About SHA
SHA was established in 2012 by director Shahid Hussain to bring his brand of clear crisp modern architecture to his Clients. At the heart of what we do is the search for customised architectural solutions - bespoke to the site and to your requirements. We look for creative ways to make well considered spaces you will continue to enjoy over time.
Biography
Shahid was born and grew up in North London and by 16 he had decided that architecture was what he wanted to do. He studied at Cambridge University, qualifying in 2004. He went on to work for prominent architects and interior designers such as M3 Architects, Shepherd Epstein Hunter and Ab Rogers Design. Ab Rogers opened his eyes to how colour, texture, finish and attention to detail can shape things around us so dramatically and in such different ways.
Shahid’s passion for architecture began when he saw the Lloyds of London building by Richard Rogers. It was the basis of his A-level project but still today Shahid loves the building’s strong presence, its’ foreboding, dystopian feel.
After qualifying as an architect in 2004 Shahid had enough of books and 'learning' and took 9 months to travel the world including Eastern Europe, the Indian Sub-Continent and other far flung corners of the world and really start learning. This experience was key in underpinning his belief that there are many, many ways of creating buildings which don't fit into specific categories but, rather, require time and understanding to develop. Understanding of social, cultural and economic conditions is fundamental to designing buildings appropriate to a location - whether it be a residential extension, block of flats or a school classroom.
Shahid cannot imagine doing anything else – he lives and breathes architecture. What is key to SHA designs is using architecture to bring people together, using structures and small details, that allow people to reconnect with one another through the space they occupy.
Clients drive everything SHA does. Shahid will spend the extra time mulling over problems and by listening and understanding what is behind that problem, along with his sense of intuition, every client receives a bespoke, tailored approach to their project.
When Shahid is not sketching to find his way through architectural challenges, or with his clients, he loves to spend time with his young family. Family is a strong influence in Shahid’s life and something he attaches great importance to. His strong family connection also spills out into his projects and aims for the future.
In the past, Shahid has also worked in earthquake relief areas in Pakistan. Under the auspices of the eminent and first female Pakistani Architect, Yasmin Lari, he learnt the true value of the environment and he learnt to better understand and appreciate sustainability. Experimenting with bamboo and mud as a construction material, which derived from traditional Himalayan architecture, this process opened Shahid's eyes to the simplicity and directness of sustainable buildings.
A key element to Shahid's work is having a strong understanding of what works well in different communities, to ultimately bring them together by creating architecture with a strong identity. This deeper understanding will ultimately lead to communities having a sense of belonging and investment in the buildings and surroundings. It’s also about providing a sustainable solution for each client that changes with them, over time.
