An architectural firm on the way to the top
Innovative Planning and Design Consultants (IPDC), founded by Jatinder Singh Thethy in 2008, is an award winning creative Architectural Studio that has emerged with great gusto on the Kenyan architectural scene. This Studio, with a refreshing determination to make a difference to the Architecture scene across Africa, is rapidly growing its local and International clientele of premier developers through unique project management approaches and pioneering, ground breaking designs.
Five years after it was founded, the firm which also undertakes interior design schemes, has been involved in several of Nairobi’s largest projects with numerous others at proposal and design stages.
To show for all their efforts and superior design skills, to date, IPDC Kenya has consistently won year on year awards at the prestigious International Property Awards ceremony. The first awarded project was One General Mathenge Drive in Nairobi which won under the category of Highly Commended Apartment in the 2011 edition of the Awards.
The development is a mixed dwelling scheme consisting of 20 apartments of which are14 duplex and 6 triplex. The apartments have been described as the epitome of luxury, lavishly featuring every conceivable amenity.
The developer is AMS Properties Ltd. IPDC celebrates once again in 2012, another development award, Trident Grand Riverside, scooping up the award for the Category for Best Residential Development Multiple Units in Kenya. Another award for 2012-2013 is for Five Star Meadows, in the category for Highly Commended for Development of Multiple Units Kenya.
They also took the award for Highly Commended Office Development Kenya for Fortis Towers. They did not stop there; they went on and picked up the award for Highly Commended Residential High Rise Development Kenya for One West Park, one of the many luxury apartment complexes offered by AMS Properties.
Background
The founder of IPDC Jatinder Singh Thethy undertook basic and high school education in Kenya after which he proceeded to the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom. At Nottingham, he studied Architecture, obtaining both Bachelors and Masters degrees in the discipline, with an RIBA and ARB registration. After graduation, he worked for several years in the United Kingdom for one of the top Architectural firms, before returning to Kenya in 2007. He immediately joined Symbion International, which is considered one of the most distinguished architectural firms in the region. During his employment at the firm, he handled projects in Kenya and Rwanda.
Jatinder’s engagement at Symbion was brief and he left the following year to establish his own practice, Innovative Planning and Design Consultants.
Projects
IPDC’s first project was One Riverside Drive, a high end luxury apartment complex in Westlands, Nairobi. The development combines world class architecture with the finest interior design to give residents every conceivable luxury. According to Mr. Simon Ngaruiya, who is in charge of Finance and Administration at IPDC, this project thrust IPDC into the limelight and established the firm on a solid trajectory to greater heights. The client, AMS Properties, was extremely pleased as were industry observers. Indeed, notes Mr. Ngaruiya, the developer was able to sell the apartments off plan based on the indicated designs and finishes.
Subsequent projects by IPDC were also a success. One Riverside Drive was quickly followed by others such as Fortis Tower a cleverly designed and aesthetically pleasing office complex and One West Park, a premier high end residential apartment complex that is sure to take some awards in the near future, selling 80percent off plan.
On the residential front, IPDC was also selected to undertake Fivestar Meadows (see CR June 2013 issue). The development, on Kiambu Road near Nairobi, consists of 116 Spanish-style villas (with an independent DSQ), comprising three and four bedrooms. These have showcased a consistent standard of clever design approaches by IPDC and have also performed extremely well in sales.
Another large scale residential project was Delta Plains near Athi River. This project, developed by Delta Corporation, consisted of 154 three and four bedroom maisonettes in a gated community concept. The estate, completed in 2012, features a water treatment plant and borehole, generator for common areas, gymnasium and a mini shopping centre among others.
Other projects handled by IPDC include up market apartments by Trident Estates and Nairobi Sports House in Nairobi and the brand new Leopard Beach Resort and Spa Residences Scheme on the famous Diani Beach along the Kenyan coast.
The firm has also designed apartments in Kampala, Uganda, and submitted proposals for developments in Rwanda and Burundi.
Competitive Edge
“Impressive designs and superb finishes are some of the elements that set us apart from the others”, says Mr. Ngaruiya, noting that IPDC architects are particularly attentive to detail and engage with the clients, consultants and contractors to ensure smooth implementation of projects.
Staff
Jatinder has put together a dynamic team of talented professionals to pursue groundbreaking designs and planning schemes in Kenya and the rest of the region.
Jatinder himself oversees the architectural/planning side while Sandeep Thethy takes charge of Interior Design. The Interior Design schemes are showcased in the One West Park Development and Kiambu Five Star Meadows. The dynamic pair is backed by a team of 3 registered architects, 2 graduate architects, 7 technicians, 2 interns and support staff.
Challenges
Like any other consultancy, IPDC faces several challenges. “Sometimes”, says Mr. Ngaruiya, “clients request for design proposals and then do not turn up to discuss the implementation of the proposed project”. He says that many claim they are in the process of looking for funds from banks or other sources.
Another challenge is encountered in dealing with contractors. Since the client expects his project to run on time, within budget and in adherence to quality requirements, the architect has to keep contactors on their toes to ensure that this is achieved.
Finally, some clients are unwilling to pay even after services have been rendered. Others want to pay less than what is provided in the fees schedule. Still, other clients pay but do so after huge delays.
“Regardless of these difficulties, we as a firm have to conduct ourselves professionally”, says Mr Ngaruiya. “We cannot abandon a project or compromise on quality”.
Future
According to Mr. Ngaruiya, in the next 5 to10 years, IPDC would like to be considered amongst the top Architectural firms in Africa and with recognition on a global scene through International Awards. Considering what the firm has achieved in the five short years it has been in existence, this does not sound like an unattainable goal. The firm certainly looks set to play a major role in the development of the exciting property scene in Kenya and beyond.
