How we approach projects

We don’t rush into form.

Our work begins by understanding:

• The site and its climate

• How people will move through and use the space

• Operational and long-term realities

• What the project is really trying to achieve

This usually leads to fewer, clearer decisions - and better outcomes over time.

Architecture • Urban Design • Aesthetics • Storytelling

Vanessa Zwick

Architecture • Planning • Systems • BIM

Lakshman Badami

Strengths:

- Premium aesthetics on practical budgets

- Natural, earth-friendly material palettes

- Spatial design for real human behaviour

- Branding + visual clarity

- Harmony, detail, and intuitive composition

Strengths:

- Logical, functional planning

- Sustainable construction research

- Revit drafting + documentation

- Business & stakeholder understanding

- Broad curiosity across domains

Working with us

We work closely and collaboratively, and we stay involved throughout the project.

Because we take on only a small number of commissions each year, we’re able to:

• Think carefully rather than react quickly

• Question assumptions early

• Stay engaged from concept to resolution

• Design with long-term value in mind

We enjoy clients who like asking questions, thinking things through, and building trust over time.

Vanessa

Born in Coburg, raised between German and Polish cultures, Vanessa speaks both languages and carries a refined European sensitivity toward aesthetic materials and detail.

She studied Architecture & Urban Planning at Politechnika Śląska in Poland, where she won a national award for urban district design. She met Lakshman during this time, at Roskilde Festival’s sustainability team in Denmark.

Vanessa has hosted cacao ceremonies, designed community spaces, curated menus, and crafted branding for multiple organisations, including the Indian Craft Chocolate & Cacao Festival.

As a mom of two, her design instincts are soulful and precise.

Lakshman

Born in the UK, grew up in Bangalore, lived in Melbourne, and studied Architectural Technology & Construction Management at VIA University College in Denmark - a 3.5-year program defined by hands-on learning, technical rigor, and a Scandinavian respect for practicality.

His final internship was with DESY, Germany, working on a beamline (XFEL) beneath Hamburg - shaping his love for precision and planning.

Lakshman returned to India in 2017, travelled widely, volunteered in schools, and co-created Bangalore’s vegan Happiness café + BeAnimal hostel in 2019, which became a beloved community space until 2025.

He now focuses fully on architecture, systems planning, and family life with Vanessa, Luan, and Neem.

What we’re best suited for

We tend to work best on projects that:

• Are mid-scale to large in size

• Have a reasonable timeline

• Allow space for exploration and iteration

• Value clarity over speed

• Are meant to last

We’re not a good fit for fast-turnaround interiors, purely trend-driven work, or projects that need immediate visuals without time to think.

We intentionally limit the number of projects we take on each year.

This helps us do better work - and enjoy the process. If we feel we’re not the right fit for a project, we’ll say so honestly and early.

If this way of working resonates, the next step is usually a short conversation to understand your project better and see if there’s a good fit on both sides.

Why kartofl?

Kar·tof·fel [karˈtɔfl̩] German noun - potato

The name kartofl studio started as a joke - Lakshman loves potatoes (and honestly, who doesn’t? ) - but it quickly became the perfect metaphor for our work.

Potatoes are grounding, reliable, and quietly brilliant… just like the kind of architecture we strive for.

As a German-Indian family studio, we combine warmth and playfulness with a solid, professional approach that never disappoints.

We care about sustainable design, natural materials, and climate-responsive spaces that genuinely support the people who use them.

Whether it’s an eco-resort, a small school, or entire community environments, we love projects that bring people together and create a sense of belonging.

Kartofl Studio is our reminder that architecture doesn’t have to be too serious - it can be fun, real, and rooted in everyday life.

Our Studio

Nestled in Mysore, our home studio embraces calm surroundings that inspire thoughtful, sustainable design.

Hours

Mon-Fri 9am-6pm