Kanan holds a Bachelors Degree in Architecture from University of Mumbai; a Masters Degree in Urban Design and Architecture from Pratt Institute, New York; and Post Professional Program from Domus Academy, Milan.

She has 17 years of professional experience. She worked with Skidmore Owings & Merrill LLP, New York and 3Com Corporation, Santa Clara before heading back to India in 2003. At Skidmore Owings and Merrill LLP, she was involved with design and engineering of AOL – Time Warner Twin Towers in Manhattan.

In 2008, Kanan gave a talk on Technology & its challenges at the Business Forum of San Francisco, for Structural Engineering Association of Northern California. In 2015, Kanan was a panellist for a discussion on The Legacy of Charles Correa, by IIID Hyderabad Chapter. She also participated as a panellist for Technology - Key Influencer in revolutionizing design, by Design Perspective FOAID.

Kanan is extremely passionate about building and materials. She loves travelling and finds many of her inspirations in small villages across the world.