01Before 2008
The early years
I learned the trade on interior and construction sites: measuring rooms, preparing quotations, managing crews and finishing work that customers would actually notice. Nobody taught me business. The sites did.
My story
Built on sites, not in classrooms.
I learned business by doing it: measuring rooms, quoting jobs, managing crews and chasing payments. This is how a small workshop became a brand that works across six countries.
022008
Starting from scratch
In 2008 I moved to Islamabad and started Murad Interiors with no investors and no system. We did interior finishing and decorative ceilings, side by side with architects and interior designers. Over the years that grew into hundreds of projects. For a long time I was sales, production, accounts and growth all at once, and that taught me why systems matter.
032017 – 2019
Looking for better materials
Plain plaster ceilings were a price war, so I went looking for something better. In 2017 I brought glass-fibre and gypsum mould technology from Guangzhou Xingyang and set up our own mould production. In 2019 I sourced RECKLI formliners from Germany and worked with Wacker's construction-polymer team in Dubai. That is how we arrived at GFRG and SFRG ceilings and mouldings, and later GFRC.
04Waste to worth
From ceilings to planters and trees
The same thinking built our second line. Waste stone became engineered-stone planters, and forest waste became premium artificial trees. In December 2024 those planters received the EAROPH Award for Sustainability at the 29th EAROPH World Congress in Islamabad.
05Going international
From Lahore to six countries
I attended and spoke at The Big 5 in Dubai, met suppliers at the Canton Fair, and built a supply chain across China, Germany, the UAE and Malaysia. In 2025 a full container of our planters left Karachi for Brisbane, for Planter Home Pty Ltd, the Australian company I co-own, and we shipped planters for a contractor in New York.
06Today
From learner to mentor
In 2024 the Australian Pakistani National Association appointed me COO of its APNA PSL 2024 to lead operations, brand building and events. Along the way I have trained many craftsmen hands-on, and several now run their own businesses. Helping founders and makers grow is the work I want to do most.
Every lesson I teach, I paid for first on a real project.Abdul Rasheed
Milestones
The dates behind the story
- 2008
Moved to Islamabad · Murad Interiors founded
Tax registration effective 13 February 2008.
- 2017
Mould technology from China · Canton Fair
Our own mould production begins.
- 2018–19
The Big 5, Dubai
Attended both years; spoke at the Architecture Talks stage.
- 2019
RECKLI · Wacker
Formliners from Germany; lab work in Dubai on 28 November.
- Mar 2024
COO, APNA PSL 2024 (Australian Pakistani National Association)
MOU announced by President Syed Shoib Zaidi.
- Jun 2024
Community Enrichment Award
Australian Pakistani National Association.
- Aug 2024
Public News, Good Morning show
Live studio interview.
- Dec 2024
EAROPH Award for Sustainability
29th EAROPH World Congress, Islamabad.
- 2025
Express News · Brisbane · New York
Express Digital feature, full container to Australia, shipments to the USA.
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