Shalini Kakani – Architect, Urban Planner.

Shalini Kakani is the Principal Architect of Vartulah Design Associates, a Hyderabad-based architectural firm known for its innovative design approach and attention to sustainability. With over 20 years of experience, Shalini has led diverse projects for government officials and private developers, where her design thinking is reflected in the intelligent use of space, adaptability, and integration with the environment. Her designs focus on creating multi-functional spaces, utilizing materials and construction techniques that incorporate passive design strategies and sustainability principles.

Shalini’s unique approach emphasizes the use of locally sourced materials and vernacular construction techniques, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design. Her commitment to vernacular style ensures that each project responds to its context, blending seamlessly with the cultural and environmental fabric of the location. She advocates for spatial planning that not only meets functional needs but also enhances the sense of place, improving quality of life and promoting sustainable living.

She holds a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNAFAU) and is pursuing her PhD in Urban Planning at the School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada. Her research focuses on the spatial rights of marginalized informal workers in Hyderabad, contributing to the discourse on inclusive urbanism. Her work has been published in international journals, where she explores themes of spatial justice, urban informality, and sustainable development.

As an Executive Member of the Institute of Town Planners, India – Telangana Regional Chapter, Shalini has actively organized national and state-level urban planning events. She also leads the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Advanced Studies, School of Planning and Architecture, Hyderabad, where she mentors students, helping them develop critical thinking and innovative design solutions. Her work in practice, research, and education continues to shape the future of architecture and urban planning.

The true foundation of any enduring design practice lies in its people.

At Vartulah Design Associates, we are a multidisciplinary studio driven by a shared passion for meaningful, context-sensitive architecture. Our team brings together a rich blend of local insights and global perspectives, crafting design narratives that are both timeless and transformative.

Our senior Associates are deeply integrated into the studio’s design philosophy, entrusted with translating our collective vision into built form. They work closely with a talented cohort of architects, interior designers, and planners—guiding each project from concept to completion with precision, creativity, and a commitment to excellence. They also serve as the primary point of engagement with our valued clients, ensuring clarity, collaboration, and cohesion throughout the design journey.

The studio functions as a vibrant design laboratory—an ecosystem of innovation, exploration, and rigorous dialogue. Within this fast-paced yet nurturing environment, every team member contributes to pushing creative boundaries while remaining rooted in purpose and place.

At Vartulah, we are proud to champion a culture of inclusivity, integrity, and equal opportunity. We believe in empowering talent across all levels, and creating a workspace where vision, voice, and value align to shape thoughtful, human-centric design.

Civil work

Core Values

At Vartulah Design Associates, our work is shaped by values that are deeply embedded in our way of thinking, designing, and engaging with the world.

Staying True

We believe in anchoring our practice in clarity and conviction. Whether it’s in the honesty of a conversation, the respect for a site’s character, or the quiet confidence in our design choices—we remain grounded in what feels authentic and right.

Shaping with Care

Design, to us, is an evolving journey of making—refined through time, thought, and detail. We approach our craft with discipline and delight, always mindful of how each line drawn or joint made contributes to the whole.

Designing with Understanding

We listen—to people, to places, to what is seen and unseen. Our work responds to lived experiences, anticipating needs and emotions with sensitivity. The spaces we create are not just designed; they are felt, remembered, and lived in.

At Vartulah, these values don’t stand apart from design—they are part of how we see, feel, and build.

Interior Design Studio

Philosophy

At Vartulah Design Associates, we believe timeless design emerges from clarity, not trends. Our interiors are shaped with intention—where light, material, and emotion come together to create spaces that feel as good as they look.

Each project is rooted in its context and crafted with sensitivity to how people live, move, and connect. For us, design is not about style—it’s about creating quiet, lasting experiences that resonate deeply and live beautifully over time.

workspace where vision, voice, and value align to shape thoughtful, human-centric design.