Excellence Awards 2025: Shubha Mishra – a pioneering vision for construction and fit-out

Shubha Mishra’s journey in the construction industry began with architectural blueprints and a bold vision. Armed with a Bachelor of Architecture and a postgraduate degree in construction management, Shubha has built more than structures; she’s built a business empire with purpose and passion.

It was her unwavering commitment to bridging the gap between design and delivery that gave birth to ZAS Constructions, founded in 2019.

Today, Shubha serves as the Founder and CEO of ZAS Constructions, leading a team of nearly 100 with unmatched grace and precision. Her firm specialises in full-spectrum design-build, joinery, bespoke interiors, landscaping, and civil construction projects. In just a few years, she has scaled ZAS Constructions from a three-person start-up into a multi-million powerhouse, even during the most uncertain times of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Every brick we lay, every nail we hammer, has careful thought and planning behind it. We work not just with our hands but with our hearts,” says Shubha.

A rare combination of technical expertise and business acumen, Shubha is also a certified IRCA Quality Systems Lead Auditor. She is known for her human-centric leadership style, often describing her company as a family rather than a hierarchy. Her employees echo that sentiment, crediting her empathy, mentorship, and trust in their individual strengths as key motivators.

As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Shubha has faced significant challenges, from underqualified competitors to price wars but she has never compromised on quality. Her persistence and ability to educate clients on the value of excellence have earned her a sterling reputation.

Under her direct leadership, ZAS Constructions has delivered high-profile projects, including embassy renovations, luxury villas, commercial interiors, and large-scale hospitality developments. Shubha personally oversees operations across project management, joinery, procurement, finance, and HR, ensuring no detail goes unnoticed.

“This award is not just about me. It is a celebration of progress, resilience, and of every woman that walks into a job site and proves that talent needs no gender,” she says on receiving the Gulf News and Being She's Excellence in Business – Best in Construction Leadership award.

Beyond her business acumen, Shubha is a mother, a mentor, and a strong advocate for women in construction. Her inclusive leadership style fosters a work environment where talent thrives, and innovation is constant. She continues to invest in technology, experimenting with AI, automation, and digital workflows to keep her company future-ready.

Her guiding mantra? “Never give up.” And Shubha never has.