AKAR ARchiTecture

AKAR ARchiTecture AKAR ARchiTecture + Design founded in 1997, was founded on simple idea: That building design is a poe We are intrigued by the wisdom of vernacular architecture.

AKAR ARchiTecture + Design, Iowa City, Iowa founded in 1997, was founded on simple idea: That building design is a poetic response to people, nature and function. It should be timeless, inspiring and capturing the spirit of its environment. This regionalism is frequently used in our design process to articulate the sense of place with common sense sustainability.The firm’s work is known for its ge

ometric and simple forms defining landscaped spaces in-between architecture to evoke serenity that quietly celebrates human intellect, innovation and craftsmanship.

One plan, four distinct forms, and a wide range of color options. This senior living community in Iowa City embraces a d...
05/31/2026

One plan, four distinct forms, and a wide range of color options. This senior living community in Iowa City embraces a democratic approach to housing, giving residents meaningful choices in how they live and express themselves. Construction is ongoing, residents are beginning to move in, and what started as an idea is steadily growing into a vibrant neighborhood.

Rendering to reality.At Fern House in Galena, Illinois, the lines between imagination and built form are beginning to bl...
05/27/2026

Rendering to reality.
At Fern House in Galena, Illinois, the lines between imagination and built form are beginning to blur.

Setting Sun House on Lake Macbride. A lot of progress as courtyards, and landscape terraces begin to settle into the lan...
05/06/2026

Setting Sun House on Lake Macbride. A lot of progress as courtyards, and landscape terraces begin to settle into the land. With each layer of finish, the textures deepen and the axial connection to the lake grows stronger. The project is now moving into its final phase, where details begin to give the house its full voice.

House under construction in Galena. Inspired by the quiet simplicity of barns, with gable ends opening gently toward fer...
05/04/2026

House under construction in Galena. Inspired by the quiet simplicity of barns, with gable ends opening gently toward fern covered slopes.

We call it the Fern House.

Small projects are a joy.A garage, a landscape shelter, and a writing studio, thoughtfully composed for Iowa City. ...
04/27/2026

Small projects are a joy.
A garage, a landscape shelter, and a writing studio, thoughtfully composed for Iowa City.

Light is the music of architecture,shadow is its language.
04/17/2026

Light is the music of architecture,
shadow is its language.

Construction continues at this Lake Macbride house. The fun begins in a month as the finishes start to come to life. ...
03/24/2026

Construction continues at this Lake Macbride house. The fun begins in a month as the finishes start to come to life.

This 800 square foot ADU with garage is set to rise in Iowa City this summer. Thoughtfully scaled and carefully composed...
02/14/2026

This 800 square foot ADU with garage is set to rise in Iowa City this summer. Thoughtfully scaled and carefully composed, it embodies the idea that architecture is not measured by square footage, but by clarity of idea, proportion, and material expression.

Mexico and India are two cultures that share an innate, intuitive understanding of color and texture in art and architec...
01/14/2026

Mexico and India are two cultures that share an innate, intuitive understanding of color and texture in art and architecture. In both, color is inseparable from material and making, drawn from earth, craft, and climate rather than applied as an afterthought. Texture comes from the hand, from weathering, and from use, allowing buildings to feel grounded, lived in, and human rather than polished or abstract. I think, this is a sensibility worth seeking and carrying forward while designing new work.

Only if I can convince our local mason to do this kind of work! Lot to learn from vernacular architecture.
01/13/2026

Only if I can convince our local mason to do this kind of work! Lot to learn from vernacular architecture.

Address

1027 Rochester Avenue
Iowa City, IA
52245

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13193514111

Website

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