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Top Architects in Kenya

A quick overview of the best architects in Kenya.

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A 3D house plan. PHOTO | COURTESY

Architectural firms play an important role in shaping a country’s built environment.

The Kenya we know today was planned by thousands of architects, who then passed their ideas on to building contractors, who then executed the envisioned buildings.

Here is a listing of the best architects in Kenya.

S. K. Archplans

Established in 1978 by architect Stanley Kebathi, S.K. Archplans is one of the top architectural firms in Kenya. The company has operations in Kenya, Southern Sudan, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi.

S.K. Archplans, a member of the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) and the Association of East and Southern Africa Consultant Organization (AESACOI) has over the years completed projects in residential, retail, education, hospitality, industrial, and healthcare.

Planning Systems Services

The history of Planning Systems Services Ltd dates back to 1978, following the signing of a partnership between Jim Archer and Trevor Andrews, who opened a small office in the industrial area of Nairobi.

Over the years, the company has grown into one of the leading architecture firms in Nairobi and Kenya in general, with track records of competence in design and project implementation.

In August 1993, Planning Systems Services opened an interior design consultancy, Planning Interiors Ltd., which is now a wholly independent and highly successful business.

TRIAD Architects

Based at 83 Muthaiga Road, Nairobi, TRIAD Architects & Planners is one of the top architectural firms in Kenya and is highly regarded as a leader in architecture, interior design, and project management.

Founded in 1963 by Amyas Connell and Graham McCullough, TRIAD Architects & Planners has played a major role in the development of Kenya’s modern architectural heritage.

Both architects were stars in their fields.

Amyas, who came to East Africa in 1946, designed the iconic Parliament Building in Nairobi and the Aga Khan Hospital, for which he earned an RIBA Gold Medal.

On the other hand, Graham, a founder member of AAK, designed the first safari lodges, which included the Ark, Keekorok and Samburu Lodges.

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TRIAD Architects & Planners designed Corner House and Times Tower, both imposing structures on the Nairobi skyline.

Symbion Group

With more than 35 years of experience, Symbion Group is an award-winning architectural firm that specialises in architectural design, urban planning, interior design, and project management.

The company’s portfolio includes some of the most iconic buildings in the region, including the Kampala Serena Hotel, Sheheena Marina apartments in Mombasa, and Villa Rosa Kempinski hotel in Nairobi.

Symbion International has also ventured outside East Africa and is the architectural firm behind the iconic British Council offices in Gaborone, Botswana.

Mutiso Menezes International

Established in 1974, Mutiso Menezes International is one of Kenya’s top architectural firms, based in Westlands, Nairobi. The company specialises in architectural work, project management, and interior design consulting.

Over the years, MMI has executed many projects across the East African region, ranging from commercial, office, educational, residential, and civil works.

The company worked on the original United Nations Headquarters in Gigiri, Nairobi.

Beglin Woods Architects

Founded in 1991 as a merger between two one-man bands, David Beglin and Simon Woods, Beglin Woods Architects is one of the best architects in Kenya, with vast experience operating across East Africa.

David and Simon had practiced individually in Kenya for more than 15 years before the merger, which puts the combined age of Beglin Woods Architects at more than 40 years.

The company’s portfolio includes Nairobi Hospital, Sankara Hotel, the United Nations Headquarters, the German Embassy, and the Volkswagen and Toyota Headquarters in Nairobi.

BAA Architects

Established in 1999, BAA Architects offers architectural design, project management, and related consulting services for commercial projects, shopping malls, hotels, and residential projects.

The company, which is based in Nairobi with operations across East Africa, takes pride in its wide experience in the design, documentation, and contract management of large-scale projects.

Danson Kagai is a skilled architect with a degree from the University of Nairobi. He has a wealth of experience in covering mega projects in Kenya, and is passionate about the built environment.