Professor Usha Patel, an esteemed academic with over 30 years of experience, stands out as a distinguished scholar in her field. Her unwavering dedication lies in the advancement of art and design education, as she actively strives to bring these disciplines to the forefront. She possesses a deep passion for Indian crafts and has dedicated a significant body of work to uplift the craft industry and improve the livelihoods of Indian craftsmen. Usha is renowned for her innovative approach to curriculum development, where she places a strong emphasis on experiential learning and the intrinsic value of practical experiences. She staunchly believes in the power of acquiring knowledge through practical application and consistently encourages students to engage in active learning methodologies.

Ms. Patel holds two Master’s degrees from Fine Arts, one in Painting and other in Printmaking along with a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education from Nottingham University, United Kingdom. She embarked on her professional journey as a lecturer at the Faculty of Fine Arts and Faculty of Architecture, MS University Baroda, where she dedicated her services from 1987 to 1996.
Subsequently, she joined the National Institute of Fashion Technology as a Senior Faculty member, contributing her expertise from 1996 to 2003. Following this, she transitioned to the Pearl Academy of Fashion, where she served as the Head of Departments from 2003 to 2014. She was instrumental in establishing and developing the Foundation Design Department, Interior Architecture and Design Department, Product Design Department, and also setting up the Masters Programme in Fashion. Finally, Ms. Usha made a significant career move to the Indian Institute of Art and Design. Presently, she holds the position of Director – Academics, where she continues to contribute her expertise and leadership.

Usha Patel has effectively tailored curricula to meet the ever-evolving demands of the design industry. Her vast repertoire includes the creation of numerous design courses across the nation, encompassing fields such as Communication Design, Interior Architecture and Design, Fashion Design, and various other specialized degree programmes. Moreover, she has spearheaded a transformation in teaching methodologies within the realm of design education. By transitioning from a module-based instructional approach to project-based learning, she has seamlessly integrated the design industry into classroom settings. Through these efforts, she has successfully forged connections between industry projects and fostered a culture of continuous learning. Ms. Patel has played a pioneering role in shaping the landscape of design education in the country.

Beyond her role as an esteemed educator, Usha Patel possesses an unyielding passion for Indian craft. She exhibits a steadfast commitment to understanding urban and international markets, facilitating sustainable business opportunities for Indian artisans across diverse craft clusters within the nation. Additionally, she actively pursues research in indigenous craft development and sustainable practices within the country. Usha’s commendable achievements have led her to embark on an ambitious international project titled ‘Sustainability and Equitable Development: Interventions in India’s Rural Craft Industry.’ In collaboration with Northumbria University in the United Kingdom and Dastkar, an Indian craft NGO, she endeavors to make significant contributions to this field.

Usha has also led the prestigious Delhi Metro Uniform Design project, where she and her design team successfully designed uniforms for all eighteen categories of the Delhi Metro. Furthermore, she was personally invited by the Ministry of Oceanography, New Delhi, to conceive and visualize an exhibition on Oceanography at the esteemed India International Centre.

Prof. Usha Nehru Patel has made notable contributions to academia through her published works. Two outstanding publications include ‘Extending the Frontiers of Visual Learning’ (Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom) and ‘Designing an Educational Experience of Relevance to Real World Situations,’ which she presented at the International Foundation of Fashion Technology Institutes (IFFTI) Conference in 2010. She has also produced several other significant publications, including ‘Juxtaposition of Art & Design,’ ‘A Directional Study towards Empowerment – Finding a New Horizon,’ ‘Design for Need VS Need for Design,’ ‘Embroidery as an Expression,’ and ‘Changing Trends in Art Education for Children.’