Creating order from chaos
An architecture practice in Nairobi, built on the belief that a building should answer to its site before anything else.
How we work
We take a holistic approach to design, integrating innovative thinking with a close reading of what our clients actually need. Collaboration and plain communication run through the whole process, so every project reflects the identity and ambition of the people behind it.
Site study
We walk the ground before we draw. Orientation, slope, drainage, wind, noise and what is already growing there all set the constraints.
Concept
Options tested in model and in three dimensions, so you can judge the idea rather than a floor plan.
Documentation
Drawings and specifications resolved in enough detail that the price you are quoted is the price you pay.
On site
We stay involved through construction. The details settled on site are the ones you live with.
A building that ignores its ground will fight it for the rest of its life.
The studio’s founding principle
Who we are
Fredrick Karani
Residential architecture
Fredrick blends contemporary minimalism with a focus on natural materials and light. After years designing bespoke homes in Nairobi, he developed a deep appreciation for eco-friendly solutions that harmonise with their surroundings.
Hempstone Nyawanda
Urban design and public projects
A bold architect, urban designer and conceptual thinker from Kisumu, Hempstone specialises in mixed-use developments and large-scale public projects, often incorporating cutting-edge technology and smart city concepts.
Martin Mativo
Adaptive reuse and strategy
Martin focuses on transforming historical buildings into modern spaces. His projects balance heritage preservation with innovative functionality, creating spaces that tell stories of the past while embracing the future.
How the studio began
Their paths crossed while studying at the University of Nairobi, where a conversation about sustainable design sparked the idea of combining three very different perspectives into a single firm.
By founding Studio Loci, they set out to redefine modern architecture in the region with a focus on environmental responsibility, community-driven design and innovative construction. Together they have completed work ranging from boutique hotels and cultural centres to reimagined urban spaces.
See the work
Start a project
Tell us about your site and what you want to build. We will tell you what we think is possible.