Ar. Amina Qayyum Mirza is the Co-Founder and partner of the AE design firm M/s. Office of Metropolitan Design-OMD, since 1991 with its main office in Lahore. The firm covers all locations in Pakistan and has overseas projects in the US, Canada and UK. OMD has a multidisciplinary practice and is one of the leading firms in the field of architecture and related design disciplines.
Ar. Mirza has extensive experience as the lead architect for various projects of design, research and assessment. Read More

Ar. Amina Qayyum Mirza is the Co-Founder and partner of the AE design firm M/s. Office of Metropolitan Design-OMD, since 1991 with its main office in Lahore. The firm covers all locations in Pakistan and has overseas projects in the US, Canada and UK. OMD has a multidisciplinary practice and is one of the leading firms in the field of architecture and related design disciplines.
Ar. Mirza has extensive experience as the lead architect for various projects of design, research and assessment. Read More

"Creating enduring architecture that challenges and inspires..." OMD is one of the leading firms in the field of architecture, interiors, urban design, planning and landscape design. OMD was established in 1991, years of experience offering complete consultancy services ensuring that your vision becomes reality. OMD?s philosophy is built on design excellence, design implementation and client service. We believe that each element is a part of a greater whole that reflects history, culture, commu Read More

Old and New - Reuse, Adaptation, Renovation, Regeneration Urban Retreat-Foreseeing Fireflies Architecture, Interior and Landscape Design Project Concept and the Intent: ‘squirrels in the trees, hummingbirds, indigenous bees, hoping for the right ties to bring in the fireflies!’ The 70’s straight-line single storey duplex house was remodelled and renovated to integrate theelements of the locale; the site, climate and the social setting. The project is designed as an ‘Urban Retreat – Live Work’ model. A place to de-stress and for reflection of owners shared values; a design aesthetic and a passion for ecologically sustainable habitat for both human and fellow beings. The relationship of the landscape, the structure and the interior are designed so that they are inextricably linked. The project is an experiential dialogue of values between the user and space and it draws inspiration from childhood memories of materials, spaces and fireflies in the garden.

The intent of remodeling is evident in its interaction at various points, liberating the existing built structure of its restrictive formal form while integrating it with its surrounding garden. The existing single storey duplex home transitioning to its new purpose incorporates the wisdom of traditional architecture by prioritizing passive considerations in a form of an internal courtyard/atrium, a central water feature for views and ventilation. The remodeled and renovated façade echoes the language of the local vernacular found within a 100km radius of the project site. The traditional local brick is the main construction material. All local and recyclable materials are used for construction and final finishes. The home draws its values from the region; as it is outwardly inconspicuous reflecting a reserved nature in the public realm and in the private realm; a multitude of ideas are expressed. Landscape plantation takes into account the rich history of Lahore’s botanical garden and present degradation of the urban environment. Native species of trees and suitable plantation around the structure reduces the ambient temperature while fostering an ecological habitat for indigenous flora and fauna where the indigenous bees are flourishing in midst of a polluted urban environment. An organic vegetable garden and various fruit trees regenerated an ecosystem for birds, bees and other species to co-exist.