From Farms to Plots: Are We Building Away Our Food Security?
As Kenya continues to grow, one question deserves more attention: what happens when the farms that feed us slowly become plots for development?
From tea plantations to potato farms and grazing fields, the countryside is changing. We need homes, businesses and infrastructure, but we also need productive land and food on our tables.
Are we planning for growth, or building away our food security one plot at a time?
10 Things Every Property Developer Should Know Before and During Construction
Building property is a major investment, and protecting that investment starts long before construction begins. From understanding your site and working with qualified professionals to controlling costs and monitoring quality, every decision can affect the success of your project. Here are 10 important things every property developer should know before and during construction.
Baby-proofing a home: How thoughtful architecture protects little Babies
A safe home starts with thoughtful design. From child-safe staircases and secure windows to slip-resistant flooring and family-friendly layouts, baby-proofing your home begins long before construction is complete. Discover how thoughtful architecture can help protect babies and toddlers, prevent common household accidents, and create a safe, comfortable environment where your little ones can explore and grow. Read our article to learn practical home design and baby-proofing tips for a safer, more family-friendly home.
How Poor Drainage Can Affect the Structural Integrity of a Building
Poor drainage may seem like a minor site issue, but uncontrolled water can gradually affect the soil, foundation, and structural elements of a building. From foundation settlement and soil erosion to dampness, reinforcement corrosion, and flooding, water-related problems can become costly when ignored. Discover how proper drainage planning and maintenance can protect your building and improve its long-term durability.
How Cost Planning Determines the Success of Your Construction Project
A beautiful design and a capable contractor are important, but without proper cost planning, even a well-designed construction project can run into unexpected financial challenges. Cost planning helps you understand the true cost of your project, make informed design decisions and keep spending under control from the early design stages through construction.
Read the full article to understand why cost planning should start before construction and how a Quantity Surveyor can help keep your project financially on track.
An Architect Does More Than Draw: Why Architectural Drawings Are Only the Tip of the Iceberg
When you ask an architect, “How much do you charge for the drawings?” you may be looking at only a small part of what you are actually paying for.
In Kenya, architectural drawings are often seen as the main product of an architect’s work. But before the first line is drawn, a lot is happening behind the scenes: site analysis, space planning, client needs, functionality, natural lighting, ventilation, privacy, budget considerations, building regulations, and coordination with other professionals.
A beautiful floor plan is not enough if the house is difficult to use, poorly ventilated, or too expensive to build.
So, what are you really paying an architect for?
In this article, we explore the value of architectural design, what happens before and after the drawings are produced, and why good architecture is about much more than putting rooms on paper.
Because the drawing is what you see. The design thinking is everything underneath it.