About KAR Studio
KAR Studio is a London-based, design-led architectural practice dedicated to transforming underused spaces into extraordinary places to live. Founded by architect Kira Ariskina in 2016, KAR Studio brings together innovation, craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of context to create homes that are both beautiful and highly functional.
If you’re looking to reimagine your home – whether through a bold transformation or a subtle evolution – we’d love to explore the possibilities with you.
We know you we Amplify your Vision we Redefine your space
Our approach is rooted in listening and collaboration. We take the time to understand your aspirations, lifestyle, and the way you move through your space.
Whether it’s an extension, a full renovation, or a bespoke new build, our designs are tailored to you – crafted to feel effortless, functional, and uniquely yours.
Listening & Collaboration
Every project starts with an in-depth conversation. We want to know how you live, what inspires you, and what challenges you face in your current space. By combining your vision with our design expertise, we create homes that are not just beautiful, but deeply personal and practical.
Innovation at KAR Studio
We embrace cutting-edge technology to enhance creativity, precision, and value at every stage of the process.
Our design process integrates the latest technology, including VR walkthroughs, AI-assisted design tools, and advanced 3D modeling. These innovations allow us to refine ideas, visualize options, and optimize materials with greater accuracy – giving you more confidence in every decision.
Materiality & Craftsmanship
From textures to natural light, we consider every detail to create spaces that are both stunning and durable.
We believe that great design is in the details. We carefully select materials not just for their aesthetics but for their longevity, sustainability, and how they evolve over time. Our focus on handcrafted elements, innovative construction techniques, and tactile finishes ensures a seamless blend of function and beauty.
Context
Architecture doesn’t exist in isolation—it belongs to a street, a neighborhood, and a landscape.
We take a holistic approach to design, ensuring that your home feels like an extension of its environment while still standing out in the right way. Whether integrating a new extension into a historic streetscape or designing a modern retreat in a rural setting, we draw inspiration from the surroundings to create spaces that feel both timeless and contemporary.
Approach
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. We know how to provide maximum value for our clients without compromising on experience or expertise, ensuring that each project benefits from the highest level of design and strategic thinking.
What sets us apart is our commitment to listening - truly understanding our clients’ aspirations, constraints, and long-term goals to deliver architecture that is intelligent, responsive, and uniquely tailored.
We approach each project with curiosity, creativity, and precision. Our collective experience spans large-scale masterplans, mixed-use developments, and private residential transformations.
Team
At KAR Studio, we are a dedicated team of architects and designers who thrive on collaboration, rigorous problem-solving, and pushing the boundaries of design. While we may not be the largest practice, we bring a depth of expertise – navigating complex planning and construction processes while crafting spaces that are both highly functional and deeply personal.
Our founder, Kira Ariskina, has over 15 years of experience designing everything from high-density urban developments to bespoke private homes. Her expertise extends beyond architectural practice—she has taught MA students at London South Bank University, shaping the next generation of architects, and has worked within the public sector at Oxford City Council, gaining invaluable insight into planning policies and regulatory processes. This dual perspective allows us to design with clarity and foresight, anticipating challenges before they arise.
We collaborate with an established network of structural engineers, planning consultants, heritage specialists, and skilled craftspeople.
When a project demands specialist expertise, we engage the right professionals to ensure every aspect – from materiality to structural integrity – is carefully considered and expertly executed.
Kira Ariskina (BA (HONS), PgDIP, ARB, RIBA). Founding Director
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Kira Ariskina is the founder of KAR Studio, an architect with a sharp eye for context, precision, and innovation. With over 15 years of experience in high-density residential, masterplanning, and mixed-use developments, she thrives on complexity—whether it's designing within flood zones, unlocking the potential of tight urban sites, or navigating unconventional planning constraints.
Her career spans globally recognized projects across the UK, China, Russia, and Abu Dhabi, working with award-winning architectural firms before establishing KAR Studio in 2016. Kira's methodology is deeply rooted in design intelligence, strategic problem-solving, and cutting-edge technology. She seamlessly integrates AI-driven site analysis, VR-powered design development, and advanced digital workflows to deliver bespoke, highly considered architecture.
Beyond practice, Kira has shaped future generations of architects as a lecturer and course director at London South Bank University and has worked within Oxford City Council, gaining valuable insight into public-sector development and affordable housing strategies. This unique blend of academic, private, and public-sector expertise allows her to balance visionary design with practical execution, ensuring every project is not only beautifully crafted but also technically and commercially sound.
Kira’s work is driven by a belief that great design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about unlocking potential, enhancing functionality, and creating meaningful spaces that stand the test of time. Whether transforming an unloved building or masterplanning a new residential quarter, she brings a meticulous, research-led approach that ensures the best possible outcome for homeowners, developers, and communities alike.
Roxanne Ogayon (BA (Hons)). Architectural Assistant
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Roxanne is a talented Part I architectural assistant, combining design sensitivity with technical precision. She is proficient in architectural software, visualization techniques, and digital modeling, yet her hand-sketching skills set her apart—bringing a human touch to design exploration.
Her keen attention to detail and versatile approach make her an integral part of the KAR Studio team, contributing to concept development, visual storytelling, and project coordination. Roxanne thrives in a collaborative environment, supporting the delivery of thoughtful, well-crafted architectural solutions.
Liidia Grinko (Dip.Arch Arkitekt MNAL). Consultant Architect & Technical Lead
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Liidia is a detail-driven architect and technical lead, bringing over a decade of experience across Norway and the UK. With expertise spanning cultural, healthcare, residential, and commercial projects, she specializes in complex later-stage project delivery—translating ambitious designs into reality.
Her recent work includes contributing to the New National Museum in Oslo with Kleihues+Schuwerk Architects, a landmark project that reflects her commitment to precision, craftsmanship, and architectural integrity.
A graduate of Kingston University, London, and a registered architect with the National Association of Norwegian Architects (MNAL), Liidia blends technical excellence with strategic coordination, ensuring smooth collaboration across multi-disciplinary teams, consultants, and clients.
At KAR Studio, she plays a pivotal role in delivering high-quality, buildable solutions for projects that demand both innovation and attention to detail. Her ability to navigate complex constraints, material considerations, and sustainability goals makes her an invaluable part of our team.
Beyond her technical expertise, Liidia fosters a collaborative and supportive studio environment, reinforcing KAR Studio’s ethos of precision, efficiency, and user-focused design.
Inez Glauber (BA (HONS)). Architectural Technician
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With a background in Structural Engineering from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, Inez brings a unique dual expertise in both architecture and engineering. She began her career working on high-end residential projects in London, providing structural solutions for complex renovations and new builds, while developing an in-depth knowledge of UK building regulations and construction standards.
Over time, she transitioned into an architectural technician role, expanding her skills to encompass design, drafting, and planning permissions. With over seven years in the industry, Inez specializes in technical detailing, ensuring seamless coordination between architectural vision and structural integrity. Her ability to bridge the gap between architecture and engineering makes her an invaluable asset to the KAR Studio team, delivering precise, efficient, and buildable designs.
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