By Uddi Benkiff Awinda
A first glimpse into AleemManji’s studio on General Mathenge Rd in Nairobi’s haut-de-gamme neighbourhood of Westlands paints a picture of a man in love with his job, and rightly so. You seldom come across architects whose designs are in frame with their character, but as CR found out, it is possible to fuse great design and great service. Even more surprising was the fact that this young architectural firm has been in the trade for only three years.
Background
Having previously worked for five years at Studio Infinity Architects, Aleem decided to go it alone in 2010, setting up shop with a team that he praises highly. The move to create his own practice came a few years after graduating from the University of Nairobi with a degree in Architecture.
Besides Aleem himself, who is the design architect at AMA, the other staff consists of two project architects and four assistant project architects.
Core Values
According to Aleem, every design is an ‘envelope for space’; for any architectural piece to be successful in terms of creativity, logic and the associated cost, its design should be driven by the uniqueness and primary of space.”
He believes that space is the most defining parameter in the outcome of any design and from this understanding the client’s needs and wants can be reconciled. Each architectural piece is also as dynamic as the artist who crafted it, making it a very expressive profession. Aleem’s other philosophies are Inimitability of Design and Creativity of Expression.
Services Offered
AMA-Kenya primarily operates within Nairobi and its environs, although it has projects outside the city in areas such as Mombasa, Maasai Mara, and as far away as Daadab in Northern Kenya.
The firm provides outline and final drawings, detail drawings and supervision of works.It has projects ranging from residential apartments to town houses, humanitarian works, hospitality and commercial interiors.
Design Portfolio
AMA boasts an impressive collection of projects, both completed and ongoing, with an estimated value of about Ksh3.75 billion. It has captured quite a good portion of the apartment market in Westlands and Parklands, with some of its biggest developments falling in this segment. These include:
CRYSTAL EDGE
This is a residential development along General Mathenge Rd, Westlands consisting of 9 duplexes, each with 4 bedrooms and breathtaking panoramic views. Each duplex also comes fully fitted with an elevator and a spiral staircase.
Three stand-alone structures house the 9 duplexes, and these are connected at the top by walk-bridges running across, thus adding to the creative edge of the development. The finishing is also tastefully done and comprises, among others, mahogany and marble. Recreational facilities, including a swimming pool and a lounge are also provided, completing the living experience for residents.
OSHWAL PARK
Located along 1st Avenue, Parklands, this will be another major addition to AMA’s portfolio once completed. It is envisioned to comprise 240 units of 3 bedroom apartments, pending Council approvals, with an estimated built-up value of over Ksh1 billion.
The firm has also designed projects for various uses including:
1. Town houses in Kyuna and Spring Valley, Nairobi.
2. A retail complex in Karen comprising shops, cafes, banks and a terrace at the top.
3. Humanitarian projects in Daadab for the UNHCR and the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) involving the design of dormitories, Police barracks and administration offices.
4. Apartment schemes on General Mathenge, including Eastfield and White Oak
5. Apartment schemes on 2nd Parklands, including SouthCote, Cedarwood and Fourcast
Cascades Apartments on School Lane
6. Interior Projects such as Aqua Blu Lounge, Headquarters for Chandarana Supermarkets and GA Insurance
Professional Associations and Memberships
AleemManji is a registered architect with the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) and the Board of registered Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS).
AMA and the Kenyan Industry
Aleem acknowledges that his is still a young firm in the industry with plenty of heights to scale. In the future, AMA may expand the scope of its operations and might venture into the greater East African region. Right now, the firm has its work cut out as new projects keep flowing in mainly from the Nairobi region.
He says the industry has made great strides in terms of professionalism, remuneration and ability to attract investment. However, he feels that management training for projects should be looked at as this is something many architects lack.
Inspiration
Aleem says that his inspiration for design comes from within, adding that he is not easily influenced by external factors for creativity. He however cites Richard Meier as an architect whose work he admires.
Apart from spending time with his family when free, he is also a host on East FM’sBreakfast Show.