How to Choose a Vastu Architect in Nepal: 10 Questions to Ask

Hiring an architect is one of the biggest decisions in building a home in Nepal, and adding Vastu to the brief raises the stakes. Some practitioners are excellent architects who understand Vastu deeply; others offer Vastu "remedies" with little design behind them. This guide sets out what to check so you can tell the difference.

1. Are they a registered architect?

In Nepal, architects and engineers must be registered with the Nepal Engineering Council (NEC). Ask for the registration number of the architect who will lead your design. Membership of the Society of Nepalese Architects (SONA) is a further sign of professional standing. A Vastu consultant who is not an architect can advise on a design, but should not be the one drawing your structure.

2. Is a structural engineer part of the team?

Nepal is highly earthquake-prone, and every house must be designed to the Nepal National Building Code. Ask who does the structural design and whether they work alongside the architect from the start. A good Vastu architect will tell you plainly that structural safety comes first — and then show you how Vastu fits inside a safe structure.

3. Do they start from your actual site?

Vastu begins with orientation. The architect should measure the plot's true orientation on site with a compass, not guess it from a map, and look at slope, roads, neighbours and surroundings before drawing anything.

4. Is Vastu built into the plan — or added at the end?

Ask to see concept plans with the Vastu zones marked: entrance, kitchen in the south-east, master bedroom in the south-west, puja room in the north-east, a clear centre. Vastu that is planned from the first sketch costs nothing extra. Vastu "corrected" after the plan is fixed usually means compromises or expensive changes.

5. Can they explain the trade-offs honestly?

No real plot is perfect. A good architect will show you where a layout follows Vastu fully and where it compromises, and why. Be wary of anyone who promises a "100% Vastu" house on a narrow, south-facing four-aana plot without explaining how.

6. Do they handle the building permit?

Municipalities such as Kathmandu and Lalitpur process permits through an electronic building permit system, with rules on setbacks, height and coverage — and heritage rules in conservation areas. Your architect should prepare the submission drawings as part of the design, so the approved house is the house you planned.

7. Can you see real, finished work?

Ask for completed projects with plans, not just 3D renders — and, ideally, the chance to speak to a past client. Plans show you how they actually handled orientation and room placement.

8. Will they supervise construction?

Many Vastu decisions are lost on site: a kitchen counter turned the wrong way, a toilet moved into the north-east to save plumbing. Ask whether the architect visits at key construction stages and what those visits cover.

9. Are the fees and deliverables clear?

You should receive a written scope: which drawings, how many design revisions, structural design, permit drawings, supervision visits, and the fee for each stage. Vague quotes lead to disputes later.

10. Can they work remotely if you live abroad?

Many Nepalis build back home while working overseas. If that is you, ask how site visits, approvals and payments will work while you are away, and how often you will receive photos and updates.

Red flags

• Selling gemstones, pyramids, yantras or other products as a substitute for good planning.
• Telling you to demolish a sound house over minor Vastu issues.
• No registered architect or structural engineer on the team.
• Refusing to show plans of past work.
• Guaranteeing wealth, health or luck from a floor plan.

Where we stand

At Vastuveda Designs, we are an architecture and Vastu studio in Chabahil, Kathmandu. We design homes and buildings that follow Vastu from the first sketch, are engineered to the Nepal National Building Code, and go through municipal permits as part of the design. We also supervise construction and work remotely with Nepalis abroad. If you would like a second opinion on a plan you already have, start with our free online Vastu check or book a consultation.