Design • Ecology • Resilience
The Bhu.Van Project is an evolving design practice exploring the deep relationship between people, place and ecology.
Rooted in the Sanskrit word “Bhuvan”, meaning the world, the realm between sky and earth - the studio seeks to rewild, restore, and reimagine landscapes that sustain life.
What we do
Healing landscapes and reviving living systems.
Ecological restoration lies at the heart of our practice - an evolving process of assisting the recovery of ecosystems that have been degraded, damaged or destroyed. Our approach combines the science of restoration ecology with the sensitivity of design, rooted in a deep understanding of landscape processes, cultural relationships, and community stewardship.
We work across eco-regions from dry landscapes of Deccan Plateau to South Western Ghats montane rainforests, moist deciduous forests and beyond. Covering habitats like dry deciduous forests, savannas to wetlands and working agricultural lands - to restore hydrology, biodiversity and soil health while strengthening local resilience. Each project is grounded in field research, adaptive management and partnerships with local communities, field experts to aligning ecological recovery with social and climate goals.
Our restoration philosophy emphasizes rewilding through water, soil, flora and community - creating living landscapes that regenerate themselves over time and nurture coexistence between people and nature.
Ecological restoration
Across landscapes shaped by agriculture, forestry and settlement, resilient watershed management forms the foundation for climate adaptation and ecological renewal. Our approach integrates hydrology, ecology, and design to reimagine land as a living system -one that captures, stores and circulates water naturally.
Working with individual farms, institutions, corporate and spiritual campus, estates, community commons and conservation agencies, we develop strategies that combine field-based knowledge, scientific understanding and design solutions. Each project aims to restore watershed function, enhance soil, water and food security, regenerate biodiversity and create resilient systems that support both livelihood and ecology.
Resilient Watershed management & Master Planning
Designing landscapes that heal, engage and adapt.
We craft landscape designs that enhance both the ecological integrity and experiential quality of place. Each project draws upon local materials, nature-based solutions, and the cultural context of the site - creating spaces that are barrier-free, biodiverse and regenerative. Our focus lies in reviving soil and mycelial health, supporting pollinators and frugivores, and restoring ecological functions while celebrating the sensory beauty and productivity of the land.
Our approach integrates hydro-ecological landscape design, where water management, ecological restoration, permaculture, and sustainable land use converge. We work across scales - from site planning and soil-water conservation to the synthesis of scientific and traditional knowledge systems. Projects emphasize climate adaptation, productive landscapes, and biodiversity, framed within a vision of borrowed landscapes that visually and functionally connect to their larger ecosystems.
Through site-based observation, design dialogue and collaboration, we aim to create living landscapes that nurture water security, soil vitality and long-term ecological balance - resilient systems that evolve with time and change.
Landscape Architecture
Architecture
At The Bhu.Van Project studio, our architectural approach is grounded in minimalism, rootedness and sensory engagement. We design spaces that breathe - where light and shadow, texture, material, craft and culture shape the experience of place. Each project seeks to reveal the essence of local materials, celebrating the tactile warmth of stone, brick, wood and earth.
Our process emphasizes resource efficiency, passive comfort and contextual design - creating buildings that belong to their climate and culture. By integrating local art, craft traditions and community knowledge, we create architecture that is both aesthetically refined and ecologically responsible. The outcome is a quiet, timeless architecture that supports life, evokes emotion, and endures change.
We enjoy collaborating with architectural and design institutions to explore how ecology and culture shape the landscapes around us. Through lectures, field studios and hands-on workshops, we invite students and practitioners to slow down, observe and work with natural systems rather than against them. Our recent workshop on Hydro-Ecological Landscape Design is one example of how we bring these ideas to life through encouraging curiosity, care and a deeper connection with the living world.
Academic Engagement
Testimonials
“It was great working with Nikhil. He brings a rare balance of ecological depth and design clarity- he reads the landscape carefully, respects local culture and real-world constraints, and then translates the vision into practical, phase-wise actions that teams can actually implement on ground. He also brings extraordinary attention to detail in the drawings making the design intent unambiguous and execution-ready.”
Mahesh Basavanna, Director, CEO, McD Berls
“Nikhil helped us design our land, Angarike Maala (in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka), so as to make it possible for us to restore and inhabit a once highly degraded piece of land. As an endeavour to set up a 'living lab', where rural citizens, especially youth, come to learn about community-based land use and sustainability, Nikhil Udupa has also facilitated us to live and work in a manner where we co-inhabit the place with local flora and fauna and where a sense of place predominates over that of living in a building. “
A.R Vasavi, Punarchith, https://www.punarchith.org/
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your exceptional work as a space designer. Your remarkable ability to adapt to design concepts and your innovative contributions to architectural themes are truly commendable.
Your consistent punctuality in delivering designs, along with your patience contributes to a harmonious and productive team environment. During the construction of my villa, your creative thought process was greatly admired by myself, my relatives, friends, and family members.
I wish you continued success in all your endeavors, so that more individuals may have the opportunity to experience your unique creativity and passionate contributions.”
Rammohan MN, CEO, Monash Molding Solutions
“Working with Nikhil has been a truly enriching experience. He helped us transform our 12-acre dry farmland on the edge of a reserve forest into a living, sustainable landscape. From the survey to the masterplan, his approach was deeply thoughtful and rooted in ecology. His understanding of water and ecology changed the way our land holds and moves water.
What we appreciated most was his holistic thinking. He guided us toward native species, used local materials, and designed our farm structures to work with the land rather than against it. The mud-block cabin, stone cowshed and erosion-control works all grew out of what the site itself offered.
Nikhil is not just a skilled landscape architect but someone who genuinely cares for the land and its long-term health. We’re grateful for his clarity, sensitivity and commitment, and wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking to build a resilient and meaningful project.”
Raja Bhat, Organic farm owner
“I would like to appreciate Nikhil for his exceptional work on our home project. The design, attention to detail & quality of work were excellent. He listened to all our ideas, gave thoughtful suggestions, and delivered exactly what we were hoping for. Throughout the process, he was professional, reliable, and maintained great communication. We are satisfied with the final design and quality. Great experience working with him.”
Muthuraman R, No 1017, Poornapragna Layout, Uttarahalli, Bangalore