A short story about us
"I don’t build in order to have clients. I have clients in order to build." – Ayn Rand
200+
10
Years of experience
Happy clients
The Journey of OUA – From a Metropolitan Pulse to a Heritage Soul
Every architectural practice evolves with time, shaped by the places it inhabits and the people it designs for. The Office for Urban Architecture (OUA) has undergone a journey of transformation—one that began in the fast-paced, ever-expanding urban fabric of Bangalore and found its true identity in the rich, heritage-driven landscapes of Kashmir.
The Beginning: Bangalore – A City of Speed and Innovation (2016–2020)
Founded in 2016, OUA started its journey in Bangalore, a city defined by its rapid urbanization and cutting-edge design trends. As a booming metropolitan hub, Bangalore exposed us to the complexities of contemporary architecture—high-density developments, fast-track construction techniques, and evolving material innovations.
Our early years were spent navigating the challenges of urban expansion—designing for efficiency, functionality, and adaptability in a city where the skyline was constantly evolving. We engaged with modern materials, parametric designs, and sustainable urban strategies, ensuring our work was relevant to the city’s fast-growing infrastructure and tech-driven lifestyle.
The Shift: Srinagar – A Return to Craft, Culture, and Heritage (2020–Present)
In 2020, OUA made a defining move—shifting its base to Srinagar, Kashmir. Unlike Bangalore’s glass towers and fast-paced urbanism, Srinagar demanded an approach that was sensitive, rooted, and deeply cultural. Here, architecture is not just about contemporary aesthetics but about storytelling, tradition, and sustainability embedded in history.
The transition from a high-speed metropolitan practice to a heritage-driven, context-sensitive approach was both a challenge and an opportunity. Kashmir, with its handcrafted woodwork, intricately detailed lattice screens, and vernacular construction techniques, taught us to slow down and listen—to design not just for function, but for legacy.
Our work in Kashmir is now a fusion of tradition and modernity, where every project is a dialogue between the past and the future. We integrate contemporary spatial planning with indigenous materials, passive climate strategies, and craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.