Shariff and Associates | Bangalore|The Proud Legacy
Believing firmly on the principle of ‘concept to reality’, Shariff and Associates creates designs giving life to spaces with innovations. Shariff and Associates is a family run Architecture and Interior Design Firm Shariff established in the year 1967. Since then the firm has come a long way establishing itself as a successful firm.
After gaining rich experience in Germany from 1962 to 1964 and working back here in India for then famous architects M/s. Chandravarkar and Thacker, Mr. A.H. Shariff started Shariff and Associates. Shariff and Associates started off as engineers and architects and is now a firm having vast experience in planning designing and execution of numerous types of commercial and residential buildings, layouts, educational institutes, healthcare premises and Hotels. Having grown in both size and experience Shariff and Associates harbours talented architects, engineers, and structural, electrical, plumbing and HVAC consultants as associates. Shariff and Associates has always placed customer satisfaction as the main focus giving priority to clients’ profitability. They convey,
“It is our core belief that only by establishing a strong and open working relationship with the client that it is possible to achieve a practical, well-built, economical, and an attractive building. We help to create buildings in which the client, architect and builder can all take pride.”
Mr. Hussain Shariff was born in Mysore, in the State of Karnataka, India. His grandfather retired as the Chairman Revenue Appellate Tribunal, after a long and eventful journey as an IAS officer associated with the royal family of Mysore and the government of Karnataka.His parents Mr. A.H. Shariff and Mrs. Nasreen Shariff laid the foundation of Shariff and Associates.
The initial years proved to quite a struggle. Mrs. Nasreen Shariff completed her diploma in interior design, she joined her husband and son in assisting them with projects and administration. She defied the society back in the day by pursuing a new career in interior design and handling the responsibility of a management position.
Mr. A.H. Shariff, the Founder and Chairman of Shariff and Associates after completing his engineering in 1961 from B.M.S. College of Engineering travelled to Germany for two years to gain experience in the field of architecture.
Mr. Hussain Shariff, the son of A.H. Shariff and partner completed his B.Arch in 1994 from B.M.S. College of Engineering and joined his father A.H. Shariff as a partner in 1995. He pursued his diploma in interior design and professional interior decorating from the School of Interior Design, Georgia, and Interior decorating diploma from Sheffield School of Interior Designing, New York. He is a member of the Architecture Council of India. He pursued his diploma in interior design and professional interior decorating from the School of Interior Design, Georgia, and Interior decorating diploma from Sheffield School of Interior Designing, New York. Hussain Shariff started his career with the responsibility of creating suitable, sustainable and conceptual designs, and has since successfully completed over 150 projects.
Mr. A.H. Shariff and Mr. Hussain Shariff are partners of the firm. Shariff and Associates has so far completed over 400 projects and have many more in progress. The firm has done projects not only in and around Bangalore but has gone for beyond the district’s boundaries earing recognition and reputation among the peers.
The Management Team of the firm includes:
A.H. Shariff – Founder, Chairman and Head Architect
Hussain Shariff – Partner, CEO and Principal Architect
Nasreen Shariff – COO and Interior Designer
Mohsin Shariff – Business Development and Marketing Head
Fathima Shariff – Marketing, Interior Designer and to be Architect.
They are Architects, Interior Designers, Town Planners and Builders specializing in:
- Commercial – Retail complexes, Shopping Malls, Office buildings and Tech Parks.
- Residential – Villas, Bungalows, Mansions, Multifamily Dwellings, Apartment Complexes and Residences.
- Educational & Healthcare– Schools, College/University Campuses, Hospitals, Healthcare premises and Hostels.
- Design and Build projects – Villas, Multifamily Dwellings and Commercial Buildings.
- Townships – Layout designs.
Although it is a family run firm, challenges are met at every step to give the best to the clients. Speaking about the challenges, they state,
“It was a challenge to produce great designs in an industry that speaks of fast progress and achieving high economic value. Often great designs are accompanied with high costs which was a difficult fact for the upcoming Builders and Developers to accept.
Initially people find it difficult to accept ideas from professionals with no experience. There were times I wanted to colour my hair grey!”
Accepting challenges sportingly and outshining them through various innovative ideas have let them achieve tremendous heights. Their major achievements include:
Awarded the Priyadarshini Award in 1997 by the 9th President of India Shankar Dayal Sharma for outstanding Services, Achievements and Contributions in the field of Architecture.
The contribution of the firm in the field of Architecture and construction was recognized by the National and International Compendium. And Mr. A.H. Shariff was honoured with a lifetime achievement award.
Shariff and Associates has their collaborations with Sterling Mac Hotels – Collaboration with Architect Chatchai from Thailand and Projects by Architect Kaushik in USA for Noir LLC.
Their best and most challenging project delivered is the ‘K’ Center (Kannan Building) – a commercial complex located on M.G. Road in Bangalore. The original building was constructed in 1910. They share,
“Initially, the idea conceptualized based on the elements associated during its initial construction during the British era. As the building rules and regulations were revised, the design had to be adapted to the changes. The concept to retain the existing elements and give back the same heritage essence was a challenge. The ornamental wrought iron brackets and other architectural elements were retained from the original building. Achieving commercial feasibility along with retaining the heritage feel was a challenge we enjoyed accomplishing.”
With challenges and achievements, learnings never come to an end, but makes life an enlightening journey. They view about their major learning from professional as well as personal journey,
“What we learn in University is nothing like what we experience in our professional career. It has been a journey of ups and downs but satisfying!”
The young and the aspiring designers and architects have a lot to learn from this journey of success. As a piece of advice to the upcoming professionals, they share few words,
“Tweaking your concept to suit the demand and yet achieve what you had envisioned – accept this fact!”
There is no end to the achievements as the legacy must continue and here is what they have to say about their future plans:
“Looking forward to continuing the Legacy of our firm and also looking forward to contribute to the growth the industry and the betterment of the community.”
Indeed, a remarkable legacy continuing with constant growth and achievements!
Designs and Stories, Bangalore wishes Shariff and Associates all the very best for the future endeavours!
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