Project Exploration Session: a 1-hour architect consultation in Nairobi or online
A Project Exploration Session is a one-hour, one-to-one conversation with a registered architect at Aalis Studios. You talk through your plot, brief or building idea, and leave knowing whether it is likely to work, what it may cost and what to refine, before you commit to design.
- 60 minutes or 2 hours
- From KES 20,000, VAT excluded
- Credited against design
No obligation to continue. Keep the Clarity Note whatever you decide.
Office: Sundial Plaza, Eastern Bypass off Thika Road, Nairobi
Is this session right for me?
Yes, if you have a plot, an idea or a decision to make and want a clear, professional view before you spend on design or land.
It is for
- Plot owners unsure what they can build
- Kenyans abroad planning a home
- People about to buy land
- Small developers testing an apartment idea
- Homeowners weighing a renovation
It is not for
- People who already hold approved drawings and want only a contractor
- People looking for free design work
What happens in the hour?
Every session follows the same five steps. A 2-hour Deep Dive gives each step more room and goes further on cost.
| Minutes | What happens |
|---|---|
| 0 to 10 | You explain your idea, plot, budget and timeline in your own words |
| 10 to 25 | We check the site and the rules: zoning, approvals route, access, soil and drainage questions |
| 25 to 40 | We talk scope and money: size, phasing, finish level and a dated cost range |
| 40 to 50 | We note what to refine: gaps, conflicts and decisions still open |
| 50 to 60 | We give our verdict and a suggested next step |
What do I receive after the session?
Within two working days you receive a one to two page Clarity Note: your brief restated, our verdict, the questions to settle, an indicative cost range with its date, the approvals route and a recommended next step.
Not included
- Drawings
- Structural or legal advice
- Quotations: cost ranges are indicative and dated
Will my project work?
Ready
The idea is sound and the next step is clear.
Refine first
The idea can work once specific points are settled. You leave with the list.
Rethink
Something fundamental, such as the plot, the rules or the budget, needs to change before design makes sense.
How do I book?
- Optional free 10-minute fit call, to check which session suits you.
- Book and pay for your session.
- Complete the short intake form: plot, photos, budget range, timeline.
- Meet online, or at our office in Nairobi.
- Receive your Clarity Note within two working days.
Choose your session
Pick the length, then the focus that matches what you are planning. All rates exclude VAT.
Fit call
Free
10 minutes
Check which session suits you. Never required before booking.
Book the fit callProject Exploration Session
KES 20,000
1 hour
One question or one decision. Early ideas. Written Clarity Note.
Book 1 hourDeep Dive
KES 35,000
2 hours
A full brief, a plot, a development idea or several decisions. Larger note with more on cost.
Book 2 hoursWhat are you planning?
- New Home Brief
- Plot and Land Check
- Renovation and Extension Review
- Interior Direction Session
- Rental and Apartment Feasibility
- Drawings and BOQ Second Opinion
- Construction Readiness Check
- Build-from-Abroad Planning Pack
New Home Brief
The New Home Brief is a one-to-one session with a registered architect for people planning a first or family home.
1 hour KES 20,000 · 2 hours KES 35,000
Plot and Land Check
The Plot and Land Check is a session with a registered architect that tells you what a plot is likely to allow, what could go wrong and which questions to put to your county, surveyor and lawyer.
1 hour KES 20,000 · 2 hours KES 35,000
Renovation and Extension Review
The Renovation and Extension Review is a walk-through with a registered architect, on site or by video, to decide what to keep, change or remove in an existing house.
1 hour KES 20,000 · 2 hours KES 35,000
Interior Direction Session
The Interior Direction Session is a one-to-one conversation to agree the style, room priorities and finish levels for a new or existing home before money is spent on finishes.
1 hour KES 20,000 · 2 hours KES 35,000
Rental and Apartment Feasibility
The Rental and Apartment Feasibility session lets a registered architect test your rental or apartment block idea against the plot, the approvals route and an indicative cost range before you commit money.
1 hour KES 20,000 · 2 hours KES 35,000
Drawings and BOQ Second Opinion
The Drawings and BOQ Second Opinion is an independent review by a registered architect of drawings you already hold, or a contractor's bill of quantities or quote.
1 hour KES 20,000 · 2 hours KES 35,000
Construction Readiness Check
The Construction Readiness Check is a session with a registered architect for clients about to appoint a contractor or start on site.
1 hour KES 20,000 · 2 hours KES 35,000
Build-from-Abroad Planning Pack
The Build-from-Abroad Planning Pack is a 2-hour session with a registered architect, held in your time zone, plus a written Remote Delivery Plan and a 30-minute follow-up call.
KES 45,000 · 2 hours plus follow-up
How much does it cost, and what is credited?
The 1-hour Project Exploration Session costs KES 20,000 and the 2-hour Deep Dive costs KES 35,000, VAT excluded. If you book design with us within 90 days, the fee is credited in full against the design fee. Cancel or reschedule up to 24 hours before the session at no charge.
- Sessions at a plot or property are priced at the session rate plus travel, quoted by location before you book.
- You keep the written note whether or not you continue with us.
- Sessions are advice only: no drawings, no stamped documents, no legal or structural certification.
- For review sessions, send your files 3 working days ahead.
Questions we hear
"I own a plot in Ruiru. What can I build?"
We check zoning, access and plot shape, then tell you what the plot is likely to allow and what to confirm with the county. See the Plot and Land Check.
"I live in the UK. How do I plan a home in Kenya?"
We run the session in your time zone, set out who does what on the ground and agree the checks to make before each payment. See the Build-from-Abroad Planning Pack.
"I am about to buy land. What should I check?"
We cover access, road reserves, drainage, soil and what could be built, and list what your lawyer and surveyor must confirm.
"Does my apartment idea make sense?"
We test unit mix, height, approvals and an indicative cost range. See Rental and Apartment Feasibility.
"Should I renovate or rebuild?"
We walk through the house, flag what an engineer must check and compare the options. See the Renovation and Extension Review.
Who will I speak with?
Arch. Vincent Abuya, Principal Architect and founder
BORAQS Reg. No. A1867
Planning your budget first?
Read our Kenya cost guides before the session. They explain what drives cost, and the session turns them into a dated, indicative range for your own project.
Frequently asked questions
How much do the sessions cost, and is the fee credited if we proceed?
The 1-hour Project Exploration Session costs KES 20,000 and the 2-hour Deep Dive costs KES 35,000, VAT excluded. If you book design with us within 90 days, the fee is credited in full against the design fee.
Can I do it online from abroad?
Yes. Sessions run by video call at a time that suits your time zone, and the Clarity Note arrives by email. You can also meet at our office in Nairobi.
What should I bring or send beforehand?
A map pin or address of the plot, photos, approximate plot size, your budget range, your timeline, and anything you have already drawn or been quoted. We send a short intake form after you book.
Will I receive drawings?
No. The session is advice, not design. You receive the Clarity Note with your restated brief, our verdict, the questions to settle and a suggested next step.
Can you tell me what my house will cost?
We give an indicative cost range with its date, based on your brief. It is not a quotation, because cost depends on design, finishes, site conditions and the market at the time.
Do I need a title deed to book?
No. You do not need to share title documents to book. If you choose to share any, we will tell you how they are stored and for how long.
Am I obliged to hire Aalis Studios afterwards?
No. You keep the Clarity Note and can take it to anyone.
Who will I speak with?
A registered architect at Aalis Studios. The studio is led by Arch. Vincent Abuya, BORAQS Reg. No. A1867.
What if my idea turns out not to be feasible?
Then that is a useful result. We tell you what stops it and what could change, so you avoid spending on design or land that will not work.
Planning a home in Kenya from abroad?
Sessions run in your time zone, and the Clarity Note arrives by email. You can pay by card, M-Pesa or bank transfer. Invite the relative or caretaker who will be on the ground, so everyone hears the same advice. See the Build-from-Abroad Planning Pack.
How we keep you safe
- We never ask for passwords, card details by email, or payments to personal accounts.
- You can verify registration on the BORAQS register.
- Our office address is published on this page.
Ready to think it through?
Talk your idea over with an architect before you commit to land, design or a contractor.