Shamsul Wares is a Professor in the Department of Architecture at Bangladesh University. He received his Bachelor of Architecture from Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET) in 1968. With an extensive career spanning architectural education, professional practice, academic leadership, research, and national and international professional engagement, he has made significant contributions to the advancement of architectural education and practice in Bangladesh.

Academic Experience

Shamsul Wares has been serving as a Professor in the Department of Architecture at Bangladesh University since 1 October 2024. Prior to joining Bangladesh University, he served as Professor and Advisor in the Department of Architecture at State University of Bangladesh. From May 2016 to June 2022, he served as Professor and Head of the Department of Architecture and Dean of the School of Science and Technology at State University of Bangladesh.

From March 2003 to April 2016, he served as Professor of Architecture and Dean of Environmental Science & Design at the University of Asia Pacific. Earlier, he had a distinguished academic career at Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology, serving as Associate Professor from December 1989 to February 2003, Assistant Professor from January 1974 to December 1989, and Lecturer from February 1972 to January 1974. He also served as Head of the Department of Architecture at BUET from October 1974 to November 1975. His extensive academic career reflects sustained contributions to architectural education, institutional leadership, and the development of architectural scholarship.

Professional Practice

Shamsul Wares has maintained a long and distinguished professional career alongside his academic responsibilities. He has been working as a Principal Architect in self-employed professional practice since 1979. Earlier, he worked as a Junior Architect at Vastukalabid, an architectural design firm, from December 1968 to February 1972. His professional practice has provided extensive experience in architectural design and consultancy while complementing his contributions to architectural education.

He has also served on numerous national technical and expert committees involving architecture, culture, heritage, urban development, construction, and national projects. His government and institutional engagements include the Board of Trustees of the Bangladesh National Museum, the Steering Committee of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy for the Asian Art Biennale, the Selection Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Monument for Nagasaki War Memorial Park in Japan, and expert and technical committees concerning the Shadhinata Stambha at Suhrawardy Udyan, Bangladesh Pavilion for Expo 2000 Hanover, the Mausoleum for Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, the Master Plan for the Shilpakala Academy Complex, and the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC). He also served on the Board of Management concerning abandoned architectural organizations formerly administered by Pakistanis.

His professional practice and expertise have further been reflected through participation in national and international architectural jury boards. He has served on juries for projects and competitions including the Golpahar Mohashawshan Kali Mondir Complex in Chattogram, Headquarters Building of Anjuman Mufidul Islam, IAB Centre, North South University New Campus, IAB Design Awards, Peoples Insurance Company Headquarters, Directorate of Telephones and Telegraphs Headquarters, and the National War Memorial for the Unknown Martyrs of the Liberation War of 1971 at Savar.

Professional Development

Shamsul Wares has an extensive record of international lectures, conferences, seminars, and professional forums. His academic and professional presentations have addressed Louis Kahn, sustainable tropical architecture, climate change, architectural education, architectural practice and research, South Asian architecture, culture, urban development, and architectural identity.

His notable international academic engagements include “Kahn’s Journey to the National Assembly Building” at the Architecture Department of ETH Zurich, Switzerland (2019); “Climate Change, Sustainable Tropical Architecture and Bangladesh” at the 2nd International Conference on Green Architecture organized by BUET (2018); “Arch. Muzharul Islam: The Vastu-Guru and his Works” at Engage Dhaka (2015); and “Reflections on Architectural Education, Practice and Research in the Context of Pakistan” in Islamabad (2014). He has also delivered lectures and presentations in Ulaanbaatar, Karachi, Washington D.C., New Delhi, Los Angeles, Brussels, Bandung, and Amman.

His international seminar participation includes “Past Perfected: Antiquity and its Reinvention” in Los Angeles; “Housing and Urban Design for Developing Countries” in Bandung; and “The Search for Form/Places of Public Gathering in Islam” under the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in Amman. He has also participated in numerous ARCASIA Council Meetings and Architects Forums in Colombo, Tokyo, Singapore, Manila, Hong Kong, and Lahore, as well as the Calcutta 300 program in Kolkata and the Commonwealth Association of Architects Triennial Conference and Council Meeting in York, England.

In recognition of his contribution to architectural education and professional practice, Shamsul Wares received the IAB Gold Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Architectural Education from the Institute of Architects Bangladesh in 2017, the Architect of the Year Award (AWA) Commendation from the Indian Institute of Architects in collaboration with J.K. Cement in 2011, and the IAB Lifetime Achievement Award for Architectural Education in 2009.

Professional Affiliation

Shamsul Wares is a Fellow of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (FIAB). He has played a significant role in the leadership and development of the professional organization, serving as President of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh during 1995–1997 and 1997–1999, and as General Secretary during 1991–1993 and 1993–1995. He was also a Founder Member and Treasurer of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh during 1972–1974 and 1974–1996. Earlier, he served as an Associate Member of the Institute of Architects Pakistan during 1969–1970.

Through his professional affiliation and international engagement, he has contributed extensively to architectural discourse and professional collaboration across South Asia and beyond. His participation in ARCASIA and the Commonwealth Association of Architects, together with his service on national and international jury boards, reflects his longstanding involvement in the advancement of architectural practice, education, and professional standards.