What Ignites my Passion for Architecture
Imagine a world where a chance encounter with a stranger could change your life forever. This is the story of how one man’s journey across continents and through time led him to an intersection with a young boy who would one day become a passionate architect.
It was the year 1979, and Architect & Engineer Giovanni Castello was on an epic adventure. He had set out from his hometown of Trivero, Italy, in his trusty Alfa Romeo, determined to explore the world and see what it had to offer. He traveled through Bulgaria, Turkey, Syria, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan experiencing new cultures and meeting new people along the way.
In the Khyber Agency Landi Kutal, he found himself lost and confused, unsure of where to go next. It was then that he met a young boy (My Brother Inam Ullah Jan), who invited him into his home and we showed him the true meaning of hospitality.
From the very first moment, Castello’s warm and friendly personality captured the boy’s attention.
As time passed, the boy’s father also had the opportunity to meet Castello. Their conversations were nothing short of incredible. The passion they shared for their work was evident in every word they spoke, and the young boy was entranced by their discussions.
The bond that Castello formed with the boy’s family was a testament to his kind and generous spirit. He left a lasting impression on them, inspiring the young boy to pursue his own dreams of becoming an architect.
But the adventure was not over yet. Castello had to continue on his journey, leaving the young boy and his family behind. However, he did not forget about them. In a show of gratitude and kindness, he sent them gifts that would change the course of the young boy’s life.
A set of architecture and engineering tools for his father, a diecast model of his beloved Alfa Romeo (Alphetta GT 1979 Model) for him, and a doll for his sister. These gifts ignited a passion for architecture within the young boy that would stay with him for the rest of his life.
As he grew up, he pursued his dreams of becoming an architect, inspired by the conversations he had with Giovanni Castello and the gifts he had received. He never forgot about the kind stranger who had come into his life and left a lasting impact, shaping the course of his future in the most unexpected way.
After years of hard work and dedication, the boy finally received the news he had been waiting for: he had been accepted into the National College of Arts Lahore, Pakistan! Overjoyed and determined to make the most of his opportunity, he threw himself into his studies, earning not one, but two degrees – a Bachelor’s in Architecture and a Bachelor’s in Graphic Design.
Armed with his impressive qualifications and a wealth of knowledge and skills, the boy set out to make his mark on the world of design. He started his own firm in 2001, with a vision to create beautiful, functional, sustainable designs that would inspire and delight his clients.
Despite facing countless challenges along the way, the boy’s firm has thrived and grown over the years, earning a reputation for excellence and innovation in the design world. Today, he is still hard at work, creating stunning designs and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of art and design. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of following your dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem.
Once a dreamy boy, now a well-known architect – the world knows him as Architect Ihsan Subhani.
Ihsan Subhani
As the Principal Architect at Ihsan Subhani Associates, I bring over 22 years of expertise in innovative design and sustainable solutions. My passion for architecture drives every project from concept to completion.