BORAQS Registered · EDGE Certified · AAK Member · Est. 2010
Architecture Designed for Kenya. Built to Endure.
Updated March 2026
BORAQS RegisteredNCA CertifiedEDGE CertifiedLexus Award 2020
15+
Years Experience
200+
Projects Delivered
3%
Design Fee
4
Countries Served
🏛️ BORAQS Registered
🏗️ NCA Certified Firm
🌿 EDGE Certified Architect
🏆 Lexus Design Award 2020 Grand Prix
📐 AAK Member
🌍 Diaspora Remote Design
● Updated March 2026 · By Arch. Vincent Abuya · BORAQS Registered Architect
Aalis Studios provides professional architectural design services across Kenya — from contemporary family homes and luxury residences to commercial buildings, sustainable developments, and large-scale master plans. Led by Arch. Vincent Abuya, an EDGE-certified, BORAQS-registered architect and AAK member based in Nairobi, every project we deliver is structurally rigorous, climate-responsive, and built to endure.
Architecture in Kenya has a regulatory framework that matters: all buildings requiring county government approval must be designed and stamped by a BORAQS-registered architect under the Architects and Quantity Surveyors Act (Cap. 525). This is not a formality — it is the legal foundation that protects your investment, ensures structural integrity, and enables the building permit process. At Aalis Studios, every drawing we produce meets this standard.
This page is the comprehensive guide to our architectural design services in Kenya. Whether you are planning a 3-bedroom bungalow, a commercial development, a sustainable community, or building from the diaspora — everything you need to understand our services, process, fees, and credentials is here.
01 — Our Services
Full-Spectrum Architectural Design Services in Kenya
Our architectural practice covers five core service areas, each delivered to the same standard of BORAQS-registered precision and contextual intelligence. From concept sketch to approved county submission, we manage the complete architectural journey.
01
Residential Architecture
Contemporary homes, luxury villas, bungalows, maisonettes, and townhouses. Designed for Kenya's specific climate, plot sizes, and county regulations.
EDGE-certified green building design reducing energy, water, and embodied energy by 20%+. Climate-responsive architecture built for Kenya's environment — not imported from elsewhere.
Strategic land-use planning for residential estates, mixed-use developments, gated communities, and institutional campuses. Infrastructure logic and long-term growth built in from day one.
Recent residential architecture by Aalis Studios — from multi-storey luxury mansions to contemporary timber-and-glass villas. All projects BORAQS-registered and county-approval ready.
02 — The Process
The Architectural Design Process in Kenya
A well-managed architectural project in Kenya follows a clear sequence — from initial brief through to approved drawings and site commencement. Understanding this process helps clients budget accurately, set realistic timelines, and avoid the costly mistakes that arise from skipping stages.
Stage 01
Brief & Site Analysis
Week 1–2
We meet to understand your project requirements, budget, and vision. We analyse your plot — its size, orientation, soil conditions, neighbourhood context, and county zoning — before any design begins.
Stage 02
Concept Design
Week 2–4
We develop two or three concept directions — spatial layouts, massing, facade approaches — presented as sketch plans and 3D massing models. You select and refine your preferred direction before we proceed.
Stage 03
Design Development
Week 3–6
The approved concept is developed into detailed floor plans, elevations, sections, and preliminary 3D renders. Material palettes, window schedules, and spatial dimensions are resolved at this stage.
Stage 04
Working Drawings
Week 5–8
Complete BORAQS-stamped architectural drawing set: all floor plans, four elevations, cross-sections, roof plan, site layout, and schedule of finishes. Structural and MEP coordination included.
Stage 05
County Approval Submission
4–12 weeks
We prepare and submit your building permit application to the relevant county government. Nairobi County typically takes 4–12 weeks. We track your application and respond to any requests for information.
Stage 06
Construction Supervision
Duration of Build
For Design+Build clients, we provide full on-site construction supervision — NCA-registered contractor procurement, milestone payment management, quality control, and weekly progress reports.
ℹ
Design+Build clients: The architectural design fee is fully absorbed into the construction engagement — you pay nothing separately for design. A free photorealistic 3D flythrough animation (valued at KES 80,000–150,000) is included in every Design+Build package. Contact us to discuss your project →
03 — Residential Architecture
Residential Architecture in Kenya
Residential architecture is the foundation of our practice. We design homes that respond to Kenya's climate, culture, and building tradition — while delivering the contemporary spatial quality and architectural rigour our clients demand.
Bungalows & Single-Storey Homes
Our most popular residential typology in Kenya — single-storey homes on 40×80, 50×100, and larger plots. Bungalows are 15–25% cheaper to build than maisonettes of equivalent size because they require a lighter foundation and no upper slab. Our range covers 2–5 bedroom designs for every budget, from KES 3M starter homes to KES 15M architecturally distinctive residences.
Maisonettes & Multi-Storey Homes
Two and three-storey maisonettes that maximise smaller urban plots — particularly effective for 40×80 plots in Nairobi where land is scarce. Our maisonette designs range from compact 3-bedroom starter maisonettes (from KES 8.5M) to grand 5-bedroom designs with rooftop terraces.
Mansions & Luxury Villas
Architecturally ambitious large family homes on quarter-acre and larger plots. Our luxury residential work integrates pools, home cinemas, rooftop entertainment, and bespoke material palettes — designed with the same BORAQS-registered precision as every other project we deliver.
Flat Roof & Contemporary Designs
Kenya has seen a major shift toward flat-roof contemporary architecture over the past decade. Our flat roof designs integrate rooftop terraces, solar optimisation, cantilevered elements, and full-height glazing — delivering genuinely modern architecture rather than a cosmetic update to a traditional form.
Contemporary flat-roof mansion with integrated outdoor fire pit terrace. A BORAQS-registered Aalis Studios residential architecture project.
Every residential project begins with a detailed site analysis and a disciplined brief — before any design work begins. We do not produce generic plans reused across projects. Every home we design is specific to your plot, your family, your county's setback requirements, and your construction budget.
House Plans Kenya 2026
Browse 18+ BORAQS-Registered House Plans — From KES 96K
Ready-to-build designs for 40×80, 50×100, and larger plots. Bungalows, maisonettes, mansions, and villas. Plans priced at 3% of estimated build cost. Design+Build clients receive design free + a photorealistic 3D flythrough.
Commercial architecture in Kenya demands a different set of decisions from residential design — higher structural complexity, more intensive regulatory requirements, a deeper understanding of operational flows, and a clear grasp of how the built environment communicates brand identity.
Our commercial architecture services cover:
Office Buildings & Corporate Developments
From single-tenant headquarters to multi-storey speculative office developments. We design for operational flexibility, natural daylighting, and the long-term adaptability that protects commercial real estate investment in Kenya's evolving market.
Retail & Mixed-Use Developments
Retail environments where circulation, visibility, brand articulation, and tenant flexibility must work together. Our mixed-use experience covers ground-floor retail with residential or office above — one of the most commercially effective typologies in Nairobi's expanding suburbs.
Hospitality & Boutique Hotels
Boutique hotels, lodges, and serviced apartment developments in Kenya's growing hospitality market. We understand the guest experience, operational back-of-house requirements, and the sustainability expectations that define competitive hospitality architecture in East Africa.
Institutional & Educational Facilities
Schools, universities, health facilities, and civic buildings. Architecture that serves communities for generations — and demands the highest level of technical rigour in structural design, fire safety, accessibility compliance, and long-term material performance.
05 — Sustainable Architecture
Sustainable Architecture in Kenya
Sustainable architecture in Kenya is not a trend — it is a practical response to rising energy costs, water scarcity, and a climate that architectural design can either fight against or intelligently work with. Aalis Studios is led by an EDGE-certified architect, one of a small number of professionals in Kenya accredited to design and certify buildings under the IFC's EDGE green building standard.
"A building that works with its climate rather than against it is not a luxury — it is simply good architecture. In Kenya, passive design is the most cost-effective environmental strategy available." — Arch. Vincent Abuya
Passive Solar Design
Building orientation, shading devices, and glazing ratios optimised for Kenya's equatorial solar geometry — delivering natural warmth in cool highland nights and blocking direct solar gain in hot lowland zones. No mechanical intervention required.
Natural Ventilation Strategies
Cross-ventilation layouts, stack effect design, louvred openings, and courtyard configurations that keep buildings cool without air conditioning — particularly critical in coastal and low-altitude projects where year-round cooling would otherwise dominate energy use.
Rainwater Harvesting & Water Efficiency
Integrated rainwater collection systems, greywater recycling, and low-flow fixture specifications. In Kenya's water-stressed urban environment, a well-designed residential project can reduce mains water demand by 30–50%.
Renewable Energy Readiness
Structural roof design and electrical rough-in for solar panel installation. Kenya has among the highest solar irradiation levels in the world. Every project we design includes solar-readiness as a standard feature, not an optional upgrade.
EDGE Green Building Certification
For clients seeking formal certification, we guide projects through the full EDGE process — design assessment, documentation, and third-party verification — to achieve the standard's requirement of 20% improvement across energy, water, and embodied energy.
06 — Master Planning
Master Planning & Urban Design Services Kenya
Master planning bridges the gap between a landowner's vision and a buildable, approvable, commercially viable development. It determines how land is subdivided, how infrastructure is laid, how phasing is sequenced, and how individual buildings relate to each other and the surrounding environment.
Residential Estate Planning
Layout planning for gated communities and residential estates — from 5-unit infill developments to 200+ unit neighbourhood schemes. Plot subdivisions, access roads, utility routing, communal amenities, perimeter security, and phased release strategies.
Mixed-Use Development Strategy
Planning frameworks for parcels combining residential, commercial, and civic uses. Nairobi's most commercially successful new developments — from Westlands to Syokimau — are mixed-use. We help landowners and developers structure these projects for both planning approval and long-term value.
Institutional Campus Planning
Long-range planning for schools, universities, healthcare campuses, and government facilities — accounting for long-term growth, phased construction, changing programme needs, and the public realm obligations that large institutional developments carry.
Left: A residential townhouse estate — master planned by Aalis Studios with roads, landscaping, and phased construction. Right: Site plan for a luxury villa showing pool, garden, and building layout.
07 — Drawings & Approvals
Architectural Drawings, Documentation & County Approvals
Every building project in Kenya that requires a county building permit must be supported by a complete architectural drawing package, stamped by a BORAQS-registered architect. This requirement is not bureaucratic form-filling — it is the legal mechanism by which Kenya's building standards are enforced, and it protects both the occupants and the owner's investment.
What a Complete Drawing Package Includes
Every Aalis Studios architectural package includes: site layout plan, all floor plans, four elevation drawings (front, rear, left side, right side), longitudinal and cross sections, roof plan, window and door schedule, schedule of finishes, and an indicative construction cost estimate. Structural engineering drawings and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) coordination are provided as part of the full package or as add-ons.
BORAQS Stamp & Legal Compliance
All drawings are reviewed, signed, and stamped by our BORAQS-registered principal architect — Arch. Vincent Abuya — making them legally valid for county building permit submission under the Architects and Quantity Surveyors Act (Cap. 525). Using unstamped drawings from an unregistered designer carries real risk: permit rejection, structural liability, and potential demolition orders.
County Submission & Permit Follow-Up
We handle your county building permit submission as an optional or included service. This covers: compiling the submission package, submitting to the relevant county government, tracking application status, and responding to requests for additional information. Nairobi County typically processes building permits in 4–12 weeks. Other counties vary.
Documentation Service
BORAQS-Stamped Drawings — County Submission Ready
Every drawing set produced by Aalis Studios is stamped by our registered principal architect and county-submission ready under Cap. 525. Digital PDF delivery within 24–48 hours of final approval.
Architect fees in Kenya are regulated by the BORAQS fee scale under the Architects and Quantity Surveyors Act. In practice, fees vary based on the scope of service — whether you need drawings only, drawings plus county submission, or full design-and-build supervision.
For clients building through our Design+Build package, the architectural design fee is absorbed entirely into the construction management contract — you pay nothing separately for design. This is not a discount; it is a structural arrangement that recovers the design cost through the construction engagement, giving clients complete architectural service at no upfront design invoice. A free 3D flythrough animation (valued at KES 80,000–150,000) is also included.
09 — Credentials
Our Credentials & Professional Registrations
Architecture in Kenya requires formal professional registration. Every stamp we place on a drawing represents legal accountability — and the technical rigour that comes with 15+ years of registered practice.
🏛️
BORAQS Registered
Board of Registration of Architects & Quantity Surveyors. All drawings legally stamped for county approval under Cap. 525.
🏗️
NCA Certified
National Construction Authority registration. Required for firms undertaking construction project management in Kenya.
🌿
EDGE Certified
IFC EDGE green building certification. One of a small number of EDGE-accredited practices in Kenya.
🏆
Lexus Award 2020
Lexus Design Award 2020 Grand Prix — an international award recognising architectural innovation.
Arch. Vincent Abuya is the founder and principal architect of Aalis Studios, a Nairobi-based architecture and interior design firm established in 2010. He holds BORAQS registration, EDGE green building certification from the IFC, and membership of the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK). He is a Lexus Design Award 2020 Grand Prix winner and has delivered over 200 architectural projects across Kenya and internationally — from compact family homes to large-scale commercial developments and master plans. He leads all architectural design services and stamps every drawing produced by the practice.
Client Testimonials
What Clients Say About Aalis Studios
Over 200 residential and commercial projects delivered across Kenya and internationally. Here is what our clients say about working with Arch. Vincent Abuya and the Aalis Studios team.
4.9
★★★★★
Based on 87 client reviews
5
79
4
6
3
2
Lexus Design Award 2020 Grand Prix
BORAQS Registered Practice
NCA Certified Construction Firm
EDGE Certified Architects
★★★★★
"Arch. Vincent and the Aalis Studios team designed our 4-bedroom family home in Karen from the ground up. The process was professional from the first consultation to the day we received our county approval. The 3D flythrough was extraordinary — we felt like we were walking through our completed home before a single wall was built."
James & Wanjiru M.
Karen, Nairobi · Residential Design + Build
★★★★★
"As a diaspora client in the UK, I was initially nervous about managing a building project in Nairobi remotely. Aalis Studios made it remarkably straightforward — weekly video calls, photo reports, and a 3D approval process that meant I never felt disconnected from my project. Our home in Kiambu was completed on schedule and on budget."
Peter O.
London, UK · Diaspora Design + Build, Kiambu
★★★★★
"We engaged Aalis Studios for a mixed-use commercial development in Westlands. Their understanding of county approval requirements, structural coordination, and commercial design practicalities saved us significant time and cost. The drawings were submission-ready and the approval process went smoothly. I would not use another architectural firm in Nairobi."
Salma K.
Westlands, Nairobi · Commercial Architecture
Know the Difference
Registered Architect vs Draughtsman in Kenya
One of the most common and costly mistakes in Kenyan construction is commissioning drawings from an unregistered draughtsman or technician to save money — only to have the building permit rejected, construction stopped, or worse, a completed structure declared illegal. Understanding the legal difference protects your investment.
Factor
BORAQS Registered Architect
Unregistered Draughtsman
Legal Status
✓ Legally registered under Cap. 525
✗ Unregistered — operates outside Cap. 525
Can Stamp Drawings for County
✓ Yes — BORAQS stamp legally certifies drawings
✗ No — drawings cannot be stamped or certified
Building Permit Application
✓ Drawings accepted by all Kenya counties
✗ Permit will be rejected — county will not approve
Structural Coordination
✓ Full coordination with structural engineer
⚠ Limited — rarely coordinated properly
Professional Liability
✓ Insured and accountable to BORAQS board
✗ No professional liability — no recourse if wrong
3D Design & Visualisation
✓ Full 3D renders + flythrough animations
⚠ Rare — 2D drawings only in most cases
Sustainable Design Expertise
✓ EDGE-certified passive solar, ventilation, water
✗ Not available
Typical Fee
3–8% of construction cost (legally justified)
Appears cheaper — but invalid for permit submission
⚠
Legal warning: Under the Architects and Quantity Surveyors Act (Cap. 525), practising architecture without BORAQS registration is a criminal offence in Kenya. Any building approved using unstamped drawings can be subject to demolition orders — regardless of how much was spent on construction. Always verify your architect's BORAQS registration →
Why Aalis Studios
Why Clients Choose Aalis Studios for Architecture in Kenya
Kenya has hundreds of architectural firms. The reasons clients choose Aalis Studios — and consistently return — come down to eight consistently cited factors.
🏛️
BORAQS Registered — Every Drawing Legally Certified
Every drawing produced by Aalis Studios is stamped by our BORAQS-registered principal architect. Your county submission is legally complete from day one — no rejected applications, no revisions, no delays caused by certification issues.
🌿
EDGE-Certified Sustainability Built In
We are one of a small number of EDGE-certified architectural practices in Kenya. Passive solar design, natural ventilation, rainwater harvesting, and renewable energy readiness are integrated into every project — not optional additions.
🎬
Free 3D Flythrough in Design+Build Packages
A photorealistic 3D flythrough animation (valued at KES 80,000–150,000) is included free in every Design+Build engagement. You see every room, every elevation, every material finish before a single trench is dug — and you approve everything before construction begins.
🌍
Built for Diaspora — Full Remote Service
We work with clients in the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia without requiring a single visit to Kenya during the design phase. Video consultations, shared 3D models, weekly site reports, and milestone-based payment management for complete remote control.
💰
Design Fee Absorbed in Design+Build
When clients choose our Design+Build package, the architectural design fee is absorbed into the construction management contract. You receive complete BORAQS-registered architecture, working drawings, and 3D flythrough at no separate design invoice.
📍
True Kenyan Context — Not Imported Templates
Every design responds to your specific county's setback requirements, your plot's solar orientation, your region's rainfall patterns, and your local material market. We design for Kenya — not for a generic international template adapted to look Kenyan.
🏆
Award-Winning Design Pedigree
Lexus Design Award 2020 Grand Prix winner. 15+ years of practice. 200+ projects delivered. AAK membership. The design quality and professional rigour behind every Aalis Studios project is recognised at the highest international level.
📋
End-to-End Accountability
Architecture does not end with drawings. We coordinate with structural engineers, MEP consultants, NCA-registered contractors, and county authorities — providing one accountable point of contact from concept sketch to occupation certificate.
10 — Areas We Serve
Architectural Design Services Across Kenya
Our architectural projects span the full geography of Kenya. We do not impose a Nairobi aesthetic on a project in Kisumu or Mombasa — we design for the specific climate, culture, building tradition, and county regulatory environment of each location.
Nairobi & Kiambu
Our home base. Residential estates in Karen, Runda, Westlands, Kileleshwa, Lavington. Commercial in CBD, Westlands, Upperhill. Satellite town developments in Thika, Ruiru, and Limuru.
Mombasa & Coast
Coastal residential and hospitality projects in Mombasa Island, Nyali, Kilifi, Malindi, and Diani. Climate-responsive design that addresses humidity, salt air, and cross-ventilation requirements.
Kisumu & Western
Residential and commercial work in Kisumu, Eldoret, Kakamega, and surrounding counties. High-rainfall drainage design and locally-appropriate material specifications.
Nakuru & Rift Valley
Growing residential market in Nakuru town, Naivasha, and Rift Valley corridor. Expansion of Nairobi commuter belt driving demand for quality residential architecture.
Nanyuki & Highlands
Residential and hospitality projects in high-altitude environments. Thermal mass design, insulation specifications, and passive heating strategies for cold-climate performance.
Diaspora — Remote
Full remote design and project management for clients in UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. Video consultations, 3D approvals, and on-site supervision without a single flight required.
Building in Kenya from Abroad?
Complete Diaspora Design & Build Service
Design your home remotely using video consultations and 3D flythroughs. We handle design, approvals, contractor procurement, and weekly site supervision — so you build with confidence from the UK, USA, Canada, or Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Architectural Design in Kenya
What architectural design services are available in Kenya? +
In Kenya, professional architectural services include residential design (homes, villas, bungalows, maisonettes), commercial design (offices, retail, hospitality), sustainable architecture (EDGE-certified), interior design, master planning, 3D visualisation, and construction project management. All services that result in drawings for county approval must be provided by or under the supervision of a BORAQS-registered architect under the Architects and Quantity Surveyors Act (Cap. 525).
How much do architects charge in Kenya in 2026? +
Architect fees in Kenya typically range from 3% of construction cost for drawings-only services to 8–12% for full design and construction supervision. Aalis Studios prices standalone architectural drawings at 3% of estimated construction cost. For example: a KES 8M bungalow incurs a plan fee of approximately KES 240,000. When clients proceed with construction through our Design+Build package, the design fee is absorbed — you pay nothing separately for architecture. Read the full architect fees guide →
What is a BORAQS-registered architect and why does it matter? +
BORAQS — the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors — is the statutory body that regulates architectural practice in Kenya under Cap. 525. Only BORAQS-registered architects can legally stamp and certify architectural drawings for county approval. Hiring an unregistered designer risks permit rejection, structural liability, and potential demolition orders if a building is found to lack certified drawings. Always ask to see your architect's BORAQS registration certificate before commissioning any work.
How long does the architectural design process take in Kenya? +
For a standard residential project, the design process takes 4–8 weeks from brief to complete drawing set: concept design (1–2 weeks), design development (1–2 weeks), working drawings (2–4 weeks). County approval varies by county — Nairobi County typically takes 4–12 weeks from submission. Total time from design start to building permit: approximately 3–5 months for a residential project.
What is included in architectural drawings in Kenya? +
A complete architectural drawing package includes: site layout plan, floor plans for all levels, four elevation drawings (front, rear, left, right), cross-sections, roof plan, window and door schedule, schedule of finishes, and indicative construction cost estimate. For county submission, structural engineering drawings are also required. Aalis Studios produces all drawings BORAQS-stamped and county-submission ready. Structural drawings and MEP layouts are available as add-ons or are included in full Design+Build engagements.
Can Aalis Studios work with clients in the diaspora? +
Yes — we regularly work with Kenyan diaspora clients in the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. The entire design process can be conducted remotely using video consultations, shared 3D models, photorealistic renders, and 3D flythrough animations that allow full design approval before construction begins. We also provide on-site construction supervision with weekly photo and video reports, so diaspora clients never need to travel to Kenya during the build. Learn about our diaspora services →
What is the difference between an architect and a draughtsman in Kenya? +
An architect in Kenya is a BORAQS-registered professional with formal architectural training who can legally certify drawings for building permits. A draughtsman can produce technical drawings but cannot stamp or certify them for county approval — making those drawings legally insufficient for a building permit. Building without BORAQS-certified drawings is illegal and can result in demolition orders, even on a completed structure. Always engage a registered architect for any project requiring a building permit.
Which counties in Kenya does Aalis Studios serve? +
Aalis Studios provides architectural design services across all major counties in Kenya, including Nairobi, Kiambu, Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Kisumu, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu (Eldoret), Meru, Laikipia (Nanyuki), Machakos, Kajiado, and others. Our designs are produced to comply with the specific county government regulations and setback requirements of each location.
BORAQS-Registered · EDGE Certified · Nairobi Kenya
Begin Your Architectural Project.
Whether you are planning a private residence, a commercial development, or a large-scale master plan — Aalis Studios provides structured architectural guidance from concept to completion. BORAQS-registered. NCA-certified. Designed for Kenya.
