Academic Team

Post graduate from Indian Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore and under graduation from PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore. She holds  one and a half years experience as a Lecturer ( ATDC ) and 4 years experience as a Merchandiser (Citron Homes). My specialization is mainly towards Apparel Industry, Merchandising and Marketing. As a Fashion faculty, A firm believer in continuous learning and staying updated with the industry trends to ensure She brings the most value to my work. a quick learner, adaptable to new environments and ready to take on new challenges. At ADM, her growth has been both rewarding and inspiring. Starting as a Faculty Member,  advanced to Program Coordinator and now serves as Head of the Department. Alongside teaching industry-oriented subjects, She also contributes to curriculum development, university documentation, and academic leadership. ADM has provided her with a platform to dream bigger and achieve more, while nurturing the next generation of fashion professionals.

Ms. Keerthi Balakrishnan is an educator and curriculum leader at Academy of Design & Management , specializing in Design Thinking, Estimation & Costing, Technical Drawings, Visual Merchandising, and Interior Styling. She mentors students through live projects, workshops, and industry competitions, with a strong focus on sustainability and experiential learning.With over eight years of professional experience in interior and furniture design, project management, and creative entrepreneurship, she has worked on diverse projects including ergonomic furniture, airport kiosks, and boutique interiors. As Founder of The Décor Box, she continues to design sustainable, client-focused spaces. Her blend of academic expertise and industry practice equips students to bridge creativity with real-world impact.

A Post Graduate in Fashion and Education with over 10 years of teaching experience. She began her academic career at St. Antony’s College, teaching degree students, and later worked at SD Adarsh Vidyalaya, Haryana, guiding higher secondary (11th & 12th) students. She then joined the Institute of Design, Chennai, where she mentored both graduate and postgraduate students, and also served as Faculty of Fashion Technology at SMS College, Ettumanoor.For the past three years, she has been associated with ADM , Kochi, as Faculty of Fashion Design.

Her areas of expertise include Fashion Entrepreneurship and Business Management, Design Research Methodology, Visual Merchandising, Sourcing and Supply Chain Management, Fashion Theory, Indian and Western Art & Costumes, and Fashion Forecasting. With her extensive academic background and subject proficiency, she is dedicated to inspiring and guiding students to excel in their creative and professional pursuits.

Anu Venkitakrishnan is a passionate and creative fashion educator with a strong foundation in textiles and design. Holding a Bachelor’s in Textile Design from the prestigious NIFT Chennai, she has built a solid career bridging the gap between industry and academia.With over many years of industry experience, Anu has honed her skills as a designer and product developer at firms like Aashara Ambiance in Chennai and as a textile and print developer in Karur. Her hands-on experience includes freelancing for various firms, showcasing her versatility and adaptability. Anu’s key strengths lie in her expertise in textiles, fabric ornamentation, and manipulation, along with proficiency in CAD software like Photoshop and CorelDRAW.

She began her journey as an educator at ADM in Kochi, initially as an external examiner and part-time faculty before joining full-time in March 2025. As an educator, Anu is known for her collaborative and creative approach, as well as her ability to foster strong connections between students and the wider industry. She is a dedicated team player who excels at mentoring students and leveraging her industry knowledge to prepare them for their careers.

Aleena Bernard holds a Post-Graduation in Fashion Design and Management from JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Kochi. She began her career as a Fashion Consultant at Mango and later as a Fashion Consultant/Visual Merchandiser for HRX, gaining valuable experience in retail and visual storytelling.With professional exposure in both the industry and academics, Aleena has over one and a half years of teaching experience at ADM, Kochi. She has taught a wide range of subjects including Art & Design, Fashion Illustration, Fashion Styling, Visual Merchandising, Fabric Ornamentation, and Marketing & Brand Management.Her contributions extend to curriculum development, academic leadership, and organizing campus events, enabling her to bridge industry practices with academic learning. Passionate about guiding young talent, Aleena continues to inspire students while staying connected to evolving industry trends.

Akhila S Kumar holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Designing with First Class with Distinction from the Institute of Fashion Technology, Kerala (IFTK), and an MBA in Marketing from Suresh Gyan Vihar University. She began her academic career in 2022 as Guest Faculty at TTMVHSS Higher Secondary School, Vadasserikara, and later served as Fashion Faculty at GIMS Adoor Institution.

Her teaching expertise includes Draping, Pattern Making, Garment Construction, Surface Design Techniques (SDT), Fashion Theory, and Marketing. Alongside her academic role, she continues to work as a freelance designer. She is also passionate about art and painting, which adds depth and creativity to her teaching approach.

Athira Harikumar is a fashion designer and educator with expertise in blending design creativity and managerial skills. She holds a Master’s in Fashion Management (International Business) from NIFT and a B.Sc. in Apparel and Fashion Design, graduating First Rank under Mahatma Gandhi University. Her industry experience spans e-commerce and marketing, having worked with Paitrika by Pothys Retail Pvt. Ltd. and Blossom Inners Pvt. Ltd., where she gained hands-on exposure in digital strategies, product research, and consumer insights.As a faculty member, she teaches Pattern Making, Garment Construction, CAD, E-commerce, Digital Marketing, and Fashion Management, with a focus on experiential learning and industry relevance.

Ms. Keerthi Balakrishnan is an educator and curriculum leader at Academy of Design & Management , specializing in Design Thinking, Estimation & Costing, Technical Drawings, Visual Merchandising, and Interior Styling. She mentors students through live projects, workshops, and industry competitions, with a strong focus on sustainability and experiential learning.With over eight years of professional experience in interior and furniture design, project management, and creative entrepreneurship, she has worked on diverse projects including ergonomic furniture, airport kiosks, and boutique interiors. As Founder of The Décor Box, she continues to design sustainable, client-focused spaces. Her blend of academic expertise and industry practice equips students to bridge creativity with real-world impact.

Niya Eldhose holds a B.Sc. in Costume and Fashion Designing from Nirmala College of Arts and Science under Calicut University. She began her career as a Fashion Designer at Milan Designs, Kochi, before transitioning into fashion education as a Faculty at Cindrebay School of Design, Calicut.

Her teaching expertise lies in Fabric Ornamentation, Pattern Making, and Fashion Theory. She believes in continuous learning and staying connected with industry trends, bringing real-world insights into the classroom to inspire and guide aspiring fashion professionals.

Ms. Mayuri Ganpat Barude is a Fashion Technologist and Educator with a strong foundation in both creative design and technical expertise. She holds a Diploma in Fashion Design and Garment Manufacturing and a B.Tech in Fashion Technology. Her professional experience includes three internships in garment industries and a role as a Fashion Merchandiser, where she gained hands-on knowledge of apparel production, textiles, and marketing.

At ADM Kochi , she integrates her industry exposure into teaching, guiding students in areas such as drafting, pattern making, stitching, and textile studies. Passionate about continuous learning, she strives to help students connect academic concepts with real-world industry practices, preparing them for successful careers in fashion.