Gilbert Nakure is a professional architectural consultant whose wish is to be part of the bloom of the architectural designs and enhancement of construction skills in Rwanda. It is for this reason that the 30-year-old set up a Kigali-based company, titled GIGARCH Ltd—that deals in multidisciplinary architectural design, engineering, interior design, landscape and urban planning in 2019. “When I was working under other architectural companies as an employee, I always wanted to have control, flexibility, freedom and would challenge myself in the architectural design context. Also, I wanted to create my own architecture brand that would provide innovative and unique design, engineering solutions taking into consideration client requirements to provide a positive impact, there was no better way to do so than to start my own company,” Nakure states. According to the architectural consultant, the firm is able to provide architectural and engineering related consultancy services for a broad range of uses, such as, commercial, residential, recreation, education, health facilities, office and industrial projects with client collaboration, innovative design and engineering solutions as driving forces along with ability to constantly explore and evolve. Most of his customers are mostly people who are building new residential buildings or remodeling their houses, construction companies or contractors, and business developers. For the few years in operation, the youngster notes that what makes him stand out from his competitors is the zeal to learn and try something new, which is why he takes some time off to learn and read about the architectural field to equip himself with more knowledge. This, he says, has empowered him with new ideas and an understanding of innovative, creative and unique design and engineering solutions that make a difference. Throwing some light to the architecture industry, he says that the local industry is writing its own new story as the country is under rapid transformation, since there are new contemporary buildings being raised in Rwanda, which are recognised worldwide. Although he has started enjoying the fruits of his sweat, it is not all rosy for Nakure, as he encounters some challenges. He however, looks at crafting a positive impact to the country’s construction environment, however, to his dismay, he hasn’t got enough opportunities to do so. He also stresses that it is challenging getting new clients and resources to sustain the business but with time, he is optimistic that it will all change as his network broadens. “Another problem I face is keeping up with changing technologies—new technology that is evolving at an exceptional rate can be intimidating. I need to keep updating myself about the new possible computer aided design software, construction materials and construction technology,” Nakure emphasizes. Some of his future plans are to develop designs that will make a positive impact in the country’s built environment, upgrade his architectural designs and construction skills, intensify potential networks of possible future clients and expand his office. Nakure states that people don’t know yet the difference between a structural engineer and an architect, most people refer to them as engineers. For him, there are economic and structural reforms that are redefining the built environment, and in return, are shaping architecture across the country. He says that emphasis should be put on raising awareness of the value of architecture to the general public so as to understand that buildings that are well designed to provide comfort while preserving the environment, and that they should seek qualified professionals to help them. According to him, an architect’s role involves allocating space usage surrounding the building with client’s requirements, providing comfort to the occupancy, maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the building, and finally overseeing the construction. Structural engineers on the other hand, must ensure the building’s safety from technical and structural side (strength and durability), they give more advice on the construction materials and provide the implementation of the actual construction of the building, he adds. Nakure is of the view that some people’s perception is that construction design is simple and quick, which for them deems architecture cheap. According to him, people should understand the value of their investment, and be aware that project designs take time to have better end results. Design is the core of the project’s success—this stage should be given more attention.
