Many people aspire to achieve greatness early in their lives, and as Friedrich Nietzsche insightfully remarked, “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how,”, only few succeed in their quest. The path to early success is greatly influenced by our ambition, shaped by our purpose and how we navigate the challenges that come our way.
As for Victor Ndungu Mungai, the founder and proprietor of Ridadi Designers and Contractors, he knew right from a young age that construction was his calling, as he enjoyed everything in the profession, right from accompanying his parents to construction sites to learning about architectural design and building techniques.
The 27-year-old CEO who is the brains behind the Ruiru-based company has handled some of the biggest constructions projects in the country. With a background in interior design and architecture, the Nairobi Institute of Technology alumni began his company in 2017 at only 21 years, aiming to bridge the gap in contemporary house designs in Kenya.
Photo: Courtesy
WoK interviewed the architect to discuss his career development over the past two years, highlighting his successes and insights gained along the way.
Here is our conversation with him:
When was the moment you decided to be an Architect?
I decided to be an architect because of my passion for the job, and I was also inspired by my family who have a background in construction.
You have previously said that you began working in other people’s companies. What pushed you to open your own company, especially at a young age?
I started my own company because I wanted to implement my own designs. Working for another person can be restrictive and I wanted to design spaces for myself.
Two years ago, you said that Ridadi Designers and Contractors was looking to grow into an major player in the industry, how has the journey been towards achieving your goal?
We have seen tremendous growth as a company, we have done so many projects and have had many clients. We even have more employees now and have made a name for ourselves in the industry.
What has been your biggest project so far? What were some challenges you faced during that project?
Some of our biggest projects have been designing and building mansionettes for some of our clients. Some of the challenges have been unfavorable weather, especially the rainy weather.
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In the rainy season, our projects are affected greatly. Another challenge is trouble sourcing for materials from reliable suppliers.
How would you say the designing market in Kenya has changed in terms of people embracing the industry? What can you say has contributed to these changes?
Kenyans have embraced modernity, many projects these days have many modern features. A good example is the flatroof design on many buildings nowadays. Flatroofs have become popular because they offer multiple uses for rooftops, like in clubs where sitting areas are put up on the roof.
Other modern features we have seen taking over are the use of lifts in buildings and open floor plans in apartments. Many apartments have open plan kitchens these days.
What kind of questions do you ask before beginning a project? What kind of information do you look for ?
I usually ask about the client’s design and how they would want the project to be, so that I can use my skill to improve the design and give it a modern look.
What would you tell people who are still hesitant about seeking the services of an architect on their construction projects?
I would tell them to embrace professionalism because we have the knowledge to implement the design with the right skill and materials. Without our skills, they may end up spending more on materials and construction on their preferred design, which would not be the case if professionals were invoved.
What part about being an architect is the most fulfilling for you?
Seeing the client happy, and of course seeing my design come to life.
What advice do you wish you had been given when you started in architecture?
I wish I was told to expose myself more in the industry, maybe to visit to other countries and see what they are doing out there in the architectural world. Exposure is very important in this business.
Photo: Courtesy
