Studio Partners is an architectural firm based in Nairobi, Kenya. Established 12 years ago, the studio aims at providing integrated consultancy services in building and infrastructure.
Mr. Wachira Njuguna is the firm’s founder and serves as Chairman and Managing Partner. He is assisted by Mr. Babu Sunday who is Head of Design and also manages the firm on a day to day basis. Overall, Studio Partners consists of three architects, two technicians, one intern and two support staff. The firm is registered with the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS) and is a member of the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK).
Services
As one would expect from a highly dynamic practice, Studio Partners provides a comprehensive range of services to clients. These include Project conceptualization and development, Project feasibility studies, Project management , Project finance procurement, Project finance structure and management, Project facilities management and Project management of ownership structures
Projects
The firm has the capacity to handle a variety of projects and therefore does not specialize in any genre. Since its establishment, Studio Partners has handled several projects.
A few of these are: Inception and ongoing supervision of two Office Blocks for Kenya Railways Corporation, Inception supervision and completion of the DoD Recruit Training School, Eldoret, Inception and completion of demountable Bank branches for Barclays Bank PLC, Shujaa.The good life! Mall Nairobi, Proposed Middle income housing at Ruaraka Nairobi, Kenya Institute of Business Training (HQS) Ministry of Trade Industry & Ministry of Roads and Public Works , Co-operative bank branches Karatina, Mombasa, Kericho, Digo branches Mariakani and 24 no. flats along Ngong Road
Of these projects, Studio Partners singles out Kenrail Towers as a particularly challenging project that also gives the firm immense pride.
Challenges
Among the challenges the team has had to encounter are difficult ground conditions, site restrictions and unique design requirements to reflect the client needs.
Vision
Although the firm is currently operating within Kenya, its medium term vision is to have a presence in the greater East Africa region to take advantage of opportunities accruing from increased integration of the East African Community.
The firm is also actively engaged in business development. In this regard, it has diversified to undertake Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) projects as demonstrated in one of its major projects – the Shujaa Mall in the Eastlands suburbs of Nairobi. Studio Partners is also pursuing Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and positioning itself to be a player in project finance and development.
Industry
According to Studio Partners management, the Kenyan construction industry faces several challenges among them lack of strict enforcement of building regulations especially the Building Code. The business climate is still not very conducive for the building industry. They note that mortgages, which have a huge impact on the pace of property development, are still beyond reach of common citizens. In addition Government also needs to do more to provide affordable housing to Kenyans.
On professionalism, they reckon that the country is producing qualified professionals, who strive to do their best by upholding quality standards despite myriad challenges facing them.
