About

KAR Studio is a chartered architectural practice specializing in small site development, challenging plots, residential architecture, new build housing, and residential retrofits.

We transform unloved places into delightful spaces.

Founded in 2016 by Kira, KAR Studio integrates architecture, design, construction, and property development. We work on a variety of project scales with homeowners, developers, and public organizations.

Based in London, we focus on central and SE London boroughs, with some international projects

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Our diverse portfolio is unified by our belief that any underused site or building can be transformed into a space that evokes pride in homeowners, fosters a sense of belonging in communities, and instills a feeling of accomplishment in developers.

All our projects are grounded in our studio values:

We embrace technology and rigorous analysis to create intelligent design solutions that add value and maximize ROI

We believe in the power of co-design and work closely with clients, stakeholders, and a network of professionals to deliver exceptional results. Our collaborative process ensures that every voice is heard and every idea considered.

We prioritize clear communication and design, ensuring that every aspect of our projects is transparent and easily understood. This approach allows us to work efficiently and effectively, minimizing misunderstandings and maximizing outcomes.

Our designs are deeply rooted in the context of their environment, considering physical, social, economic, and environmental factors.

We are committed to fairness, honesty, and ethical conduct in all our dealings. Our integrity ensures that we build trust and maintain long-term relationships with our clients and partners.

We treat our colleagues, collaborators, users, and the environment with the utmost respect. This principle guides our interactions and decisions, fostering a positive and inclusive work culture.

Our projects prioritize sustainability and environmental resilience from the outset. We design buildings and spaces that are adaptable to changing environmental conditions, ensuring longevity and reduced ecological impact.

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Meet the team

Our collaborative approach to resourcing and innovative project team formation equips us to handle projects of varying sizes, catering to homeowners, developers and Local Authorities.

Kira Ariskina (BA (HONS), PgDIP, ARB, RIBA). Director

Kira established KAR Studio in 2016, following a distinguished career with several award-winning international architectural firms in London. A registered architect since 2013, Kira earned her architectural degree from the Bartlett School of Architecture (UCL). Her portfolio spans high-profile design projects in the UK, China, Russia, and Abu Dhabi, showcasing a robust context-based design methodology. Specializing in high-density residential, masterplanning, and mixed-use sectors, Kira thrives on challenging sites, leveraging her expertise in tackling flood zones, tight urban spaces, and sites with unconventional planning constraints. Her approach seamlessly blends the efficiencies of large-scale projects into smaller ones, creating unique individuality even for substantial urban entities.

Liidia Grinko (Dip.Arch Arkitekt MNAL). Consultant Architect & Technical Lead

Liidia, an Architect MNAL with a decade of professional expertise gained from architectural practices in Norway and the UK, is an integral member of our team. Her experience spans various project types, including cultural, healthcare, residential, and commercial buildings, as well as urban landscapes, predominantly in later project stages. Liidia recently contributed to the design of the New National Museum in Oslo with Kleihues+Schuwerk architects. Having earned her education at Kingston University in London and being registered with the National Association of Norwegian Architects, Liidia brings a robust skill set and a wealth of knowledge to KAR Studio. Her organizational and communication prowess has allowed her to successfully manage design processes, collaborating seamlessly with both internal and external design teams. Liidia is not only a creative problem-solver but also possesses a keen eye for detail, ensuring the delivery of high-quality work even on demanding and complex architectural projects. Her drive, supportiveness, and positive contribution to the social environment make her a valued team member, enhancing the overall dynamics of our collaborative workspace.

Richard Tremeer (B Build B Arch (UPE). Collaborator

Richard, founder of To-Do Design since 2015, brings a rich background in architecture, having led and collaborated with acclaimed practices such as ALL Design, PRP & Collada Collins. With a focus on directing mixed-use schemes locally and internationally, Richard’s expertise lies in obtaining complex planning consents that significantly enhance the value of client projects. His design philosophy centers on simplicity, rooted in a core concept that carefully considers both the project brief and its context. Richard combines conceptual development with transparency, a strong commercial approach, and a willingness to embrace playful intervention. His meticulous attention to the arrangement of space, material selection, and detailing results in distinctly detailed architecture with a clear relationship to its unique context.

Roxanne Ogayon (BA (Hons)). Architectural Assistant

Roxanne stands out as a skilled Part I architectural assistant, bringing a unique blend of design flair and a meticulous eye for detail to the team. Proficient in major software and visualization techniques, she adds a distinctive touch with her proficiency in hand sketching. Roxanne’s versatility and invaluable contributions make her an essential and diverse member of our team.

Inez Glauber (BA (HONS)). Architectural Technician

After earning her degree in Structural Engineering from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, Inez started her career as an engineer, working on high-end residential projects in London. She provided structural designs and solutions for complex renovations and new builds, developing a knowledge of building control regulations and construction in the UK over a period of 5 years.

Transitioning into the role of an architectural technician, she expanded her expertise to include the architectural design and drafting of buildings including planning permission. With over 7 years of experience in the building industry, she brings a comprehensive understanding of both architectural and structural elements, ensuring projects are executed with precision and on time. She specialises in technical detailing and collaborates closely with architects to help deliver projects

Kira Ariskina (BA (HONS), PgDIP, ARB, RIBA). Director

Kira established KAR Studio in 2016, following a distinguished career with several award-winning international architectural firms in London. A registered architect since 2013, Kira earned her architectural degree from the Bartlett School of Architecture (UCL). Her portfolio spans high-profile design projects in the UK, China, Russia, and Abu Dhabi, showcasing a robust context-based design methodology. Specializing in high-density residential, masterplanning, and mixed-use sectors, Kira thrives on challenging sites, leveraging her expertise in tackling flood zones, tight urban spaces, and sites with unconventional planning constraints. Her approach seamlessly blends the efficiencies of large-scale projects into smaller ones, creating unique individuality even for substantial urban entities.

Liidia Grinko (Dip.Arch Arkitekt MNAL). Consultant Architect & Technical Lead

Liidia, an Architect MNAL with a decade of professional expertise gained from architectural practices in Norway and the UK, is an integral member of our team. Her experience spans various project types, including cultural, healthcare, residential, and commercial buildings, as well as urban landscapes, predominantly in later project stages. Liidia recently contributed to the design of the New National Museum in Oslo with Kleihues+Schuwerk architects. Having earned her education at Kingston University in London and being registered with the National Association of Norwegian Architects, Liidia brings a robust skill set and a wealth of knowledge to KAR Studio. Her organizational and communication prowess has allowed her to successfully manage design processes, collaborating seamlessly with both internal and external design teams. Liidia is not only a creative problem-solver but also possesses a keen eye for detail, ensuring the delivery of high-quality work even on demanding and complex architectural projects. Her drive, supportiveness, and positive contribution to the social environment make her a valued team member, enhancing the overall dynamics of our collaborative workspace.

Richard Tremeer (B Build B Arch (UPE). Collaborator

Richard, founder of To-Do Design since 2015, brings a rich background in architecture, having led and collaborated with acclaimed practices such as ALL Design, PRP & Collada Collins. With a focus on directing mixed-use schemes locally and internationally, Richard’s expertise lies in obtaining complex planning consents that significantly enhance the value of client projects. His design philosophy centers on simplicity, rooted in a core concept that carefully considers both the project brief and its context. Richard combines conceptual development with transparency, a strong commercial approach, and a willingness to embrace playful intervention. His meticulous attention to the arrangement of space, material selection, and detailing results in distinctly detailed architecture with a clear relationship to its unique context.

Roxanne Ogayon (BA (Hons)). Architectural Assistant

Roxanne stands out as a skilled Part I architectural assistant, bringing a unique blend of design flair and a meticulous eye for detail to the team. Proficient in major software and visualization techniques, she adds a distinctive touch with her proficiency in hand sketching. Roxanne’s versatility and invaluable contributions make her an essential and diverse member of our team.

Inez Glauber (BA (HONS)). Architectural Technician

After earning her degree in Structural Engineering from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, Inez started her career as an engineer, working on high-end residential projects in London. She provided structural designs and solutions for complex renovations and new builds, developing a knowledge of building control regulations and construction in the UK over a period of 5 years.

Transitioning into the role of an architectural technician, she expanded her expertise to include the architectural design and drafting of buildings including planning permission. With over 7 years of experience in the building industry, she brings a comprehensive understanding of both architectural and structural elements, ensuring projects are executed with precision and on time. She specialises in technical detailing and collaborates closely with architects to help deliver projects

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