WHAT WE DO

Studio Bardo is a multidisciplinary architecture and design studio based in Almora, Uttarakhand, working across the Himalayan region and beyond. Our practice is rooted in a deep understanding of place, climate, culture, and craft, creating architecture that grows naturally from its context.

We design buildings and environments that are climate‑responsive, socially grounded, and materially conscious, balancing contemporary architectural thinking with local wisdom.

OUR STORY

Bardo refers to a state of transition — a space between what was and what is becoming — an idea that defines our practice. Guided by a deep love for mountains and nature, and a conscious distancing from metropolitan life, Studio Bardo was established in a Himalayan village near Kasardevi, Almora (Uttarakhand) in 2016.

Shaped by a mix of intent, opportunity, and a few serendipitous moments, the studio emerged from a desire to question conventional architectural responses and evolve site-specific, culturally grounded design solutions. Practicing in the Kumaon region has heightened our sensitivity to terrain, material constraints, seismic conditions, and climatic extremes. While rooted in the Himalayas, our work is informed by academic and professional experiences across India and abroad, allowing us to address local challenges with a broader, global perspective.

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

Studio Bardo’s design philosophy is rooted in contextual, sustainable architecture for the Himalayan region. The practice embraces the use of indigenous materials + techniques to craft contemporary built environments in the mountains. Aware of the sensitive and complex ecosystems in the Himalayas, the studio aims to minimize ecological impact through contextual resource planning for all buildings. This approach ensures that our designs not only respect but also enhance the natural surroundings, promoting a balance between modern living and environmental stewardship.

MEET THE TEAM

Kshitij Aggarwal

Founder & Principal Architect

Kshitij is a graduate from School of Planning and Architecture (Delhi) and has worked on projects in several Himalayan places such as Gangtok, Shimla, Dharamshala, Almora and surrounding places in the Kumaon region. He lives and works in Uttarakhand since 2014. He is a COA licensed Architect and specializes in hillside built environments. Realising his passion for architecture and the Himalayas, he founded this practice in Almora in early 2016. He is a trained professional in nature based waste-water management and rain-water harvesting solutions. He believes in minimizing the impact on the natural environment while designing for buildings.

Nikita Verma

Co-founder, Architect and Urbanist

Nikita is a graduate in architecture from the School of Planning and Architecture (Delhi) and holds a Masters in Urbanism from the Bauhaus University in Germany. She has worked in India, Slovenia, Germany, and Spain with several international organizations as an Architect and Urbanist for brief periods before moving to Almora. She has collaborated on several architectural and design projects with Kshitij apart from pursuing urban development research projects and venturing into curating design competitions for students and young professionals. She has assisted and participated in international planning workshops in Russia and France.

Bhaskar Bisht

Project Lead

Bhaskar graduated from DBIT, Dehradun. He did his diploma in Civil Engineering and is passionate about the blend of design and technology. He is keen to learn new things in this field and is interested in on site execution and management. He is always ready to take up any given responsibility. Beside this, he loves to travel and explore and is a photography enthusiast. He is a core part of the studio since 2021.

Vaishnavi Bhat

Junior Architect

Vaishnavi, B.Arch graduate from RVCA, is curious about the many ways in which architecture can be approached and experienced. She comes to the mountains with an interest in learning from a context very different from what she has experienced before, and understanding how its unique challenges can shape the way we design. She wants to explore different approaches to architecture, learn from them, and in the process develop a broader understanding of the field.

Rutvik Chintawar

Intern Architect

Rutvik believes architecture is about creating spaces that make everyday life better. For him, design is not just about how a building looks, but how it feels, functions, and connects with the people who use it. He enjoys exploring new ideas, understanding different places, and finding practical solutions through design. Every project is an opportunity to learn, improve, and create meaningful spaces that are simple, thoughtful, and built with purpose.

Deepak Arya

Site Supervisor

Deepak is a dedicated site supervisor from Balta village, who has honed his skills under the studio over the past few years. With hands-on experience in traditional and contemporary construction techniques, he ensures quality on-site execution while bridging local craftsmanship. His understanding of materials and attention to detail make him a valuable part of our team.

Nishtha Sah

Junior Architect

Nishtha, an architect from the mountains of Uttarakhand, is passionate about interior design and the stories that spaces can tell. With a Master’s in Interior Design, she enjoys exploring the connection between people, materials, and their surroundings. Outside of design, she finds inspiration in travelling, music, dance, and the everyday moments that shape meaningful experiences.

Sanskriti Guha

Intern Architect

Sanskriti is a designer fascinated by how architecture functions, adapts, and connects with its surroundings. With a strong interest in landscapes, local contexts, and sustainable living, she draws inspiration from vernacular architecture and nature-based design. She believes architecture should remain authentic to its site, climate, culture, and ecology, creating thoughtful spaces that respond to both people and the broader environment.

Nisha Rawat

Project Assistant

Nisha completed her Diploma in Civil Engineering from Government Polytechnic, Khatima, in 2020, and worked for about five years before joining Studio Bardo. She worked for two years as a Quality Engineer on construction sites, followed by three years as a Reporting In-Charge in a testing laboratory. She is keenly interested in developing her software skills and prowess as an assistant for Architectural Projects.

Get in touch

Write to :
kshitij@studiobardo.in
nikita@studiobardo.in