North Studio’s Rahul Bhushan: ‘I’m just a simple boy with a big dream – to make the world a better place’
North Studio, from the Himalayan region of Himachal in India, tells us about its vision of ‘low-impact environments’ and inspiring architecture

If you dropped North Studio’s Rahul Bhushan in the middle of a forest with no food or water, by the end of the week, he’ll have designed a sustainable treehouse, started a wildlife yoga retreat, and convinced the squirrels to invest in eco-friendly architecture. The architect, hailing from the Indian Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh, is a master at harmonising with nature, infusing it into his work by reviving ancient mountain-building techniques.
Using wood, stone, and mud, Bhushan creates earthquake-resilient structures designed to blend seamlessly into their environment and withstand its vicissitudes. ‘Our vision is to create low-impact environments that are as much a part of the landscape as the trees and rivers around them,’ he explains.
Diyar Cabin in the forest
Meet Himalayan architects North Studio
Bhushan’s practice, founded in May 2017, is dedicated to empowering indigenous communities, preserving traditional design and fostering social development while addressing pressing issues such as climate change, cultural loss, and environmental degradation. ‘I feel a profound responsibility as an architect to safeguard the wisdom of our ancestors,’ says Bhushan, who completed his master’s degree from CEPT University in 2016 and an executive programme from IIM Ahmedabad in 2018.
Dhajji Cabin exterior
Bhushan admits it’s been a journey. ‘We’ve spent over a decade studying and documenting 200- to 300-year-old buildings. Ancient architecture and engineering have always been passed down orally, but our research has brought much of it to light,’ he says.
Dhajji Cabin bedroom
Bhushan remains a willing student. ‘Here in Himachal Pradesh, no one has the same job year after year. Each season brings something new, and we live in harmony with nature. What’s the fun in just being an architect when I can be a cook, a gardener, and a musician as well?’ he laughs. Next year he will publish a book documenting his experiences with indigenous crafts and practices, highlighting the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Dhajji Cabin kitchen
North has five verticals: architecture and design, construction, workshops, ecotourism, and a foundation for community support. ‘It’s a living, breathing centre for sustainable architecture, craft innovation, and community,’ Bhushan says. His 12-member team of engineers, designers, architects, craftspeople, and artists has worked on projects including a pagoda-style temple, a cabin inspired by Dhajji Himalayan architecture, and furniture with nailless joinery. Next on his list is an off-grid campus for North featuring regenerative energy practices. ‘I’m just a simple boy with a big dream – to make the world a better place.’
Zen Temple
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
This article appears in the January 2025 issue of Wallpaper*, available in print on newsstands, on the Wallpaper* app on Apple iOS, and to subscribers of Apple News +. Subscribe to Wallpaper* today
-
Fluid workspaces: is the era of prescriptive office design over?
We discuss evolving workspaces and track the shape-shifting interiors of the 21st century. If options are what we’re after in office design, it looks like we’ve got them
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
This collection of slow furniture is a powerful ode to time
A serene exhibition of David Dolcini's 'Time-made' collection has fast-tracked its place into our hearts and homes
By Ifeoluwa Adedeji Published
-
Is the Pragma P1 the most sustainable watch yet?
Geneva-based brand Pragma combines industrial design with real sustainable credentials
By Hannah Silver Published
-
At the Institute of Indology, a humble new addition makes all the difference
Continuing the late Balkrishna V Doshi’s legacy, Sangath studio design a new take on the toilet in Gujarat
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Pretty in pink: Mumbai's new residential tower shakes up the cityscape
'Satguru’s Rendezvous' in Mumbai houses luxury apartments behind its elegant fluted concrete skin. We take a tour.
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Join our world tour of contemporary homes across five continents
We take a world tour of contemporary homes, exploring case studies of how we live; we make five stops across five continents
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Walk through an Indian villa near Mumbai, where time slows down
In this Indian villa, Architecture Brio weaves together water features, stunning gardens and graceful compositions to create a serene retreat near Mumbai
By Stephen Crafti Published
-
Nine emerging Indian architecture studios on a mission to transform their country
We survey the emerging Indian architecture studios and professionals, who come armed with passion, ideas and tools designed to foster and bolster their country's creative growth
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
STO.M.P on the architecture studio's work, love of craftmanship and 'the cinematic details'
We zoom into Indian architects STO.M.P from Madurai, exploring their growing portfolio and cinematic sensibility
By Vaishnavi Nayel Talawadekar Published
-
Indian architectural studio Social Design Collaborative on its open and inclusive approach
Social Design Collaborative from New Delhi on creating its big, collaborative ideas for all
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Indian studio Mitti is all about 'progressive architecture, sustainably delivered'
Mitti Eco Constructions from India's Tamil Nadu works with recycled and natural materials to produce forward-thinking designs
By Ellie Stathaki Published