“What Can be Conceived Can be Created”
Introduction
Plence Architects Ltd, Architects and Interior Designers is one of Kenya’s best known architectural studios.
Based in Nairobi, the firm takes a cross–disciplinary approach in it work, resulting in an uncommon level of refinement to its residential and commercial projects thus allowing it to create spaces imbued with warmth and spirit.
“We adore details – we respect budgets and time”, is the studio’s guiding motto.
Plence designs to suit the client’s taste and lifestyle. The firm aims at creating living and working spaces that are both pragmatic and beautiful.
The studio says that its secret is listening to its clients and is guided by Architect Piere Sartogo’s famous saying: “What can be conceived can be created”.
Background
Plence Architects Ltd was founded in 1992 by Architect Pete Muraya as Plence International.
In 2005, the firm changed to Plence Architects Limited to more succinctly reflect its services and to align its brand with the vision of the firm’s founder and Managing Principal.
From a modest beginning with three people and a skeleton facility, Plence has grown to a staff of 20 and enjoys an office with state of the art equipment, software and other resources.
Upon inception the Firm embarked on a series of projects leading to a build up of a vast array of projects for individual and corporate investors covering small, medium to large scale sizes. The firm has over the years contributed significantly to the overall stock of the local built environment.
The international venture was mainly based on work within the Eastern Africa region with experiences in neighbouring Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia.
Eventually, due to the increased demand in the domestic market, focus was concentrated in Kenya.
In the late 1990s the firm completed notable projects such as Bandari Plaza, the ultra modern office cum shopping mall in Westlands for the Kenya Ports Authority Pensions Scheme. The new extension and modernisation of the Utalii Hotel was also completed under the firm’s supervision.
Plence Architects has accomplished many projects in collaboration with one of the leading property development companies in Kenya, the Suraya Property Group. Under this arrangement, the firm has achieved an impressive portfolio including the recently completed Rosslyn Heights Estate and the enjoining Rosslyn Gardens Estate, both gated communities based on the Suraya’s guiding principle of Work, Live and Play.
Human Resources
Plence is a limited liability company bringing on board three directors – Architect Pete Muraya (CEO), Architect Sam Mongare (Administrative) and Architect Nicholas Owour (Technical). The firm operates under a structured system with a Company Board comprising directors, Registered Architects and technicians.
The company’s strategy is to enable each member of staff to grow steadily into a position of company directorship and ownership, with the eventual vision to become a blue chip enterprise. Presently, the firm has a total staff of thirty staff comprising five Registered Architects, two Graduate Architects, two Technicians, and a number of support staff.
For a detailed look at Plence Architects Ltd’s portfolio of projects and competencies, please visit www.suraya.co.ke
