up Academy of Architecture (AOA) as an educational initiative for aspiring students.The space was basic - tin sheds under a large banyan tree, which went on to become the school's icon and symbol of the strength, growth and legacy of the institute.

From there, the school grew to become a Government Aided institution receiving Grant- in Aid from Directorate of Technical Education, Maharashtra State to conduct the Diploma course in Architecture (G.D.Arch.) equivalent to Bachelor of Architecture, with an intake of 60 students. It also became the founding department of Rachana Sansad in 1960, which has since then emerged as a premier institution for art and design education in Mumbai.

Since 1999, Academy of Architecture has been affiliated to University of Mumbai to conduct Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) course. Since 2009, Academy of Architecture has a self-financed section conducting the same course with an intake of 40 students: making the overall yearly intake of 100 students.

The Academy of Architecture has been the foundation for many illustrious architects that have made their mark within the country, and internationally too.

AOA CONNECT

Since 2017, an initiative to bring together the alumni of AOA together under one umbrella, started with a WhatsApp group. Over time, with ongoing discussions and feedback from numerous alumni, a group of volunteers came together as a Working Committee to draft the constitution. Virtual and in person meetings amongst this group, with external experts like lawyers, CAs, led to the finalisation of "MOA and Rules and Regulations, Articles of Agreement (AOA)& Memorandum of Association. Following a joint meeting between the Governing Council of Rachana Sansad and the working committee, it was decided to proceed with the formation of the Association of Alumni of Academy of Architecture as a Section 8 (non-profit) Company. The association would have its registered office within the Rachana Sansad premises and serve as the official alumni association of AOA. After three years of submissions and name rejections from the MCA, as well as two years affected by COVID, the Alumni Association of AOA was incorporated on May 30, 2023. The official name of the entity is "AOA Connect Association."

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

The Working Committee members formed the Board of Directors to lay the foundation of the Association and determine the way forward. These founding members are:

* Shrikrishna Athale - President
* Adhish Goray
* Arjun Sharma - Spokesperson
* Darpana Athale
* Obaid Hakim - Treasurer
* Manan Gupta - General Secretary
* Neha Sarwate
* Sameep Padora
* Shrikrishna (Mukund) Athale
* Suresh Singh

COMMITTEES

The Board of Directors laid out the structure for committees that would voluntarily manage and run the day-to-day workings and activities of the Association.
Networking, Raising Funds, Sponsorships.- Sameep Padora & Shrikrishna Athale
Memberships- Adhish Goray
Programmes / Events for AOA Alumni and students Darpana Athale
Academic Affairs & Research Neha Sarawate
Placement Cell & Alumni Data Validation Suresh Singh
Branding - Darpana Athale
Social Media
PR / Communication