Kashif Essa is a Venice based practicing architect specializing in the conservation and
restoration of museums and historic buildings. His professional work includes
contributions to major heritage restoration projects such as the Galleria dell’Accademia
in Venice, the Jewish Museum in the Venetian Ghetto, and Palazzo Scaligero in Verona,
along with numerous other significant cultural heritage sites across Italy.
Beyond Italy, Kashif Essa has been actively involved with the Italian Archaeological
Mission in Pakistan, where his work focuses on the conservation of ancient Buddhist
sites in the Swat Valley. He currently serves as Project Director for the initiative
Preservation of Buddhist Rock Reliefs of Swat, playing a key role in the protection,
documentation, and promotion of the region’s exceptional archaeological heritage.
He carries forward the legacy of pioneering heritage conservation projects in Pakistan
initiated by his late father, Architect Essa Khan, including landmark restorations of Baltit
Fort, Altit Fort, Shigar Fort, and Khaplu Fort in Gilgit-Baltistan. His own professional
association with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture through projects such as the restoration
of Shahi Hammam, Wazir Khan Mosque, and the Picture Wall of Lahore Fort Pakistan
has helped establish new benchmarks in Pakistan by pioneering the use of digital
technologies, remote sensing, and documentation-based conservation methodologies.
Kashif Essa runs an international conservation practice with offices in Venice,
Cambridge (UK), and Pakistan, dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and
sustainable management of cultural heritage sites.