At the Lowlands Hotel in Chuka, Arch Kej was meeting a client for a brief.
Thirty minutes later, he arrives at a site to inspect construction works, as another caller reminds him of another scheduled session in Meru later in the day.
“I have to attend to everyone satisfactorily,” Kej says.
With his eye on architectural projects spread across the country and some international ones, the university of Nairobi trained arch still finds time to mentor future architects and advise project owners on emerging trends in architecture as he is very keen on fresh concepts, not dull stuff a lot of people have in their minds.
Arch Kej is an ambitious, creative contemporary architect on a mission to create elegant and sustainable designs for today’s modern world, tailored to specific needs of his clients.
With a youthful but experienced eye, he has been exploring exciting ideas and techniques to ensure every project he touches stands out in the crowd. This is a welcome break from the duplicate house designs that stand across the country, an ugly outcome of shared house drawings that usually disregard most aspects of architecture.
His designing pushes boundaries of the built environment and creates a unique feeling of space and light, to deliver functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces that make optimize available resources and provide a sense of security and comfort.
And that is still not all. Arch Kej is considers sustainability in projects, often exploring new ways of making use of natural elements while still focusing on creating a visually pleasing and comfortable place.
“An Architect is a master builder; an architect leads the team of construction professionals,” says Kej.
Simply put, this is the professional who brings to life your dream house factoring all the factors the make a functional space, with beauty and environmental factors in harmony.
An arch will also understand what is required to actualize the building in terms of materials and how to treat them to ensure everything on the drawing becomes reality.
“Humans need a shelter, organized spaces, “ quips Kirimi whose dream to become a master builder started forming back at Chuka High School on interacting with an older arch who was a member of the school’s Board of management.
“It (architecture) is part of every living organisms, from cowsheds, to fishponds, dog kennels, and poultry houses. Architecture is not just about four walls, sand, cement and ballast. It’s about the feeling, the mood and organization of spaces.
“I have found nothing more fulfilling in my life than architecture, which is the ability to satisfactorily create spaces for clients, solve their user needs, space challenges and the complex balance of functionality, aesthetics and cost engineering.
Approaching projects without and Architect. It’s just like having an operation without a surgeon.”
Why architect
Hiring an architect is a prudent decision that pays dividends in the long run.
An architect is experienced in understanding and developing structures in ways that are grounded in safety and efficiency, while also able to execute a design that’s aesthetically pleasing and customized to the specific needs of the project. An architect can help you understand the complexities of a given project, and can provide guidance in making decisions that will help to hold down costs without compromising your vision. Architects are also invaluable when it comes to helping you select the right materials, colors, and textures and, in general, making sure that the building is made to your exact specifications. Ultimately, an architect will guarantee that your project is a success – you won’t have to worry about a single detail – freeing you up to focus on other concerns.
For Kej, flexibility is also key. “I want to help people, especially young professionals, to put up exciting spaces they can be proud of today and in future,” says Kej.
While architects are associated with very exorbitant prices, Kej takes every project as it comes, with customization playing a role in ensuring costs are brought to affordable levels.
Flat roofs
Some of the signature features that recur in Kej’s designs are pergolas, optimized use of natural light and the flat roof.
A pergola works to provide a sense of balance in an outdoor space, creating a focal point or center of interest. It also helps define areas of the outdoor space, and can be used to provide an overlay of shade, so that those beneath it can enjoy what the outdoors has to offer.
Pergolas can also provide visual interest, as they are often designed with intricate patterns, lattices, and other decorations.
Architects generally prefer flat roofs for a variety of reasons, most of them related to practicality and convenience.
Flat roofs are easier and simpler to construct and require less maintenance than pitched roofs, making them a great option for projects that need to stay within a certain budget.
Flat roofs are also suitable for commercial use, since they can accommodate air conditioning units, extra insulation, and other mechanical systems needed for such projects. Additionally, flat roofs make for better use of the interior space and are better for solar power utilization. Finally, flat roofs give a modern, sleek look to the building, which is often desired in this style of architecture.
And style is key in architecture.
“An architect is the makeup artist of a building, plays the sole role of ensuring balance and visual appeal of building to attract end users, clients, customers and passersby.”
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You need a contemporary architect to realise your housing dream?
Talk to Kej via: 0702617920
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