andblack design studio is an Ahmedabad-based architectural and design practice founded in 2011 by AA London graduates, Kanika Agarwal and Jwalant Mahadevwala. Since day one, andblack has thrown itself into a wide range of projects, from experimental installations and pavilion designs to residential, resort, and educational campuses.
At andblack, the approach has always been about exploring ideas, pushing boundaries, and letting the process take center stage.
a peek into our story
Jwalant Mahadevwala
Co-founder and Creative Visionary at andblack Design Studio
Jwalant is a designer who thrives on the edges of possibility. Don’t let his facade fool you, he always has a witty joke up his sleeve, an appetite for a good time, and an unyielding thirst for transforming unthinkable ideas into tangible experiences. You’ll never meet someone as obsessed with prioritising exploration over convention.
Born into a family of architects and structural engineers, his fascination with the ‘design & working of things’ began early on. However, his journey into the unknown found its flight during his time at London’s Architectural Association. Jwalant quickly found himself seeking knee-deep adventures into the avenues of generative design, a passion that became his signature for the four years he spent working at Zaha Hadid Architects. Working on projects like the Petroleum Research Institute in Saudi Arabia helped him hone his craft and deepen his knowledge about parametric design.
In 2011, alongside his partner Kanika, Jwalant co-founded andblack design studio - an architecture and design practice where experimentation drives all. Their range of projects vary across scales and disciplines, reflecting their belief that the process comes first, regardless of the outcome. When he’s not at the studio, Jwalant inspires the next generation of designers at CEPT university and finds a creative outlet in art, photography, music and travel. For him, life exists in the act of living and creating. His work first and foremost, celebrates the process over the product; and this essence seeps into everything he does at andblack
Kanika Agarwal
Co-founder and Leading Force at andblack Design Studio
Kanika is the pulse of andblack, to whom every detail matters and every decision counts. As someone who embodies spirituality, empathy and boundless curiosity in her design approach, she derives her ethos from the interconnectedness of the human experience. The quiet, relentless force that holds andblack firmly to its roots, Kanika is intentionally on a joyride and intends to submerge those who join her.
Her journey into architecture as a design realm found its footing at the Auroville Earth Institute, where she explored bamboo, paper and earth as building materials. A master’s degree from London’s Architectural Association strengthened her approach, adding layers of precision and refined details to her designs. Her time at Michael Hopkins added to her technical finesse, teaching her the art of letting materials speak in an understated manner.
At andblack, Kanika’s role is a masterclass in achieving more with less. Projects that have her touch possess a thoughtful restraint, finding the most responsible exploration towards a soulful design. They’re often a cross between artistic ambition and environmental integrity. To her, sustainability is an ongoing process of refining and reimagining design possibilities by asking smarter questions. Kanika’s design philosophy is simple - she believes that design itself is an act of courage and therefore needs to be unapologetic, thoughtful and profoundly imaginative.
Outside of her professional life, Kanika is engaged in her community, championing causes through the Ladies Circle India and YFLO showcases. Her adventurous spirit finds expression in running marathons, savoring delightful delicacies, soaking in art, and cherishing moments with her loved ones.
Jwalant Mahadevwala
Co-founder and Creative Visionary at andblack Design Studio
Jwalant is a designer who thrives on the edges of possibility. Don’t let his facade fool you, he always has a witty joke up his sleeve, an appetite for a good time, and an unyielding thirst for transforming unthinkable ideas into tangible experiences. You’ll never meet someone as obsessed with prioritising exploration over convention.
Born into a family of architects and structural engineers, his fascination with the ‘design & working of things’ began early on. However, his journey into the unknown found its flight during his time at London’s Architectural Association. Jwalant quickly found himself seeking knee-deep adventures into the avenues of generative design, a passion that became his signature for the four years he spent working at Zaha Hadid Architects. Working on projects like the Petroleum Research Institute in Saudi Arabia helped him hone his craft and deepen his knowledge about parametric design.
In 2011, alongside his partner Kanika, Jwalant co-founded andblack design studio - an architecture and design practice where experimentation drives all. Their range of projects vary across scales and disciplines, reflecting their belief that the process comes first, regardless of the outcome. When he’s not at the studio, Jwalant inspires the next generation of designers at CEPT university and finds a creative outlet in art, photography, music and travel. For him, life exists in the act of living and creating. His work first and foremost, celebrates the process over the product; and this essence seeps into everything he does at andblack.
Kanika Agarwal
Co-founder and Leading Force at andblack Design Studio
Kanika is the pulse of andblack, to whom every detail matters and every decision counts. As someone who embodies spirituality, empathy and boundless curiosity in her design approach, she derives her ethos from the interconnectedness of the human experience. The quiet, relentless force that holds andblack firmly to its roots, Kanika is intentionally on a joyride and intends to submerge those who join her.
Her journey into architecture as a design realm found its footing at the Auroville Earth Institute, where she explored bamboo, paper and earth as building materials. A master’s degree from London’s Architectural Association strengthened her approach, adding layers of precision and refined details to her designs. Her time at Michael Hopkins added to her technical finesse, teaching her the art of letting materials speak in an understated manner.
At andblack, Kanika’s role is a masterclass in achieving more with less. Projects that have her touch possess a thoughtful restraint, finding the most responsible exploration towards a soulful design. They’re often a cross between artistic ambition and environmental integrity. To her, sustainability is an ongoing process of refining and reimagining design possibilities by asking smarter questions. Kanika’s design philosophy is simple - she believes that design itself is an act of courage and therefore needs to be unapologetic, thoughtful and profoundly imaginative.
Outside of her professional life, Kanika is engaged in her community, championing causes through the Ladies Circle India and YFLO showcases. Her adventurous spirit finds expression in running marathons, savoring delightful delicacies, soaking in art, and cherishing moments with her loved ones.
people
Jwalant Mahadevwala
Co-founder and Creative Visionary at andblack Design Studio
Jwalant Mahadevwala
Co-founder and Creative Visionary at andblack Design Studio
Jwalant is a designer who thrives on the edges of possibility. Don’t let his facade fool you, he always has a witty joke up his sleeve, an appetite for a good time, and an unyielding thirst for transforming unthinkable ideas into tangible experiences. You’ll never meet someone as obsessed with prioritising exploration over convention.
Born into a family of architects and structural engineers, his fascination with the ‘design & working of things’ began early on. However, his journey into the unknown found its flight during his time at London’s Architectural Association. Jwalant quickly found himself seeking knee-deep adventures into the avenues of generative design, a passion that became his signature for the four years he spent working at Zaha Hadid Architects. Working on projects like the Petroleum Research Institute in Saudi Arabia helped him hone his craft and deepen his knowledge about parametric design.
In 2011, alongside his partner Kanika, Jwalant co-founded andblack design studio - an architecture and design practice where experimentation drives all. Their range of projects vary across scales and disciplines, reflecting their belief that the process comes first, regardless of the outcome. When he’s not at the studio, Jwalant inspires the next generation of designers at CEPT university and finds a creative outlet in art, photography, music and travel. For him, life exists in the act of living and creating. His work first and foremost, celebrates the process over the product; and this essence seeps into everything he does at andblack.
Kanika Agarwal
Co-founder and Leading Force at andblack Design Studio
Kanika is the pulse of andblack, to whom every detail matters and every decision counts. As someone who embodies spirituality, empathy and boundless curiosity in her design approach, she derives her ethos from the interconnectedness of the human experience. The quiet, relentless force that holds andblack firmly to its roots, Kanika is intentionally on a joyride and intends to submerge those who join her.
Her journey into architecture as a design realm found its footing at the Auroville Earth Institute, where she explored bamboo, paper and earth as building materials. A master’s degree from London’s Architectural Association strengthened her approach, adding layers of precision and refined details to her designs. Her time at Michael Hopkins added to her technical finesse, teaching her the art of letting materials speak in an understated manner.
At andblack, Kanika’s role is a masterclass in achieving more with less. Projects that have her touch possess a thoughtful restraint, finding the most responsible exploration towards a soulful design. They’re often a cross between artistic ambition and environmental integrity. To her, sustainability is an ongoing process of refining and reimagining design possibilities by asking smarter questions. Kanika’s design philosophy is simple - she believes that design itself is an act of courage and therefore needs to be unapologetic, thoughtful and profoundly imaginative. Outside of her professional life, Kanika is engaged in her community, championing causes through the Ladies Circle India and YFLO showcases. Her adventurous spirit finds expression in running marathons, savoring delightful delicacies, soaking in art, and cherishing moments with her loved ones.