Mr. Saad and Mr. Ahmed, the visionary duo behind Identity-Architecture and Interior, have carved a niche in the world of Architecture with their innovative and visually striking designs. Both born artists with a shared passion for design began their journey together under the tutelage of a renowned mentor.
While their training was similar, their artistic expressions have evolved into unique design processes. Their ability to seamlessly blend their distinct styles has resulted in a dynamic partnership that has propelled Identity-Architecture and Interior to the forefront of the industry.
With every project, Saad and Ahmed strive to create a new Architectural identity. Their shared vision and goal for their firm is to redefine the boundaries of design, pushing the limits of creativity and functionality. Their collaborative approach allows them to explore unconventional ideas and create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply meaningful.
Interview by: Anzalna Wazir
Photographs: Courtesy Identity Architecture and Interiors
BEFORE STARTING WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR ARCHITECTURAL JOURNEY AND BACKGROUND.
AHMED ALI (AA): Fortunately, my father sent me to the Army boarding school ‘Burn Hall’ in Abbottabad. Returning to Karachi after seventh grade was a huge shift for me because the boarding school there was huge, and it felt like I was stuck in a matchbox here. I couldn’t relate with the kids here because boarding school kids mature at a very early age and are independent, which reflects in my personality as well. Later, I was supposed to do chartered accountancy, but my lack of interest in that field eventually led me to The University of Karachi and I enrolled in the Visual Studies Department, although I knew nothing about Architects or Architecture.
My family and relatives viewed Architecture similarly to engineering, causing concern due to the creative aspects like painting and sketching, along with the lengthy five-year education commitment. There was a general perception that architecture doesn’t offer the financial stability of other professions.
Fortunately, I landed an internship in Dubai with the talented artist Khazim ul Khatib, a Lebanese individual who is truly exceptional. This experience was invaluable as it provided insights into the practical aspects of the industry, the rapid pace of the market, and above all, the opportunity to collaborate with a multinational company comprising individuals from diverse backgrounds.
When I got back, I joined Arshad Shahid Abdullah and worked for seven years there. ASA changed the whole game for me. The kind of connectivity and mentorship I developed with Shahid Sahab played a great role in shaping me as an Architect and provided a lot of exposure. And then IDENTITY came into being.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT ARCHITECTURE? WHAT IS THE MEANING OF ARCHITECTURE FOR YOU?
AA: The best thing about Architecture is that it’s timeless. It’s open to people. It can be seen, heard, touched. It evokes your senses. I am deeply passionate about my profession. It brings me immense pride to see two more aspiring Architects following in my family’s footsteps. The field of Architecture is so diverse that it equips you with knowledge across various disciplines, allowing an Architect to tackle any challenge with ease.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD AND SUCCESSFUL ARCHITECT LIKE YOU?
AA: To truly embody the title of Architect, it’s essential to grasp the level of responsibility it carries both for yourself and the profession. Recognition follows when you acknowledge that you are part of a service-oriented industry. A successful project can lead to many more opportunities, while a single misstep can hinder future projects. Maintain responsibility, and consistency, and show respect for everyone’s contributions, whether they are recent graduates, seasoned architects, contractors, or laborers.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND WHAT TYPE OF SERVICES ARE OFFERED AT IDENTITY DESIGN STUDIO.
AA: The firm, on paper, was formed in 2009 because we had to get the firm registered for an official project and gained office in 2012. At Identity Architecture-Interior we offer complete Architecture and Interior design services.
If we look at the history of Architecture, the West seems to be glorified a lot but there is little to no mention of the Muslim world in terms of Art and Architecture. I feel that as a nation we lost our direction and are going through an identity crisis. We kept getting inspired by various movements but didn’t try to find our own.
Our firm reflects on that crisis and tries to create that identity for the nation. The name identity was coined back when we were studying Architecture. Its full form is Identity ‘aik talash’.
When people from abroad visit or experience our projects, they are inspired by the attention paid to the detailing. The kind of restaurant designs we have now, in the western countries those kinds of designed spaces are accessible to the elite class only. Architects in our region are doing some amazing work now.
WHAT ARE YOUR INSPIRATIONS IN DEVELOPING YOUR DESIGN PHILOSOPHY?
AA: I feel there is no ‘I’ in architecture so I will start with ‘our’ design process. Whatever environment we create, it uplifts the senses, emotions, and psychology of the user. It should give them a better understanding of that space so that they can connect with it. Experience, scale, and enhancement of senses are the key elements of our design. How a space opens up to you and makes you come back to it is supremely important. Once the experience is created, it starts nurturing its surroundings. For example; before Khaadi fast fashion retail design was not even considered a domain of design art or Architecture here. But look at our malls, retail outlets, restaurants, and coffee shops now and gauge the impact of that one bold move. So, the inspiration is all around us, we just need to take a leap and do it so that the user develops such a thinking process.
The point is to nurture people because it starts inspiring our surroundings. The experience of the space should be such that the user can take it back home and try to incorporate it into his lifestyle.
At identity, every project has its uniqueness and aims to provide a sense of elevating experience to the user because that is what inspires us. Architects like Ahmed Mian or firms like Coelesce are breaking barriers. Also, some youngsters are doing amazing work.
WHICH ARCHITECT HAS BEEN MOST INFLUENTIAL ON YOUR WORK STYLE?
AA: It was Shahid Sahab initially. Honestly, anyone who challenges us inspires us even if it’s one of us. I do get inspired by people’s journeys such as Zaha Hadid or BIG ‘Bjarke Ingels Group, it’s about the story of that architect or designer that influences us.
WHAT CONSIDERATIONS DO YOU GIVE IN DESIGNING YOUR PROJECTS?
AA: While designing any project I connect or feel the emotions of the user. If I am working with a builder, I will consider the experience I am creating for that apartment user, not what suits the builder. I involve myself in understanding the issues the user might face and tend to them through design.
People come to a restaurant not just for food, they want the whole experience. The same is the case with corporate projects, the space design should cover the lack of the corporate environment.
My mindset is that understand the personality and its reaction to the space, then design it accordingly. If you put an introvert in the main hall with loads of people, he won’t be comfortable, or if you tell an extrovert to focus in a confined corner space, he won’t be able to. So, for me, it is all about the user’s experience. A space needs to be able to adapt to the nature of the user. WHO, WHERE, AND HOW, are the considerations I keep in mind while designing any project.
WHAT TYPE OF PROJECTS DO YOU ENJOY MORE: ARCHITECTURE OR INTERIORS?
AA: I enjoy Architecture projects more mainly because of their permeance, timelessness, and prevailing nature. The trends in interior might change quickly but the experience of Architecture keeps evolving.
To experience interiors, one has to go inside the space. Architecture is the opposite to that. It can be admired, experienced, or enjoyed from within and outside both. The visual effect of Architecture and the facade becomes the fabric of any city and that’s very fascinating for me. Middle East is one of the greatest stories in this regard where Architecture changed the entire dynamics of a country. It brought tourism, business, stability, economic growth, and whatnot. They invest in their designs, creativity, and most importantly Architects and Engineers. They bring great minds from all over the world which is a great strategy for development. I feel we should take a leaf out of their book and give Architects or Architecture the importance it deserves. We should provide creative freedom to Architects and invest in them.
ARE YOU DOING RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS OR MOSTLY CORPORATE PROJECTS?
AA: I am mostly doing corporate projects and retail design, and a few residential interiors as well.
DO YOU WELCOME CLIENT INVOLVEMENT IN DESIGNING OR KEEP THEM AWAY?
AA: We like to engage with the specialists according to the nature of the project because clients come to us for a solution. If needed, we involve communication designers, food specialists, marketeers, fashion designers, or any other professionals required for the project.
We create all the armor needed to create the best out of the project. We are not just Architects, we work more like brand developers, be it any project. Therefore, the professionals are far more involved in the project than the client. Fortunately, Alhamdulillah all our suggestions have been trusted, valued, and benefitted by our clients so far.
COULD YOU DESCRIBE SOME OF THE PROJECTS YOU ARE PROUD OF AND WHY?
AA: I have done corporate projects, retail design, and residences as well but for me, the projects that were impactful for the surroundings are the ones that I am most proud of.
Continental Biscuits Limited ‘CBL’ in Sukkur was such a project, it is next to the Indus River, and we also designed a clubhouse there for entertaining foreign delegations. It has become a tourist spot in Sukkur now where people especially visit to have coffee and enjoy the ambience.
Among the recent projects, one that stood out for me was the Chase Value project. Spanning a single-floor area of 50,000 sq.ft., I had the freedom to express my creativity, leading to a project that authentically embodies our brand.
One of the first projects we did after gaining office was Outfitters Outlet in Lahore. We designed it on a bird’s nest concept. That was also a fun experiential project.
I would like to mention one project here that is Khalid Sweets, at Mosmiyat.
I enjoyed these projects done in the outskirts because these are the places that have a major impact on their surroundings. After Khalid Sweets was designed, the area around it transformed. People are enjoying the impact of it. That is what I am proud of.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS?
AA: We want to empower Architects and firms to be more developed. Good, respectful, and deserving pay scale for Architects. I want Architecture to become the industry where careers are built. I want to remove this stigma that it is not a financially satisfying or fulfilling field. This is the first thing I say while hiring a professional that he or she should be able to believe that there is career growth at our firm and financial stability. Architects should be strengthened economically and the market should support this.
WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS BEYOND DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE?
AA: I am passionate about sports and like to take part in it. Be it cricket, motorsports, badminton, football, golf, or squash, I am all in.
WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO THE YOUNGER GENERATION?
AA: People who wish to enter this field of Architecture Art or design, need to understand the importance of structure, construction methodologies, and design. Architecture is an extremely diversified field; it’s not confined to design only. Be exposed to all its branches and don’t limit yourself. Take life as a marathon race and go mark to mark. Don’t be dejected by failure and don’t let the wins get to your head.
Many Thanks for talking to us!
