A look at Iris Architects

Since its inception in late 2012, Iris Architects has tremendously grown from its humble beginnings of operating from an SQ in Ngummo Estate with its Founder and Director Aliso Odinyo as the sole staff member to its current office block at 145 Windy Ridge, Karen, with a staff of 4 highly trained Architects, and 2 support staff. The firm prides itself in offering world class architectural consultancy services in the fields of master-planning, architecture, interior design, construction & project management with vast and varied experience in the construction and fit-out industry. In addition to its core competency of general architectural design and facility planning, the firm also provides design services in medical and healthcare facility planning sacral/religious architecture, retail, hospitality and corporate interior fit-outs.

Motivated by a keen sense of social and cultural responsibility, the practice adheres to the highest standards of design and professionalism. According to Director Aliso Odinyo, the practice has extensive experience in design, documentation and contract management of both small and large-scale projects, both in the form of commercial fast-track projects, as well as in the traditional architect-led team structure. The company operates throughout the East African region and is currently undertaking work in Kenya and Uganda.

The abundance of young talent and vibrant staff that is abreast of current and emerging trends in the Architectural profession, combined with use of the latest software has always has ensured customer satisfaction amongst all who have made Iris Architects their preferred choice.

Moreover, IA’s Project Team is qualified with a combined staff experience of over 50 years. The Practice considers itself reliable and serving with integrity. IA has a track record for timely completion, cost savings skills and observing high quality standards.

Due to providing services in certain niche markets, the firm has established collaborations with leading firms in North America. AI’s team of world-class professionals provides service in a seamless manner, taking advantage of the experience of the West and combining with the knowledge that is required to deliver first-class projects in this region.

The Director adds that Iris Architects’ (IA) goal is to be recognized as the benchmark for the specific services that it provides. The Practice recognises that this can only be achieved if they are committed to the highest standards of business integrity.

“We live by our core values and ethical principles and every employee in the firm is expected to share these values and principles,” he said. This sets forth the Firm’s standards for achieving business integrity and its employees are expected to abide by these principles without exception. Everything the firm does is adjudged not only by whether it is legit to do, but also by considering whether it is ethical and fair to colleagues, to the firm and to the public.

Iris Architects’ (IA) design approach is tailored to meet the individual needs of the client and transcends changes in technology and functionality to ensure the spaces remain relevant now and in the future.

Mr. Odinyo mentions that IA incorporates idea sessions that serve as the catalyst for defining the goals and aspirations of each client and user group. “The outcome of this session is a prioritised listing of the functional, operational, aesthetic, and cultural criteria that influences the development of the project,” he adds.

Furthermore, computer techniques are used at all stages of design and form a fundamental part of IA’s service to ensure the efficient and timely provision of consultancy services. IA utilizes the AutoCAD, Revit Architecture and ArchiCAD software systems through a fully networked PC installation to make maximum advantage of the time and quality benefits of IT in Architecture and design. IA has invested in the latest computer hardware and plotting facilities available to facilitate drawing and image reproduction.

The firm implements a comprehensive in-house Quality Management System and checking programme based on international standards, to help track projects and ensure that projects are implemented to the required quality, on time. Projects Iris Architects (IA) prides itself in being a stable of architects and designers specialising in the development and management of bespoke projects as mundane as simple dwelling units, to more detailed medium-size and high-end projects.

Although the firm’s success story was initially anchored on a simple delivery through architecture execution and interior design, IA has gone ahead to cut itself a niche in institutional space programming, healthcare facility planning, hospital architecture medical planning and have had to incorporate highend visualization and VR skills in our project communication delivery.

Tailored for that market savvy client, the IA’s visualisation docket goes further to offer photorealistic renditions, analytic animations complete with voice-overs and a VR walkthrough, end-user feedback and design optimisation before it becomes a reality.

The practice has been involved in a variety of construction projects from small and medium sized projects to large and very complex schemes in both architecture and master planning. The work of the practice ranges from institutional and commercial projects through to industrial and residential scheme.

IA through its principal partners under previous assignments, bring on board a wealth of experience ranging from residential developments, commercial as well as industrial developments; as demonstrated by the selected list of building projects undertaken recently and in hand currently.

Due to IA’s expertise offering, the firm has a long-standing relationship with the Aga Khan University Hospital and AIC Kijabe Hospital as a healthcare facility planner and architect. The firm brings on board skill competencies relevant to the current task based on the delivery on previous projects such as providing: Architecture and ID for the USD 1M Nairobi Leadership Space at the AKU Provosts Office, Park Place Building 2nd Avenue Parklands completed in 2013 and Architecture and ID for the USD 1.5M Vacated Spaces Project the Aga Khan University Hospital completed in 2015.

To highlight some challenges facing the construction sector in the Nairobi Metropolitan Area. Director Aliso Odinyo says that a decade ago, a process of deploying electronic systems to enhance efficiency and transparency was initiated with the support of the World Bank Group. “This electronic construction permitting system was built for Nairobi City and was expected to improve service delivery, ease of doing business and transparency. Sadly, the industry still continues to experience major problems in development control matters main due to the

frequent disruptions caused by system downtimes. As a result, professionals in the industry and property developers are forced to contend with the unnecessary delays due to what has been presented as ‘technical challenges’ to the systems,” he points out.

He further mentions that, much more than designing buildings for whole communities, architects have a greater task. “We are uniquely positioned to improve life on numerous levels for our clients, cities and private individuals. Health, Safety, and Welfare are always at the forefront of our design solutions. Our mantra is that one must exhibit growth. Learn to work hard on yourself. Create initiative to seek for more knowledge on anything you do; be it in technology, software, the construction industry, not forgetting one’s personal life growth trajectory. Improve on your personal skills, improve yourself become an asset to any team you work with,” affirms the Director.

Engineering Design & Consultancy

Engineering Design & Consultancy

Suite 02, 4th Floor , Vision Plaza, Mombasa Road P . O. Box 19721 - 00100 Nairobi, Kenya

Phone: +254 20 2066 927 Mobile: +254 7 E-Mail: mail@ed-cons.com Web: www.ed-cons.com

Suite 02, 4th Floor , Vision Plaza, Mombasa Road P . O. Box 19721 - 00100 Nairobi, KenyaIMAGES OF PROJECTS DONE BY EDCONS K LTD WITH IRIS ARCHITECTS

Phone: +254 20 2066 927 Mobile: +254 7 E-Mail: mail@ed-cons.com Web: www.ed-cons.com

IMAGES OF PROJECTS DONE BY EDCONSK LIMITED WITH IRIS ARAIC KIJABE MISSION HOSPITAL CHITECTS QUEEN OF APOSTLES CHURCH RUARAKA

QUEEN OF APOSTLES CHURCH RUARAKA ACK KERICHO CHURCH

Quality Management