Wadhal is an architecture studio based in London, creating narrative-led spaces that reconsider design, tradition and culture.

Taking residential and commercial projects from conception to completion, Wadhal collaborates closely with likeminded clients to create spaces shaped by their stories. Though no two projects are the same, they are all grounded in the belief that colliding contexts allow us to create something new.

Wadhal was founded in 2021 by Fahad Malik. Fahad grew up in Islamabad in the ‘90s and moved to London at nine years old. He studied at the Glasgow School of Art before qualifying at The Bartlett School of Architecture.

The places we come from inform who we are. The practice’s name deliberately refers back to heritage; Wadhal is a tribal name found in Mianwali, Namal Lake and the surrounding land in Pakistan where Fahad’s family is from. Its literal meaning translates to an increase, surplus or the notion of exceeding limitations.

Echoing this spirit, Wadhal seeks to push old ideas forward. The studio is particularly interested in taking elements that are often overlooked - and sometimes looked down upon - and reimagining them in unexpected ways. At just five years old, Wadhal was shortlisted for the Manser Medal, featured in the Financial Times, and named by the Architecture Foundation as one of the UK’s best emerging practices.

Recognition
2026 Manser Medal Shortlist
2026 Stepwell House in the FT
2026 Dezeen awards Shortlist
2026 LHC Architecture Design Services 2 Framework
2026 Wade House in RIBA J, AT, AJ, Dezeen & ArchDaily
2026 AF New Architects: Best Emerging Practices in the UK
2025 Lestrange: The Essential List Interview
2023 House & Garden Rising Stars
2022 The Modern House Interview
2021 AF Young Practices Residency

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