About

Ishrat Nowshehri Architects is a Srinagar-based architectural practice committed to delivering innovative, sustainable and context-responsive design solutions. Founded and led by Ar. Ishrat Nowshehri, a registered architect with the Council of Architecture (CoA), New Delhi, the firm is dedicated to creating spaces that seamlessly integrate functionality, cultural identity and timeless architectural excellence.

Widely recognized as Kashmir's first female architect  and the President of the Architects Association Kashmir, Ar. Ishrat Nowshehri began her professional journey with an intensive six-month practical training under her maternal uncle, Ar. Munir Khan, Retired Chief Architect of Jammu & Kashmir and former member of the Council of Architecture, New Delhi. She subsequently established Ishrat Nowshehri Architects, an independent architectural consultancy that continues to operate exclusively from its principal office in Srinagar, ensuring a highly personalized and quality-driven approach to every project.

Over the years, the firm has built a distinguished portfolio spanning residential, commercial, institutional and public projects. Ar. Ishrat first gained widespread recognition in 2005 when she was honoured by the Government of Jammu & Kashmir under the leadership of former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed for her architectural design of the prestigious ₹70 million Kashmir Haat City Exhibition Centre. The firm's portfolio also includes prominent institutional projects for Kashmir University and the Sheikh-ul-Alam Library.

Ar. Ishrat Nowshehri's contributions to Indian architecture have received national recognition through her inclusion in Samatva: Shaping the Built, a commemorative publication launched by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, celebrating 75 distinguished women architects of India. Her work was also showcased at the India Art, Architecture & Design Biennale 2023 held at the Red Fort, Delhi.

The practice has been honoured with numerous national and international awards, including the Creative Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 at the Icons of Asia Awards in Dubai, the JK Gaurav Samman National Award 2025 and the Lauh Purush Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Bhartiya Ekta Samman, reflecting its continued commitment to architectural excellence and innovation.

Beyond architectural practice, Ar. Ishrat serves as the President of the Architects Association Kashmir, President of the WICCI Architecture Council, Jammu & Kashmir and Former Board Member of Delhi Public School,  Athwajan , Srinagar, actively contributing to professional leadership, design advocacy and the advancement of architecture within the region. Guided by a philosophy that balances sustainability, innovation, cultural sensitivity and meticulous attention to detail, Ishrat Nowshehri Architects continues to shape meaningful and enduring built environments that enrich communities and redefine the architectural landscape of Kashmir.