From celebrities to politicians and from bureaucrats to simple housewives — they have done up homes for everyone. They are the creators of the most innovative homes in town and strike a perfect balance in each of their creations. They are Aamir and Hameeda Sharma, a husband-wife duo who run a design studio called AANDH, which has only one rule — that there are absolutely no rules!
Interestingly, both the designers share a common philosophy — interior design should be both functional and innovative. And this very philosophy combined with their principles make them the go-to designers for the big shots’ homes and stores. Aamir and Hameeda are passionate about creating bespoke experiences for their clients — something that has helped them thrive while tackling assignments and customising designs to clients’ lifestyles, desires, functionality and budgets. As a result, the duo’s creations also reflect their thought processes and design styles.
It all started 20 years ago!
From being struggling designers in 1999 to becoming a sought-after name in the interior design industry, the duo has won acclaim in design and celebrity circles with their wide range of work, which blends a detail-focused approach with inventive materials and bespoke furnishings. Their projects range from homes for the super-rich to lavish restaurants and bars and luxurious apartments. “Our journey has been very long and very hard; we clawed our way to the top. It’s taken us 20 years to do this and it’s been a very hard journey with tons of obstacles in our path. We took one step at a time and always motivated each other all the time,” says Aamir.
“Our families, especially mine, were struggling financially, so instead of depending on the financial support from our parents, Hameeda and I decided that we should be able to support our families. So we decided not to give them any stress and together built our small empire,” he adds. “We also believed that by giving jobs to thousands of people directly or indirectly, we would always have their good wishes and blessings,” says wife Hameeda.
Let’s talk design!
Give them an empty space, and they can turn an idea into a reality. “Design comes to us naturally and we do sketch a lot; we also get inspired by architects from all over the world,” says Hameeda. Both Hameeda and Aamir invest a lot in travelling and discovering new ideas and methods that they can bring to India. This Hyderabad-based interior designer couple largely uses a palette of industrial material — unfinished concrete walls, rough blackboards and rusty metal sheets. Although residential design is their forte, the couple has worked on some interesting store and restaurant designs. Part of the their approach involves making an effort to understand a client’s aspirations and lifestyle. That process and attention to detail is on full display at the bespoke boutique of L Bajrang Pershad Jewellers in Hyderabad. “It’s done in heritage style,” says Aamir.
A slice of life, another of work
Talking about their initial challenges, the duo says, “Initially and even today we struggle a lot with competition everywhere and people who are jealous of you will always try to pin you down. But we believe if you keep a straight approach and work hard with good designs and are helpful to people around you, then you will definitely go far in life.” The only way to grow, the duo believes, is by sharing. “Sharing profits and knowledge always helps you grow and that’s what we did and that’s what we believe in even today,” says Hameeda. Having been named one of India’s seven best designers to watch out for by Forbes, Aamir and Hameeda are definitely a pair to reckon with! “Since we have been doing this for the past 20 years now, we try hard to take our city on the design map constantly and now even international recognition is helping us,” shares Aamir. “Our customers are small vendors, simple housewives, ministers, film stars… just about anyone! But there are only so many projects that we can take, so we are a little choosy,” says Hameeda.
In addition to being meticulous and having smooth work styles, the flamboyant Aamir and calm Hameeda have evolved both professionally and personally since starting their entrepreneurial journey. “Both Hameeda and I have changed over the years. I feel Hameeda has become a better person — more caring and more patient with the people around her, and I have become more impatient and annoying. But with an 80 per cent success rate with clients, one should be happy,” says Aamir.
Accolades
- The duo has won many national and regional awards for excellence in design including the Hafele Trends Excellence Award in Interior Design in 2016 and 2017 as well as many other awards by the Institute of Indian Interior Designers.
- They were also listed as No. 7 in the Forbes List of Interior Designers and Architects to watch out for in 2010.
