About Us
Studio IKSHA is an architectural photography and documentary filmmaking studio based in Kerala, India. The name Iksha (ईक्षा), derived from Sanskrit, means sight or vision — a reflection of our belief in framing spaces with purpose, clarity, and narrative depth.
Founded by two architects with a shared passion for visual storytelling, Studio IKSHA captures the spirit of built environments through still and moving images. Every space, to us, holds a quiet narrative — a memory, a mood, a moment. We seek to evoke these stories, translating architecture into emotive visual experiences.
Architectural photography, for us, goes beyond documentation. It’s an exploration of atmosphere, intention, and meaning. With a strong foundation in design and a context-sensitive approach, we collaborate with leading architects and designers to craft thoughtful, resonant narratives.
Guided by artistic instinct and a deep sensitivity to architectural intent, our work has been featured in international publications including The New York Times and Daily Mail, as well as leading architecture and design publications such as ArchDaily, Dezeen, Dwell, Architectural Digest, Designboom and Wallpaper. Our work has also been recognised through international awards and honours, including an Architecture MasterPrize Best of Best Award, an ND Award, and a Best Architecture Photographer 2026 nomination (finalist) at the Créateurs Design Awards. In 2025, Studio IKSHA was selected by ArchDaily as one of 25 Rising Architectural Photographers to Watch in its World Photography Day: 25 Rising Architectural Photographers to Watch in 2025 feature. Our documentary film Into the Wild received an Honourable Mention at ADFF Vancouver 2025.
True to the vision behind Iksha — sight, perspective, and purpose — we frame spaces not simply as they are, but as they’re remembered.
Today, Studio IKSHA continues to work across India while expanding its practice into the UAE and the wider region. We are drawn to places and practices where architecture, landscape, culture, and experience come together.
Meet the Team
Althaf Abdul Rasheed
Partner & Creative Director
Hi, I’m Althaf AR — an architectural photographer and filmmaker based in Kerala, India. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, graduating in August 2019. My professional journey began under the mentorship of Ar. Prasanth Mohan of Running Studios, an architect-turned-filmmaker whose approach left a lasting impression on me. Later, I had the opportunity to work closely with Ar. Syam Sreesylam, a distinguished architectural photographer and filmmaker.
These experiences helped refine my ability not just to capture architecture, but to communicate its story and design language meaningfully to an audience. I see each project as an opportunity to explore the intersection of design and lived experience.
Today, as Partner and Creative Director at Studio IKSHA, I continue to explore architecture through visual narratives that connect space, story, and emotion.
Sivasankari Shyam
Partner & Editor
Hi! I’m a visual consultant, fashion photographer, and photo editor based in Kerala, India. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from KMEA College of Architecture in August 2019. I started my career as an Associate Director under Ar. Prasanth Mohan, an architect who transitioned into photography and filmmaking, and I later had the chance to work as a documentary photographer with Mamangam, an Indian contemporary dance company founded by Rima Kallingal. Currently, I work as a visual consultant and photographer for brands including House of Urmi, Mrunala by Remadevi, Jasmine by Seba and Edimannickal Jewellery. Through each project, I strive to bring spaces and stories to life, capturing their unique beauty and essence. I look forward to exploring new creative opportunities and pushing the boundaries of photography and visual storytelling.
Contact Us
SNRA 21, Edathala North P.O.
Aluva, Ernakulam, Kerala