Architects in Uganda help clients turn building ideas into practical designs for homes, offices, schools, hospitals and other developments. Their work can include assessing a site, developing layouts, preparing detailed drawings and coordinating with engineers and other construction professionals.
Choosing an architect involves more than comparing attractive building images. The right appointment should reflect your budget, site conditions, intended use and the level of support you need during construction.
This list features architectural firms and design practices operating in Uganda. It is a directory rather than a ranking, and inclusion does not independently confirm the current practising status of every professional within a firm.
1. Symbion Uganda Limited
Symbion Uganda Limited forms part of Symbion Consulting Group, an architectural practice with operations in East Africa. The group offers architecture, interior design, project management, contract management and urban planning.
Its published architectural portfolio includes Uganda’s joint headquarters building for the Uganda Road Fund and the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority.
Clients considering a substantial commercial or institutional development can enquire about its architectural services and how these integrate with other project disciplines.
Published service areas:
- Architectural design.
- Interior design.
- Urban planning.
- Project and contract management.
Location: Studio House, 5 Bandali Rise, Bugolobi, Kampala.
When requesting a proposal, clarify which services the Uganda office will deliver and who will lead the design team.
2. FBW Uganda Limited
FBW Uganda Limited is part of FBW Group, a multidisciplinary consultancy offering architecture and engineering services. The group’s disciplines include civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering.
Its published portfolio includes projects associated with Uganda Christian University in Mukono and Makerere University Business School.
An integrated consultancy can be useful where a project requires close coordination between architectural layouts, structural systems and building services. Clients should still request a clear breakdown of each consultant’s responsibilities.
Published service areas:
- Architecture.
- Civil and structural engineering.
- Mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering.
- Project management and building consultancy.
Location: Kampala, Uganda.
Telephone: +256 393 260138 / +256 200 960138.
Ask whether the proposed fee includes engineering coordination, tender documentation and construction-stage attendance.
3. Peatfield & Bodgener Architects
Peatfield & Bodgener Architects traces its establishment in Kampala to 1955, following a competition to design Uganda’s Parliament and government offices.
The practice describes a portfolio spanning healthcare, education, diplomatic, commercial, hospitality and industrial buildings. Its approach includes developing the client’s brief and monitoring the relationship between the design and building budget.
For specialised facilities, clients should request examples that demonstrate experience with the particular building type and its operational requirements.
Published areas of work:
- Architectural design and planning.
- Healthcare and educational buildings.
- Commercial and hospitality developments.
- Project management.
Location: Plot 970, Heritage Road, Nsambya, Kampala.
Telephone: +256 414 501949 / +256 414 501950 / +256 414 501951.
4. Arch Design Limited
Arch Design Limited is a Ugandan architecture and engineering consultancy founded in Kampala in 1997.
Its company profile describes work involving commercial and industrial facilities, residential neighbourhoods, project management and the planning of towns and estates. It also lists social and environmental research among its services.
This combination is relevant when a project extends beyond an individual building and requires consideration of infrastructure, land use and the surrounding community.
Published service areas:
- Architectural and engineering consultancy.
- Commercial and industrial design.
- Residential development planning.
- Town and estate planning.
- Project management.
Location: Plot 20, Hancock Road, Ntinda, Kampala.
For a larger development, establish whether the appointment covers a master plan, detailed building designs or both.
5. Localworks
Localworks is a multidisciplinary design-and-build collaborative with a base in Kampala. Its stated specialism is ecological architecture in East Africa.
The practice emphasises design that responds to a site’s climate, landscape, available materials and construction conditions. Its collaborative model brings design and building expertise together.
Clients interested in environmentally responsive architecture can discuss how the team evaluates materials, indoor comfort, construction methods and long-term maintenance.
Areas of focus:
- Ecological architecture.
- Site-sensitive design.
- Integrated design and construction.
- Environmentally responsive building solutions.
Location: The Square, 10 Third Street, Industrial Area, Kampala.
When considering a design-and-build arrangement, ask how design fees, construction pricing and responsibility for changes will be documented.
6. TERRAIN Architects
TERRAIN Architects was founded in Tokyo in 2011 by Ikko Kobayashi and Fumi Kashimura. The studio describes itself as based in both Tokyo and Kampala.
Its design philosophy considers architecture in relation to topography, culture, climate, people and time. The practice treats local conditions and project constraints as factors that shape the design.
Its published work includes Yamasen Japanese Restaurant, an example associated with its work in Uganda.
Areas of focus:
- Architectural design.
- Site and landscape relationships.
- Climate and cultural context.
- Design informed by local conditions.
Uganda base: Kampala.
Prospective clients should confirm the team assigned to their project and how design coordination and construction-stage visits will be handled.
7. SASA Architects / SASA Infrastructure Group Limited
The SASA Architects website identifies the business as SASA Infrastructure Group Limited, a Kampala-based consultancy offering architecture, engineering, public-private partnership advisory and project management.
Its published company profile describes the practice’s origins in 2007. The combination of architectural and infrastructure-related services gives clients several potential areas of support within one consultancy.
The services required for a private house will differ from those needed for an institutional or infrastructure programme, so the appointment should be tailored accordingly.
Published service areas:
- Architecture.
- Engineering consultancy.
- Project management.
- Public-private partnership advisory.
Location: Kampala, Uganda.
Confirm the contracting entity, the responsible architect and the precise deliverables when requesting a quotation.
8. IMPARQT Associates
IMPARQT Associates is a Kampala architecture and design practice. Its published profile emphasises functionality, sustainability and the relationship between design and users’ quality of life.
The practice was founded by architects with experience in other firms. Its team information describes experience in architectural design and project management.
Clients can use an initial consultation to assess how the practice translates a brief into spatial layouts, material choices and a workable design programme.
Published areas of work:
- Architecture and design.
- Architectural project management.
- Functional and sustainability-focused design.
Location: Kampala, Uganda.
Request relevant portfolio examples and clarify whether the appointment includes detailed construction drawings and site attendance.
9. Ssentoogo and Partners Limited
Ssentoogo and Partners Limited is an architecture and planning practice based in Kampala. Its company profile gives 1974 as its founding year.
The practice describes its work in terms of improving residential environments and workplaces through design. It is an option to include when comparing established Ugandan architectural practices.
For any appointment, the most useful evidence is the experience of the team that will actually undertake your work.
Published areas of work:
- Architecture.
- Planning.
- Residential and workplace design.
Location: Plot 3, Nakasero Hill Road, Kampala.
Ask for recent comparable projects, the proposed design programme and the construction-stage services available.
10. Arch Forum Limited
Arch Forum Limited publishes a detailed architectural service offering that extends from design and working drawings to construction supervision.
Its listed services also include feasibility and needs assessments, tender documentation, procurement support, design review, value engineering and technical audits.
This range gives clients the option to enquire about design work, reviews of existing proposals or broader support through procurement and construction.
Published service areas:
- Architectural design and working drawings.
- Construction supervision.
- Feasibility and needs assessments.
- Tender documentation and evaluation support.
- Design review and technical advisory services.
Location: Plot 29, Kanjokya Street, Kampala.
Telephone: +256 393 262114 / +256 393 262113.
Specify whether you need a new design, a review of existing drawings or supervision of work already underway.
How to Choose an Architect in Uganda
Check the responsible architect’s credentials
Ask for the name of the architect who will take professional responsibility for your project. Confirm their registration and current practising status with the Architects Registration Board.
Company registration and an architectural portfolio are useful background information, but they do not replace verification of the responsible professional.
Review comparable projects
Look beyond presentation images. Ask about completed projects similar to yours in size, budget and use.
For a home, examine how the architect handles privacy, ventilation, daylight and future expansion. For a school, hospital or commercial property, ask about experience with the building’s specific operational needs.
Agree on the scope of services
Architectural appointments can cover different stages. A proposal for concept drawings may exclude detailed documentation, consultant coordination and construction inspections.
| Project stage | Services to discuss |
|---|---|
| Initial briefing | Site review, accommodation needs and project objectives |
| Concept design | Layout options, building form and preliminary material choices |
| Design development | Detailed layouts and coordination with other consultants |
| Documentation | Working drawings, specifications and tender information |
| Construction | Site inspections, design clarification and agreed contract administration duties |
Ask how many revisions and site visits are included, and how additional work will be charged.
Discuss the budget early
Provide a realistic construction budget before detailed design begins. Clarify whether the budget includes professional fees, approvals, external works, services and furnishings.
An architect and quantity surveyor can help relate design decisions to cost, but changes in scope and specifications can still affect the final expenditure.
Confirm who coordinates the consultants
Some firms provide several disciplines internally. Others work with independent engineers, quantity surveyors and specialist consultants.
Your agreement should identify who appoints these professionals, who pays them and who coordinates their information.
How Much Do Architects Charge in Uganda?
Architectural fees depend on the project and the services commissioned. A proposal may use a fixed fee, a percentage-based arrangement, time charges or a combination of methods.
Factors affecting the quotation include:
- Building size and complexity.
- Whether the project is a new build, extension or renovation.
- The detail required in drawings and specifications.
- The number of design revisions.
- Coordination with other consultants.
- Construction duration and site attendance.
Request an itemised written proposal. Confirm whether taxes, travel, specialist consultants and statutory charges are included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an architect design a residential house?
Yes. Architects design homes as well as commercial, institutional and other buildings. Choose a practice with relevant residential experience and a service offering suited to your budget.
Is an architect the same as a structural engineer?
No. Architects focus on the building’s overall design, layout and use. Structural engineers design and assess the load-bearing systems. Their work needs to be coordinated.
Do architects supervise construction?
Some appointments include construction inspections or supervision. The frequency and extent depend on the agreement. Periodic visits should not be assumed to mean continuous on-site supervision.
Can I hire a Kampala-based architect for a project elsewhere in Uganda?
Many practices consider projects beyond Kampala, but coverage varies. Confirm travel costs, site-visit arrangements and familiarity with the project location before appointment.
What should I prepare before contacting an architect?
Prepare a brief describing the site location, intended building use, required spaces, approximate budget and preferred schedule. Existing surveys, drawings and photographs can also help the architect assess the assignment.
Read Also: List of Quantity Surveyors in Uganda: Firms and Services
Editorial research notes — outside the article
- Symbion and FBW publish information on their Uganda presence, architectural work and related consultancy services. sems.symbion-int.com
- Peatfield & Bodgener and Arch Design describe their histories, project sectors and service offerings in their published company materials. Your Preferred Architects
- Localworks and TERRAIN describe their ecological and site-responsive design approaches and Kampala presence. LinkedIn
- SASA, IMPARQT, Ssentoogo and Partners, and Arch Forum provide the company and service information summarised above. sasaarchitects.com
- The Architects Registration Board publishes professional registers. The retrieved register is for 2025 and should not be treated as confirmation of current practising status. arbuganda.go.ug
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