Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Geeta Mehta is an adjunct professor of architecture and urban design at Columbia University in New York. She lived in Japan with her family for 23 years, during which she taught Japanese art history at Temple University’s Japan Campus and co-authored five books on Japan published by Tuttle Press. These include New Japan Architecture, Japanese Gardens, Japan Living, Japan Houses, and Japan Style. Geeta also served as the president of the American Institute of Architects’ Japan Chapter while in Tokyo. She received her education from the School of Planning and Architecture in New Delhi and Columbia University, and earned her PhD from the University of Tokyo. Having worked in India, China, and Korea as well as several countries in Europe, Africa, and South America, Geeta brings a global perspective to her teaching and speaking engagements. She currently serves on the Board of Advisors of the Friends of University of Tokyo. In 2015, Geeta was recognized as one of the 21 Leaders of the 21st Century by Women’s eNews and in 2024 she was named in the Forbes "50 Over 50" Impact Makesr List. She is fluent in spoken Japanese.