Behind the Scenes: Our Team, Studios & Philosophy
Building is a collective act. Meet the architects, local craftsmen, and designers who bring our sustainable, earth-bound philosophy to life across Karnataka and Goa.
The team at my Magadi studio. Some of these individuals have been with me for over a decade, and their experience is the solid foundation of our practice.
The talented team of architects at our Goa studio. They come from different parts of the country, all sharing a passion for creating timeless and sensible sustainable architecture.
Our construction management team in Goa. Their commitment and passion are essential for bringing our designs to life with the highest quality of craftsmanship.
My team and I celebrating the completion of the Malenadu House. These moments of shared joy are what make the hard work of building so rewarding.
The combined teams from my Magadi and Goa offices during a visit to the H.N. Science Center. It's important for us to revisit old projects to learn how they age and merge with nature.
A view of my Goa studio, where a laptop with a floor plan sits next to a physical model. We use both digital and traditional tools to design and refine our projects.
An aerial view of my studio farm, "Bandethota," near Magadi. This is where I practice conscious living and sustainable agriculture, which deeply informs my architectural work.
A top-down view of my studio and the permaculture garden at Bandethota. Living and working in nature is fundamental to my philosophy.
I was honored to be included in Architectural Digest's AD100 list for 2024. This recognition for the third year in a row is a wonderful acknowledgment of my team's dedication to our design philosophy.
A quick tour of our new, expanded studio in Goa. It's a creative space where our team collaborates on architectural and interior design projects.
About Our Team, Studios & Philosophy
When you see our work, you are witnessing a collaborative effort between city-trained architects and local craftsmen who have been building with us for over a decade. We do not design in isolation. Our design-build process depends on constant, on-site dialogue where plans are refined against the realities of the land. It is this mix of technical expertise and hands-on site knowledge that allows us to build responsibly in any landscape.
The Studio Philosophy
At our Magadi studio, 'Bande Thota', we practice the way we build. It is not just an office; it is a farm and a laboratory for sustainable living. We believe that architecture must reconcile with tradition to be truly modern. This is why you will find us testing soil mixtures for rammed earth or sourcing local stone directly from nearby quarries before we ever put a line on paper.
Our Collaborative Teams
Our teams in Magadi and Goa consist of individuals from all over India. We intentionally bring together different perspectives—architects with formal training and craftsmen who have honed their skills over generations. This diversity is our strength. It allows us to approach projects—whether a science center in the Nilgiris or a private villa—with a deep understanding of both aesthetics and material longevity.
Mentorship and Evolution
We view our projects as learning sites. Senior members of our team spend significant time guiding new architects, sharing lessons from past projects on how structures age, weather, and merge with nature. We frequently revisit our older sites, not just to check on them, but to understand how the building has settled into the environment. This commitment to the long-term life of a building is what defines our practice. We are constantly experimenting with techniques like wattle-and-daub, adobe, and stabilized mud blocks to create structures that serve their inhabitants while honoring the earth they stand on.
Andagere Architects
I am Ajith. For over two decades, I have been building with what the land provides. My work relies entirely on the hands of my dedicated team and the local artisans who turn our shared, sustainable vision into reality.
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