Business Details
28 Years
experience
Award-Winning Residential Architecture in Iowa City
Founded in 1998 in Iowa City, Iowa, AKAR ARchiTecture approaches design as a poetic response to people, nature, and function. Our practice centers on creating timeless, inspiring spaces that authentically reflect their environments while prioritizing sustainability and practicality. Specializing in single-family homes, we handle projects ranging from remodels and additions to standalone houses and multifamily apartments. Our diverse portfolio demonstrates our commitment to community engagement and architectural excellence across residential, commercial, and municipal projects. With a multicultural perspective shaped by co-founders Sanjay and Jigna Jani, we blend global insights with regionalism to create contextually grounded designs. Recognized by Forbes as one of America's Top 200 Residential Architects in 2025, our process emphasizes curiosity and collaboration, transforming client stories into personalized living spaces.Sustainability remains central to our practicenot through certifications but through thoughtful material choices and construction methods that respect the environment. Our small but dedicated team combines technical expertise with creative problem-solving to deliver homes that feel both unique and deeply personal. We believe architecture should be an uplifting experience, balancing aesthetic beauty with functional necessity. This philosophy has earned us repeat clients and industry recognition while maintaining our focus on meaningful, human-centered design.
Services
Residential Architecture
Home Additions
Sustainable Design
Custom Homes
Multifamily Apartments
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of experience in residential architecture since 1998
- Our sustainable design approach prioritizes environmental responsibility
- Multicultural perspective informs contextually grounded architectural solutions
- Personalized client collaboration transforms individual stories into unique spaces
- Recognized by Forbes as one of America's Top 200 Residential Architects
What people say
Exceeded expectations
Talented and forward thinking
Personalized client collaboration
Classy yet down to earth
Award-winning designs
Services
Residential Architecture
AKAR ARchiTecture creates custom residential designs that harmonize with their environment while meeting functional needs. Our approach combines regional context with modern innovation, producing timeless spaces that reflect client personalities. We handle projects from concept through construction, ensuring quality craftsmanship and sustainable practices throughout the building process.
Home Additions
We specialize in thoughtful home additions that enhance existing structures while maintaining architectural integrity. Our team designs functional expansions that seamlessly integrate with original spaces, whether adding living areas, updating kitchens, or creating specialized rooms. Each project prioritizes natural light, flow, and contextual harmony with the surrounding environment.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainable approach focuses on responsible material selection, energy efficiency, and site-sensitive design. We emphasize practical environmental solutions over formal certifications, incorporating passive solar strategies, local materials, and construction methods that minimize ecological impact while maintaining aesthetic quality and functional performance.
Custom Homes
We create bespoke single-family homes tailored to individual lifestyles and preferences. Our process begins with client stories, developing designs that evolve through collaborative dialogue. Each home balances artistic expression with practical considerations, resulting in unique living spaces that feel both personal and enduringly relevant to their environment.
Multifamily Apartments
Our multifamily housing solutions combine efficient space planning with architectural character. We design modern apartment complexes that address community needs while maintaining aesthetic cohesion with surrounding neighborhoods. Projects emphasize livability through thoughtful layouts, shared amenities, and sustainable building practices adapted to urban and suburban contexts.
People
Sanjay Jani
Co-Founder
Co-founder of AKAR ARchiTecture with over 25 years of experience in residential design. Combines global perspective with Midwest practicality to create contextually responsive architecture. Leads design vision while maintaining direct client engagement throughout project development.
Jigna Jani
Co-Founder
Co-founder and architect who shapes AKAR's design philosophy emphasizing human-centered spaces. Brings international experience to residential projects, focusing on cultural context and sustainable material applications. Oversees project curation and client collaboration strategies.
Anthony Nash
Project Manager
Project Manager with deep understanding of AKAR's design values. Coordinates client communication, manages project timelines, and ensures seamless collaboration between design teams and contractors. Maintains quality control throughout the architectural process.
Charlie Hall
Design Associate
Design associate specializing in CAD/BIM software applications. Translates conceptual designs into detailed construction documents while ensuring code compliance. Focuses on technical precision and digital modeling for accurate project execution.
Anuj Jani
Digital Innovation Specialist
Digital innovation specialist integrating advanced technology with architectural communication. Applies aerospace engineering principles to improve design visualization and documentation processes. Enhances studio capabilities through computational design and precision modeling techniques.
Questions
What architectural services does AKAR offer?
We specialize in residential architecture including custom homes, additions, remodels, and multifamily housing with a focus on sustainable, contextually responsive design.
How does AKAR approach the design process?
We begin by understanding client stories and needs, then develop designs through collaborative dialogue that balances creativity with practical considerations for functional, enduring spaces.
Are your designs environmentally sustainable?
Yes, we incorporate sustainable practices through material selection, energy-efficient strategies, and site-sensitive design that prioritizes environmental responsibility without formal certifications.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Iowa City, we work on residential and commercial projects throughout Iowa and surrounding Midwest regions with adaptable design solutions.
What makes AKAR different from other firms?
Our multicultural perspective, commitment to timeless design, and personalized approach create homes that uniquely reflect client identities while maintaining environmental harmony.
