A recent trip to India, undertaken in collaboration with Fahed+Architects, focused on the early-stage development of multiple projects across Bangalore and Mumbai.

The project locations encompassed sites of various scales, uses and opportunities for contextual integration. The site inspections allowed for direct evaluation of environmental conditions and urban relationships, which will inform early design strategies.

A key experience of the trip included a visit to Millennium Marbles’ production facilities, offering a detailed understanding of their material sourcing, fabrication processes, and the applications of natural stone at scale.

And, as could be expected, a good part of time was spent exploring the cultural and urban experiences of the cities, allowing the team to absorb the nuances of social interaction and food culture, on which these cities thrive. Local favorites, including long-standing dining institutions such as Bheema in Bangalore and Izumi and Trishna in Mumbai, rounded out the experience and left a lasting impression.

The site visit to Kakuma, via Nairobi, was undertaken in collaboration with the Amahoro Coalition and Colain, forming a critical component of the ongoing development of the Kakuma Community Centre.

The visit provided an opportunity to engage directly with the physical and social conditions of the settlement. Observations of daily movement patterns, community interests, and environmental constraints were essential in validating and refining the initial site analysis work.

Engagement with local stakeholders and residents offered further insight into the needs and priorities of the community, ensuring that the project responds to real life conditions of the place.

The environmental context, defined by extreme heat, limited resources, and infrastructural challenges, reinforced the importance of passive design strategies and locally appropriate construction methods. Material availability, maintenance capacity, and buildability were key considerations throughout.

Beyond the project itself, the visit underscored the importance of presence in the design process. Being on site allows for a level of understanding that cannot be achieved remotely, grounding the work in reality and reinforcing the principles that guide the studio.

What we do now is what matters.

NOWMA Studio is built on the belief that meaningful work begins with presence—being engaged in place, in dialogue, and in decision-making. In the Middle East, where projects are ambitious and complex, this presence is essential.

We operate with a locally embedded mindset, combining regional experience across project typologies with a hands-on approach to delivery. We work closely with clients and stakeholders to listen, interpret, and translate ambition into clear, actionable direction—ensuring ideas are both compelling and achievable.

Our approach is direct and accountable. We engage with complexity, resolve challenges, and take responsibility for outcomes. Strong relationships are established early, creating the foundation for collaboration, clarity, and informed decision-making throughout the life of a project.

NOWMA functions as a focused studio supported by a network of trusted specialists, enabling agility while maintaining depth of expertise. This collaborative model ensures that each project is shaped by the right knowledge, at the right time.

We align vision with delivery—creating work that is relevant, responsive, and grounded in its environment.

What we do now is what matters.