Founded in 1998 in Iowa City, Iowa, AKAR Architecture embodies the philosophy that design should be a poetic response to people, nature, and function. Every project we undertake is guided by the aspiration to create timeless, inspiring spaces that authentically capture the spirit of their environment. Specializing in single-family homes, the majority of our projects involve residential architecture, including remodels, additions, duplexes, townhouses, standalone houses, and multifamily apartments. Our diverse portfolio highlights our versatility, catering to a wide array of clients—from private individuals to nonprofit organizations, commercial enterprises, and municipal entities. Each project serves as a testament to our commitment to community engagement and architectural excellence.
We see architecture as a dialogue—between form and feeling, context and culture. And through that conversation, we strive to create spaces that not only shelter, but uplift.
At AKAR, our distinctive design DNA weaves together client needs, preferences, and budgets with aesthetic beauty, sustainable practices, and practicality. We embrace regionalism and the wisdom found in vernacular architecture, resulting in designs that genuinely reflect their context. Sustainability at AKAR goes beyond formal certifications - it is a fundamental, common-sense approach grounded in respect for the site, nature, materials, and thoughtful construction methods. For us, sustainable design is driven not by paperwork or calculations, but by a passionate commitment to our planet and the built environment.
Founded by architects Sanjay and Jigna Jani, who emigrated from India and established roots in Iowa in 1993, AKAR Architecture brings a diverse and globally informed perspective to every project. Our multicultural background enriches our practice, enabling us to approach each project with creativity, empathy, and a deep understanding of diverse human experiences.
Recently recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Top 200 Residential Architects, AKAR Architecture is honored—but what excites us most is what happens at the drawing table.
We believe designing a home should feel like opening a really good book—full of unexpected turns, quiet moments, bold ideas, and the occasional plot twist. Every meeting is a new chapter, each sketch a clue, and the process itself an unfolding adventure. We begin with your story, then build on it—layer by layer—until the walls, windows, and spaces begin to speak in your voice.
It’s not just about blueprints or finishes. It’s about curiosity. Delight. That spark of “what if?” that turns into “of course.” Because a truly personal home doesn’t just reflect who you are—it reveals new possibilities for how you might live.
And by the end? You’ll have a home that feels like the best kind of ending: completely satisfying, and full of life.
