About roots | Studio Roots India

OUR
PHILOSOPHY

‘STUDIO roots’ is a 20 year old boutique design practice known for its experiments in Spatial Design through Landscape Architecture. It has been seeking contemporary expressions in Landscape Architecture through application of principles of basic design while being influenced by theories of cubism and minimalism while being rooted in the tropical country.

(Their creative endeavors resonate with the works of LeCorbusier, Barragan, R. Burle Marx, Geoffrey Bawa, Charles Correa, etc., )

With a notion to create exclusive spatial experiences through the art of sculpting nature, the firm has been doing credible works within the Indian Context.

Established in the year 2002, the team is led by founding Principal Ar Umesh Wakaley and joined by Ar Prachi Wakaley.

Both are Landscape Architects graduated from CEPT, Ahmedabad.

Their work has been acknowledged with various National and International Awards, and published in various reputed magazines.

Ar Umesh Wakaley

Founder & Principal Architect

Umesh is the founding partner & Principal designer is a post-graduate alumnus of CEPT, Ahmedabad with an M. Arch (Landscape) 1999 Batch and a Graduate (B. Arch), Amravati University 1997 Batch University Topper.

He established ROOTS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS in Pune, primarily a landscape design firm in 2002, with a notion to contribute holistic work in the field of architecture and landscape design.

With a flair for sketching & interest in Graphic Design, his works have been aptly noticed & appreciated by the like-minded.

With an urge to understand the subject of Product Design & its connection with the art of Landscape in his works now strives to refine external design detailing, designing of artefacts, etc.,

Ar Prachi Wakaley

Partner

Prachi Wakaley is a Landscape Architect and Partner at STUDIO roots, a Pune-based landscape design consultancy with over 22 years of practice and projects across India.

A graduate of IES College of Architecture, Mumbai, and CEPT University, Ahmedabad, she further specialized in Natural Resource Management at the Ecological Society, Pune.

Her work bridges landscape architecture, ecology, and community engagement. A core volunteer with Jeevitnadi – Living River Foundation since 2017, she has contributed to award-winning riverfront initiatives and public art projects.

Prachi also served as Honorary Secretary and Chairperson of ISOLA Maharashtra and is a Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Scholar at IIM Bangalore.

Ar Varada Bezalwar

Senior Landscape Architect

Varada Bezalwar is an Associate Landscape Architect at Studio Roots, Pune. She graduated as an Architect from Mumbai University in 2010 and pursued her Master’s in Landscape Architecture from BNCA, Pune in 2014.

With 10+ years at STUDIO roots, & her ability to approach every design with a fresh perspective, she continues to contribute meaningfully to the Studio’s growth.

For her, Roots is more than a workplace; it is a space that gives her the freedom to think, express, experiment and simply be herself; a sense of belonging that has kept her connected to the practice for over a decade.

LA Varada Bezalwar

Senior Landscape Architect

With 10+ years at STUDIO roots, & her ability to approach every design with a fresh perspective, she continues to contribute meaningfully to the Studio’s growth.