In 1979, brothers Arshad and Shahid
together formed Arshad Shahid Abdulla (Pvt.) Ltd
The Principals
For the duration of Arshad Abdulla’s life time, Arshad and Shahid Abdulla were an enviable, inseparable duo that created a force in the architecture industry in Pakistan; not because they designed residences and office spaces that reflected innovations imbued with flair; but because they understood a basic theoretical architectural premise –that structures derive their significance from the past as well a address concerns for the future.Those who worked for the firm and those who continue to work at ASA are perceptibly expressive of the notion that there is a larger picture to be seen; socially, morally, environmentally.
Arshad and Shahid Abdulla formed a dynamic duo in Pakistan's architecture scene, not just for their innovative designs, but for their fundamental understanding of architecture’s purpose. They believed that buildings should honor the past while addressing future needs. Their work at ASA, and the lasting influence of Arshad, was rooted in a broader vision—one that considered social, environmental, and moral responsibilities.
Arshad Abdulla, the elder of the two, set the tone for the firm with his straightforward, honest approach to planning. Shahid recalls, "His parameters were clear: don’t waste money, don’t waste space, and be mindful of materials. He was always conscious of how the buildings we created would communicate with future generations." Arshad emphasized the importance of timelessness, simplicity, and thoughtful material choices. His focus was always on whether a design would stand the test of time, a principle that continues to guide ASA’s work today.
Under Arshad’s leadership, ASA became more than just an architectural firm. It grew into a forwardthinking organization, open to radical ideas and challenges. Arshad had the foresight to envision ASA as a place that would engage in social activism, environmental responsibility, and architectural conservation, while also leading the way in educational and healthcare architecture.
When the firm was established in 1979, it had just 16 staff members. Today, ASA employs over 70 professionals, including architects, engineers, and technical experts—thanks to the dedication and resilience of the Abdulla brothers, who faced challenges head-on as they built a lasting legacy.
Firm History
The history of ASA is deeply tied to the vision and values of Arshad and Shahid Abdulla, whose leadership and commitment continue to shape the firm. Their influence is felt in every project and in the development of ASA’s team, where their ethos drives decision-making and guides the careers of young architects. Arshad and Shahid’s journey began in Karachi, where they apprenticed at the firm of renowned architect Pyarali Merali. From there, they pursued their undergraduate studies in architecture in Chicago, where Arshad attended the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) and Shahid studied at the University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC). The brothers’ education in Chicago exposed them to innovative architecture, but they remained deeply connected to their roots, seeing the potential for modern design to benefit a developing country while respecting the cultural divide between East and West. After completing their studies, Arshad gained valuable experience at CF Murphy and Miller Associates before returning to Karachi in 1973 to join Merali’s firm. Shahid joined him shortly after, and when Pyarali Merali relocated to Canada, the Abdulla brothers took over the firm. This marked the beginning of ASA, which started with a small team and has grown to employ over 70 professionals today. Shahid Abdulla, with his creative approach, is known for his ability to balance function, aesthetics, and resources. He embraces the challenge of working with modest budgets, often incorporating organic materials and landscaping into his designs. His belief in timeless, classical design and his commitment to light, nature, and simplicity are at the core of ASA’s work philosophy. Many prominent architects in Pakistan, including Samar Ali Khan, Tariq Alexander Qaiser, Mahboob Khan, and interior designer Danish Zuby, began their careers at ASA. Their time at the firm helped shape their careers and contribute to ASA’s legacy. Today, ASA continues to thrive, adapting to new challenges while staying grounded in the values that have guided it from the start. The firm’s commitment to quality, creativity, and professionalism remains at the heart of everything it does.
Studio
Meet Our Team
Shahid Abdulla
Founder and CEO,
Arshad Shahid Abdulla (ASA) Pvt. Ltd.
Shahid Abdulla is a leading figure in Pakistan’s architectural landscape and the founder of Arshad Shahid Abdulla (ASA) Pvt. Ltd., which he established in 1975 with his brother Ar. Arshad Abdulla. With a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Illinois, Chicago, Shahid has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern architectural identity of Karachi and beyond. His extensive portfolio includes landmark projects such as Dolmen City, Dolmen Malls, Askari Tower, MCB Towers, Central Depository (CDC) Building and the Adamjee Insurance Building, among many others.
A dedicated proponent of both architecture and social causes, Shahid is a founding member of influential institutions like The Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture and The Citizens Foundation. He is also the Chairman of the Pakistan Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) and a Fellow of the Institute of Architects, Pakistan (IAP). His commitment to preserving cultural heritage is evident in his work to relocate the Nusserwanjee Building to The Indus Valley School, ensuring the protection of Karachi’s architectural history. Over the years, Shahid has received numerous accolades, including the President’s Pride of Performance Award in 2014 and the Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 2022, cementing his position as one of the most respected architects in Pakistan.
Shaista Khaliq
Chief Operating Officer
Architectural design was the road I took, but Operations and Management of an Architectural Firm was my destinationHaving done my Bachelor of Architecture from Indus Valley School of Art & Architecture in 1997, I joined ASA for an 8-year stint as an Architect/Project Manager.
Thereafter, I was appointed the Chief Operating Officer due to my grasp of management aspects of processing projects. The added responsibilities of the COO position involved me into Business Operations, Finance, Public Relations, Contract Administration, Office Administration and Human Resource.
Farrukh Mazhar Khan
Director, Architecture
After having left Pakistan at a grade-school age, I did my High School at The American School and Bachelors at The University of the Philippines. After only a few years of work after graduation, I realized that I needed to get back to my country and contribute. Amongst the many offers and opportunities, ASA jumped clearly above the rest as the firm I wanted to be a part of, largely due to being deeply impressed by the personalities of its Principal brothers Arshad and Shahid Abdulla.
From that fateful first day to today, I now carry over 32 years of experience. I have had my share of diverse and challenging projects, big and small, as I continue to be productive and deeply involved in the capacity of a Design Director of the Architecture Department.
Subia Sultan Wyne
Director, Architecture
Architecture design has to be creative as well as authentic. It’s about the experience of living spaces that has to be kept in mind when designing a building. “It was early in my career in 2002 when I joined ASA after finishing my degree in Architecture from Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture and to my incredulity, Shahid and Arshad Abdulla threw me into the deep end the day I joined by handing me the group of houses being built for their family” says Subia.
Despite being terrified by the responsibility of the task at hand she was excited to be given an opportunity to work with both the brothers in the early years which gave her an advantage and an insight; “I became familiar with both their ways of working and their strengths; Arshad Abdulla was a master in architecture and planning and structure and he taught me to ask the right questions. Shahid Abdulla on the other hand was meticulous in his detailing and his interior innovations were exciting to witness.” In 2008 Subia decided to take some time away from the firm to teach interior design at her alma mater.
It was during this time that she was able to hone her management and mentoring skills, both skills that would be key to the projects she would undertake once she returned to ASA in 2012. It was then that she was given an opportunity to work on a 60-storey sky-scraper. It was a mammoth undertaking and the foundations had already been laid so she had to hit the ground running. “It took ten days of just making notes for me to come up to speed. It was a great opportunity for me to study new technologies and theories of organization and methods of construction, façade systems, MEP systems, materials etc. the coordination of architecture design with all the systems that are required for such a tall building. It was very exciting but intense. I had to research, ask questions, come up with answers, evaluate pros and cons and take decisions.”
Aasia Hussain
Sr. Manager, Interior Design
Soon after my training in the US, I joined ASA in 1985. It was a privilege to have been trained by both Arshad and Shahid during these professionally formative years. Learning to balance practicality and flair under their expert guidance has been an irreplaceable fortune. My subsequent 14 years were spent overseas; between Riyadh, Moscow and Dubai. As a family we returned to Pakistan in 2009 and I rejoined the Interior Design department at ASA.
It was an exciting time at the firm. It had grown tremendously, with projects varying in scale and complexity. There were many more designers and professional involved than when I had left. There was more to do. At the same time, there was more to learn.
Muhammad Ayub Ghafoor
Head, Residences
I began my career 34 years ago with ASA. Arshad and Shahid Abdulla have been my mentors ever since, to this day my work and conduct is a reflection of their training. I started in the Architecture Department working on various projects such as Textile Institute of Pakistan, The Oasis Golf and Aqua Resort, The Kidney Center, The Dolmen Mall, MCB Head Office, Tabba Heart Institute and many others. I now head the Residence Department.
Each residential project has been a test of my knowledge of materials and details, as well as being a source of growth and inner satisfaction. Clients invest a lot of time, money and emotions into building their dream homes, which motivates me to invest even more in turning their dreams into reality.
