Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Geeta Mehta is an adjunct professor of architecture and urban design at Columbia University in New York. She has lived in Japan for 23 years with her family, where 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, Japan 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 Ph.D. from the University of Tokyo. Her experience of working in India, China and Korea and several countries in Europe, Africa and South America enables her to bring a global perspective to her teaching and speaking engagements. She currently serves on the Board of Advisors of the Friends of University of Tokyo. Geeta was recognized as one of the 21 Leaders of the 21st Century by Women’s eNews in 2015. She is fluent in spoken Japanese.