The face of architectural design in Kenya has changed drastically in recent years. No longer is construction just about building a shelter — today, it’s about fusing function with beauty, technology with tradition, and budget with innovation. At D-Squared Construction, we understand this shift and have positioned ourselves as a leader in designing homes, offices, and commercial spaces that reflect the future of modern architecture in Kenya.
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What Is Architectural Design?
Architectural design is the process of conceptualizing and planning the layout, structure, and aesthetics of a building. It includes site analysis, floor plans, elevations, 3D visualizations, and technical drawings. In Kenya, architectural design is a legal and essential step before any construction work begins, ensuring your project is both structurally sound and compliant with local building codes.
The Rise of Modern Architecture in Kenya
Modern architecture in Kenya is characterized by clean lines, open spaces, energy efficiency, and functional layouts. Today’s buildings in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and other urban centers often feature:
- Minimalist designs with large windows
- Eco-friendly materials and solar integration
- Open-plan kitchens and living rooms
- Rooftop terraces and balconies
- Smart-home features and automation
At D-Squared Construction, we stay ahead of the curve by integrating global architectural trends with local tastes and climate considerations. Whether you want a sleek urban home, a resort-style bungalow, or a contemporary office block, our architectural team will bring your vision to life.
Our Process: How We Work with You
At D-Squared Construction, we believe that a successful building project starts with a transparent, collaborative, and well-structured design process. Whether you’re a local client or based abroad, we ensure you’re fully involved and informed every step of the way. Here’s how our architectural design process works:
Initial Consultation – Listening to Your Vision
We begin with a one-on-one conversation to understand your vision, budget, and goals. Whether you’re dreaming of a modern urban home, a holiday retreat, or a multi-unit commercial complex, we want to understand what success looks like for you.
During this stage, we discuss:
- Your preferred architectural style
- Site location and size
- Budget expectations
- Functional needs (e.g., number of rooms, layout preferences)
- Timeline and construction plans
This phase can be done in-person or virtually—ideal for diaspora clients who want to build in Kenya without traveling.
Site Visit & Measurements – Getting the Ground Truth
Next, our architects and engineers conduct a detailed site visit. This step is crucial for tailoring the design to your land’s topography, orientation, access roads, and environmental features.
What we assess:
- Plot size and boundaries
- Sun orientation and wind direction
- Soil condition and drainage
- Accessibility and nearby infrastructure
We document all measurements and collect photographs for accurate modeling and planning.
Concept Design – Bringing Your Ideas to Life
Once we’ve gathered your requirements and studied your plot, we move on to the creative phase — concept design. Our architects draft initial layouts and sketches that reflect both your vision and the site’s potential.
You’ll receive:
- Floor plans
- Basic 3D renderings
- Elevation concepts
- Layout alternatives
We review these options with you, gather feedback, and revise accordingly until you’re satisfied.
Detailed Drawings – Turning Concepts into Buildable Plans
After finalizing the concept, we produce technical drawings that are compliant with local building codes and standards.
These include:
- Architectural floor plans and elevations
- Structural and engineering plans
- Electrical and plumbing layouts
- Door and window schedules
Our drawings are not only used for construction but are also essential for obtaining county approvals and quotes from contractors.
County Approval Support – Navigating the Paperwork
In Kenya, construction requires approvals from local authorities, including NEMA and county governments. D-Squared Construction handles this process for you.
We assist with:
- Preparing submission files
- Liaising with planning departments
- Making revisions if needed
- Following up until approval is granted
This saves you time, reduces errors, and ensures your project proceeds legally and smoothly.
Optional Build Service – From Paper to Foundation
Many of our clients choose to stay with us for the construction phase through our Design and Build model. This means we not only design your dream space, but also bring it to life — managing the entire project from groundbreaking to completion.
What you get:
- A single point of contact
- Streamlined project management
- Quality control across all stages
- Budget and timeline transparency
- Weekly progress updates (great for overseas clients)
Whether you’re in Kenya or abroad, you can trust that your project is in the hands of experienced, reliable professionals.
How Much Do Architectural Drawings Cost in Kenya?
One of the most frequent questions we get at D-Squared Construction is:
How much do architectural drawings cost in Kenya?
The answer depends on several factors including the type and size of the project, the level of detail needed, location, and whether you require additional services like supervision, interior layouts, or 3D visualizations.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:
Residential Projects
For standalone houses, bungalows, or maisonettes:
- KES 20,000 – KES 150,000 for standard architectural drawings
- This typically includes floor plans, elevations, roof layouts, and basic site plans
- The cost may increase if you require detailed interior layouts, structural designs, or council submission assistance
Apartment Blocks and Flats
For multi-unit residential buildings:
- 3% to 6% of the estimated construction cost
- This covers comprehensive services such as site analysis, design, construction documents, and support during approvals
Commercial Developments
For offices, retail spaces, schools, or hospitals:
- Pricing is typically per square meter (e.g., KES 300 to KES 600/sqm)
- Alternatively, a percentage of the total project cost (usually 4% to 8%) may be applied, especially for full-scope design and consultation
Full-Service Design and Supervision
Clients seeking end-to-end architectural support — from initial sketches to site supervision — can expect:
- 5% to 10% of the total project value
- This package covers initial consultation, concept design, technical drawings, county submission, and routine site visits
At D-Squared Construction, we strive to offer value and clarity. Our pricing is fully transparent, and we always provide a free consultation to assess your needs before providing a detailed quote.
Architectural Design Services We Offer
We provide a wide range of architectural design solutions tailored to various client needs across Kenya. Whether you’re a homeowner, a developer, or a diaspora client, our team has the expertise to bring your vision to life.
Residential Architectural Design
Our residential designs are tailored to the Kenyan lifestyle. Whether you’re building a modern city home or a countryside retreat, we deliver:
- Functional layouts optimized for family living
- Modern, minimalist, or traditional aesthetics
- Custom solutions for sloping or irregular plots
We design homes in Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Nakuru, Kisumu, Eldoret, and more.
Commercial Architecture
We work on commercial projects including:
- Office buildings and business parks
- Retail outlets and malls
- Schools, hospitals, and institutional facilities
Our focus is on cost-efficiency, utility, and brand identity — ensuring the spaces meet modern business needs.
Diaspora Design Support
For Kenyans abroad looking to invest back home, we provide a seamless design experience:
- Online consultations and design presentations
- Detailed progress updates
- Design compliance with local building codes
- Optional supervision or design-and-build packages
We have successfully worked with diaspora clients from the US, UK, UAE, and Europe to bring their projects to life without them needing to travel frequently.
3D Rendering and Architectural Visualization
Before committing to construction, we offer:
- High-quality 3D renderings
- Walkthrough animations
- Interior and exterior perspectives
- Landscape integration
These visuals help you make informed decisions and avoid expensive changes later in the build process.
Why Choose D-Squared Construction for Architectural Design in Kenya?
When planning a construction project, choosing the right architectural partner is just as important as selecting the right location or materials. At D-Squared Construction, we don’t just design buildings — we bring visions to life with a keen understanding of functionality, beauty, and local compliance. Here’s why clients across Kenya and the diaspora trust us with their architectural needs:
1. Extensive Experience Across Kenya
With a proven track record in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, and other major towns, our portfolio spans a wide variety of building types:
- Residential homes and villas
- Multi-storey apartments and rental units
- Retail and commercial buildings
- Institutional and mixed-use developments
Our experience allows us to anticipate design challenges, adhere to county regulations, and integrate client preferences effectively from the outset.
2. Specialists in Modern Architecture
We design buildings that reflect today’s lifestyle needs — open spaces, natural lighting, energy efficiency, and minimalist aesthetics. Whether you’re aiming for a modern mansion, a functional urban apartment, or a sleek office building, our architects deliver designs that combine:
- Timeless style
- Practical layout
- Structural integrity
- Local materials and climate-responsive features
We don’t just design for the present; we create structures that age gracefully and retain value over time.
3. Seamless Support for Diaspora Clients
If you’re planning to build in Kenya from abroad, we make the process easy, transparent, and trustworthy. Our architectural design process is remote-friendly:
- Online consultations and document sharing
- Real-time updates, design revisions, and approvals
- Local county submission on your behalf
- Integration with our in-house construction team for end-to-end delivery
This ensures you stay informed and in control of your project, no matter where you are in the world.
4. Transparent and Honest Pricing
Cost surprises are a major concern in construction projects — but not with us. We provide:
- Free initial consultations
- Itemized and honest quotes
- Clear communication on optional services and scope changes
- Flexible packages that suit different budgets
Whether you need just the drawings or full supervision and execution, we let you know upfront what’s included.
5. Design and Build Under One Roof
Looking for a stress-free construction experience? Our design + build service means you won’t need to hire multiple firms or chase down various contractors. We handle:
- Architectural design
- Structural engineering
- Bill of quantities and costing
- County approvals
- Full construction management
This integrated model ensures consistency between design and execution, saving you time, money, and the hassle of dealing with multiple vendors.
Choosing D-Squared Construction means choosing peace of mind.
Our commitment to quality, client satisfaction, and professional delivery has earned us a solid reputation in Kenya’s growing construction sector. Whether you’re a first-time home builder, a returning diaspora investor, or a commercial property developer, we’re here to help you build confidently.
Get in touch today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can bring your project to life.