Mehdi Ali Mirza (1911, Hyderabad State - 27 October 1961) [1] or M. A. Mirza, was amongst the first generation of formally trained architects in Pakistan. [1] He laid the foundation for the establishment of the profession in the new country. [2] He was also the prime mover behind the Institute of Architects, Pakistan (IAP) which was established in the 1950s. [1] In 1962, he was awarded the Pride of Performance Award after his death. [1]
Mirza was born in 1911 to an officer of the forest service in Hyderabad State, British India. [3]
He taught at the Delhi Polytechnic's department of architecture till 1947, then he migrated to Pakistan. [3]
Mirza was influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright. [1] [4] After arriving in Karachi at independence, he started his career with the Public Works Department in 1947. [1]
In the 1950s, he along with 10 other practising architects including two foreigners; M. A. Ahed, Tajuddin Bhamani, Minoo Mistry, Pir Mohammad, R. S. Rustumjee, H. H. Khan, Abdulhusein M. Thariani, Zahiruddn Khawaja, Bloomfield and Peter Powell., formed the Institute of Architects, Pakistan. [1] [2] [3]
Mirza died of cancer on 27 October 1961 in England. [1]