Nairobi-Based Studio Mehta Featured in Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026 with Sustainable Ua House
Founded in 2019 by Amar Mehta, Studio Mehta, an architectural firm based in Nairobi, has been chosen for the 2026 Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory. Mehta focuses on creating architecture that reflects local culture, people, and environment, utilizing indigenous materials. His residential designs, such as Ua House located along the Kilifi coast, feature reclaimed limestone, quarry dust, and recycled components, merging Omani and Swahili styles. The 120 sqm residence includes courtyards and a pool terrace, embodying the concept of 'accessible sustainability.' Since its inception in 2000, the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory has showcased rising talents, now featuring 30 studios from different nations, with this year's anniversary edition curated by Ellie Stathaki, Architecture & Environment Director at Wallpaper*.
Key facts
- Studio Mehta, founded by Amar Mehta in Nairobi in 2019, is included in Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.
- Amar Mehta studied in San Diego and London and gained work experience in the UK, Spain, and Germany.
- The studio's philosophy emphasizes architecture that responds honestly to place, culture, and climate.
- Ua House, Mehta's own home on the Kilifi coastline, uses salvaged limestone blocks, abandoned quarry dust, and recycled materials to reduce carbon footprint.
- The 120 sqm single-level home blends traditional Omani and Swahili design heritage and features courtyards and a pool terrace.
- The Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory, conceived in 2000, is now in its 25th edition and has over 500 alumni.
- This year's directory features 30 emerging studios from 27 countries, including Kenya.
- Ellie Stathaki, Architecture & Environment Director at Wallpaper*, has been with the magazine since 2006 and has interviewed architects such as Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas.
Entities
Artists
- Amar Mehta
- Ellie Stathaki
- Tadao Ando
- Rem Koolhaas
- Glenn Sestig
Institutions
- Studio Mehta
- Wallpaper*
- Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
- The Bartlett
- Thames & Hudson
Locations
- Kenya
- Nairobi, Kenya
- San Diego, USA
- London, UK
- United Kingdom
- Spain
- Germany
- Kilifi, Kenya
- Greece
- Thessaloniki, Greece
- Australia
- Bahrain
- Benin
- Brazil
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Denmark
- Ecuador
- Ghana
- France
- Ivory Coast
- Italy
- Japan
- Kuwait
- India
- Morocco
- New Zealand
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Switzerland
- USA
- Vietnam