A project that embodies balance, charisma, elegance, simplicity and symmetry.
OPULENCE
An affordable luxury project in Accra, Ghana that contributes to the rising need for housing in the country.
H.R.E.C
The Homeless Recovery and Empowerment Center will help get homeless people back into society.
NEW HAMP. MERC.
A Mixed-Use urban building with a Row of town Homes, integrated into the Lawrence downtown fabric.
39 51
PARAMETRIC DESIGN WORK OUTSIDE ARCH
Use of parametric design software like grasshopper and Rhino to create unique designs that represent Kansas.
LaMaison Kc and Alpha Couture are projects outside of architecture that I am excited to showcase.
Personal Statement
I spent majority of my life growing up in Ghana and traveling the world. With a foundation built on a lifetime of cultural exploration and world travel, my approach to design is deeply rooted in a respect for diversity, history, and unique perspectives. Each place I’ve visited has enriched my understanding of how spaces influence human experience and shape connections. My designs are a blend of cultural nuance, modern functionality, and authentic storytelling.
I strive to create spaces that reflect the vibrant tapestry of global influences, drawing inspiration from the distinct textures, colors, and architectural traditions I’ve encountered worldwide. Every project is a new opportunity to weave a narrative that is both globally inspired and locally relevant, resulting in spaces that are inviting, meaningful, and enriched by the beauty of diversity.
Through this portfolio, I aim to showcase not only my technical skills but also the unique vision that guides my work. Each design reflects my commitment to creativity that transcends borders, inviting others to experience the world in ways that are inspiring, impactful, and enduring.
SKILLS EDUCATION
Alpha Beta
2013 - 2018
Class of 2018 Valedictorian. Graduated with both an International general cetificate of secondary education and an Advanced Level Diploma (Cambridge).
Revit Floor plans, Elevations, Sections, Detailing etc.
2019 - 2026
University of Kansas Currently enrolled in the Masters of Architecture program and have completed a minor in business.
EXPERIENCE
Fabarchcon Consult
Summer 2017
Combined Architects
2018- 2019
Wood Shop Assistant
2020 - Date
Design Camp Cordinator
Summer 2022
Alpha Couture
2016 - Date
Interned at Fabarchcon Consult, Accra, Ghana were I learned how to use Auto CAD and Revit. I also participated in daily site duties with other employees of the firm.
Interned at Combined Architects in Accra, Ghana were I served as an apprentice to the principal architect working on a project at the Kotoka International airport.
Currently working at the University of Kansas’ wood shops, CNC lab, Laser lab and warehouse were I supervise students daily use of heavy machinery.
Mentored students at the University of Kansas school of Architecture and Design annual design camp. I also assisted faculty in hands on workshops for the students.
Co-founder of a fashion brand that gained international recognition over the years. More info can be found on these links: 1 and 2
Sketch-Up/ LayOut Mass Modeling.
Rhino and GrassHopper Mass Modeling, Parametric Design.
Microsoft Office Word, Excell, PowerPoint, Access
ACHIEVEMENTS
IGCSE A-Level
International General Certificate of Secondary Examination (Cambridge)
2014-2016
Advanced Level Cetificate (Cambridge)
2016- 2018 2022
KU BlockChain Society
Member of the University of kansas Block-Chain Society
National team Recruited to play for my home country’s basketball team in a global tournament in Lithuania.
2022
QUADRA
By Nana Amfo Sackey and Juniper Tangpuz
LOCATION:
3813 Greenway Dr. Lawrence, KS, 66046 United States
LOCATION:
3813 Greenway Dr. Lawrence, KS, 66046 United States
ELEGANCE
SIMPLICITY
DESIGNING FOR EAST-HILLS
The Quadra is an embodiment of balance, symmetry, simplicity and elegance. This project represents flexibility and convenience. Each square is an individual unit that can to repositioned depending on what the user needs.
KIT-OF-PARTS
We broke down each category into a kit-of-parts, making construction and organization very easy. The stairs was broken down into individual units and was constructed in phases.
PROJECT GOAL
To create top floor access to the wood shop toolshed, that will be home to 3d printers and serve as an office to student workers. Our goal was to create a design inspired by architectural structures that tied our off-campus warehouse to our main campus.
STAIRS AXONOMETRIC
ORIGINAL STRUCTURE
The original structure was 9ft in height and spanned 9ft. The original roof was taken apart and replaced with beams to support flooring prior to our construction.
PHASE 1: TOP FLOOR ACCESS
Phase one involved stair case design and construction. Moveable stairs were selected because our goal was to create a flexible structure that catered to user demands.
WEST ELEVATION
PHASE 2: THE SQUARE
The whole design was based on one rule. The rule of the kit-of-parts. We broke down The Quadra into smaller squares and broke those squares down into individual components.
THE UNIT
After a group of 3 squares are assembled, they are attached together to create a unit.
Square kit-of-parts
The middle cross within the square is cut at its mid point to create a wedge to keep it tight and help supoort the diagonals.
The diagonal are cut at a 45° angle at the ends which allow them to fit smoothly into each rectangle. They are arranged in an intentional order to create a unique pattern on the facade.
STAIR STRINGERS FLOOR DECK INSTALLATION
UNIT 1 INSTALLATION
WEDGE SYSTEM FOR UNIT
Non-Academic Project: Summer 2024
OPULENCE
By Nana Amfo Sackey
Location:
Abelemkpe, Accra, 00233
Ghana
ABOUT
The Opulence project is an affordable luxury housing projects in Accra, Ghana. It consists of 1 duplex and 1 single unit both containing three levels.
AFFORDABLE HOW?
The use of locally sourced materials such as bamboo, clay bricks, and stone during construction instead of importing materials can significantly reduce cost. Ghana has abundant natural resources that are durable, eco-friendly, and well-suited to the tropical climate.
Energy efficiency was important to me during the design process. Incorporating passive design features as little as natural ventilation systems reduces long term-term utility cost, making homeownership more affordable in the long run.
DESIGN INCLUSIVE
This duplex and single unit in Ghana offers an intriguing blend of modern architectural design and cultural influences. It features contemporary layouts with open-concept living spaces, large windows for natural light, and balconies that provide views of the vibrant cityscape or lush greenery. In a country known for its tropical climate, Opulence was designed to maximize ventilation, keeping the home cool without heavy reliance on air conditioning, keeping our energy costs low.
Additionally, Ghanaian homes are typically gated for security reasons and privacy. Opulence offers its residents a sense of security and luxury. These homes reflect the growing demand for middle to upper-class housing in a rapidly developing real estate market.
The project is currently being marketed to investors who are looking to break into the Ghanaian real estate market.
SITE PLAN
The site is a 70’ x 115’ rectangle on flat land. I wanted to create a plan that allowed for easy access to the single unit as well as the duplex. The single unit is located behind the duplex with a drive way leading to it. The duplex is the main facade of the complex and represents Opulence and its elegance.
SECOND FLOOR
THIRD FLOOR
HOMELESS RECOVERY AND EMPOWERMENT
By Nana Amfo Sackey
Academic
Project: Fall 2024
Kansas City, MO, 64111
EMPOWERMENT CENTER
DESIGN INTENT
A thoughtfully designed space that aims to provide a safe, dignified, and supportive environment for individuals experiencing homelessness. The building’s primary purpose is to foster healing, growth, and self-sufficiency, offering a holistic range of services that address both immediate needs and long-term goals.
Site Context
The site is surrounded by businesses and residential neighborhoods.
Main Street
Linwood Blvd
The design of the center is rooted in principles of compassion, resilience, and community integration. It will incorporate welcoming aesthetics, trauma-informed spaces, and functional programming to promote a sense of belonging and self-worth. This includes, Therapeutic Spaces, Resource Hubs, Health and Wellness, Residential Accomodations, Community Engagement and Integration.
CODE ANALYSIS
Building Type - IV (HT) Street
OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION
A-2 (Restaurants/ Taverns and Bars)
F-1 (Beverages over 16% Alcohol)
H-3 (Combustible Liquid (Alcohol))
B (Business Group)
R-2 (Permanent Residents)
1 Bedroom layout
This layout will house individuals who need more privacy. There are shared spaces available to foster community enagement on floors with one bedrooms.
2 Bedroom layout
This layout will house assigned roomates by management. Especially for people who need companions at all times to help them get back into society.
Laundry
Wall Section
The wall section proposal includes running H.V.A.C and Piping underneath the mass timber wooden floor on the ground floor.
View into Courtyard
THE NEW HAMPSHIRE MERCANTILE AND ROW
By Nana Amfo Sackey
Academic Project: Fall 2025
ON RHODE ISLAND
DESIGN INTENT
A lively, transparent New Hampshire storefront back into the urban fabric while growing a unique townhome grain along Rhode Island that captures and introduces gardens to the neighborhood. At the corner, a clearly expressed volume marks the address; along the block, multi-bay retail with tall display windows, and a legible sign band restores the cadence of downtown. Above, three levels of housing step back to respect the street wall and light the avenue with subtle glass balconies—a contemporary expression grounded in brick, with use of CLT glulam in the interiors.
View From Rhode Island
Ground Floor Plan
SUSTAINABILITY AND EVIDENCE-BASED DESIGN FEATURES
Building that prioritizes restoration, comfort, and sustainability, using EBD research.
Biophilic Interiors (CLT + Glulam)
Daylighting + Nature Views
Roof Terraces + Native Landscaping
Cross Ventilation In Corner Units
Acoustic Wellness (CLT with Acoustic insulation Topping) Native Landscaping
Views to greenery from each unit.
Wardrobe
2 bd 2 bth 900sf
Studio 720sf
1 bd 1 bth w/ den 784sf
Second Floor Plan
ParametricBRICKWALL
Academic Project: Fall 2023
Location:
3813 Greenway Dr Lawrence, Ks, 66046
United States
CONCEPT STATEMENT
The Radiance wall is an expression of a sunflower field as its guided by the radiance of the sun. The sun is the giver of life and the relationship between the sunflower and the sun embodies everything that is the meaning of life. With the help of parametric software, we used attractor points to emulate this very accord and etched it inside a brick wallthe bricks representing each cell that makes up life.
Radiance Wall
CONCEPT STATEMENT
The Pirouette wall unfolds as a visual representation of the rhythmic harmony of a field of sunflowers. Using parametric software, the spiralling pirouette was made with inspiration from the fibonacci spiral of the sunflower’s disk florets. The blooming ray florets, or petals, are represented through the use of color on the outer edges.
Pirouette Wall
RADIANCE WALL DESIGN CONCEPT
Our design arrangement system for this project revoles around creating a visually stricking and dynamic brick wall that features a captivating ripple effect achieved through the strategic rotation of individual bricks. The key elements of our design arrangement system include; Rotational placement, Gradual transition, and Pattern and Symmetry.
GrassHopper Script
Use of attractor points for create motion and fluidity on the facade of the wall.
MATERIAL SCHEDULE
King Bricks | Count : 388
Nuts | Count: 898
Washers | Count: 896
Long Angles | Count: 6
Short Angles | Count: 12
Cross-member Metal Plate | Count: 6
Tie Bar | Count: 2
Top & Bottom Plate | Count: 26
Threaded Rods | Count: 26
The assemply process is a simple one. Once the individual parts are produced, slide the 6’ long finished rods through the tie bar and attatch them to the cross members via nuts and washers.
Two nuts and one washer directly above cross member. 2 1/8” from top of rod to top of cross member plate
Nut directly below cross member
Nut and washer directly above and below tie bar.
EXAMPLE OF COURSE ARRANGEMENT
02 Plan - Course 7 1” = 1’
PIROUETTE WALL DESIGN CONCEPT
The inception of the pirouette wall was rooted in the captivating forms of sunflowers and honeycomb structures. The initial spark emerged from an exploration of the intricate radial patterns inherent in both these natural elements, with a particular focus on the delicate yet robust design of sunflower petals. Throughout a series of tests and design concepts, a singular idea consistently stood out: the allure of radiality.
MATERIAL SCHEDULE
King Bricks | Count : 390
Nuts | Count: 83
Washers | Count: 32
Long Angles | Count: 6
Short Angles | Count: 12
Cross-member Metal Plate | Count: 6
Tie Bar | Count: 2
Top & Bottom Plate | Count: 26
Threaded Rods | Count: 13
Slide the 6’ long finished rods through the tie bar and attach them to the cross members via nuts and washers.
Two nuts and one washer directly above cross member. 2 1/8” from top of rod to top of cross member plate
1/8”
1/4”
Nut directly below cross member
Nut and washer directly above and below tie bar.
BRICK ROTATION
2 3/4”
Nut and washer directly above and below tie bar.
7.6° Rotation
DESIGN TEAM: ARCH 509
FALL 2023
Nana Amfo Sackey
Finn Anderson
Elizabeth Frohwein
Khizer Hussian
Marty Levendusky
Paul Masoner
Andrew Seitz
Kennedy Williams
WORK OUTSIDE ARCHITECTURE
Alpha Couture (Fashion)
LaMaison KC (Night Life Creation Experience)
ALPHA COUTURE
ABOUT
Alpha Couture, popularly known as Alpha Gang was started by my 3 brothers and I in 2016. Our goal is to infuse our Ghanaian heritage and culture into everyday wear while adding a twist of modern fashion styles.
The brand has continued to elevate and gained traction over the years. Designs are made by myself and three brothers each season. Annual fashion shows are held by us to showcase our pieces.
Model wearing Alpha Couture Summer ‘24 look at Alpha Couture Runway
Earthy tone inspired by Ghanaian Farm Lands
Model wearing Alpha Couture Summer ‘24 look at Alpha Couture Runway
Forest Green inspired by Ghanaian Tropical Forest
Model wearing Alpha Couture Summer ‘24 look at Alpha Couture Runway
Traditional Ghanaian Kente Cloth
Model wearing Alpha Couture Summer ‘24 look at Alpha Couture Runway
Baby Collection Inspired by Motherhood
Model wearing Alpha Couture Summer ‘24 look at Alpha Couture Runway
Traditional Casual Wear inspired
LAMAISON KC
by
Use of dimmed blue lights to create a calm ambience at the venue space. The candles also create a sense of ancient times which gives a nostalgic feeling to our guests for the evening. The plants and smoke take our guests to the tropics of West Africa while creating the feeliing of being in an urban jungle.
ABOUT
LaMaison KC, is a creative hub responsible for formulating different night life experiences for the Kansas City district. We develop interior spaces and ambiences to improve user experiences. Our goal is to better the night life experiences for people and introduce something new everytime.
Summer ‘24 LaMaison Summer Sensational Event
Photography, Lighting & Event Curation
Alpha Couture
This events goal was to capture culture and peoples experiences in an oasis of dark tones. Blue, Red and Purple were selected lighting colors to achieve the goal. Each photogrph tells a unique story of the persons experience. Lighting plays a very important role and we aim to use it to our full advantage.
Fall ‘24 LaMaison Kali TakeOver Event
EDUCATION
Alpha Beta
2013 - 2018
Class of 2018 Valedictorian. Graduated with both an International general cetificate of secondary education and an Advanced Level Diploma (Cambridge).
Revit Floor plans, Elevations, Sections, Detailing etc.
2019 - 2026
University of Kansas Currently enrolled in the Masters of Architecture program and have completed a minor in business.
EXPERIENCE
Fabarchcon Consult
Summer 2017
Combined Architects
2018- 2019
Wood Shop Assistant
2020 - Date
Design Camp Cordinator
Summer 2022
Alpha Couture
2016 - Date
Interned at Fabarchcon Consult, Accra, Ghana were I learned how to use Auto CAD and Revit. I also participated in daily site duties with other employees of the firm.
Interned at Combined Architects in Accra, Ghana were I served as an apprentice to the principal architect working on a project at the Kotoka International airport.
Currently working at the University of Kansas’ wood shops, CNC lab, Laser lab and warehouse were I supervise students daily use of heavy machinery.
Mentored students at the University of Kansas school of Architecture and Design annual design camp. I also assisted faculty in hands on workshops for the students.
Co-founder of a fashion brand that gained international recognition over the years. More info can be found on these links: 1 and 2
Sketch-Up/ LayOut Mass Modeling.
Rhino and GrassHopper Mass Modeling, Parametric Design.
Microsoft Office Word, Excell, PowerPoint, Access
ACHIEVEMENTS
2014-2016
IGCSE A-Level KU BlockChain Society
2016- 2018 2022
International General Certificate of Secondary Examination (Cambridge)
Advanced Level Cetificate (Cambridge)
Member of the University of kansas Block-Chain Society
National team Recruited to play for my home country’s basketball team in a global tournament in Lithuania.
2022
IMAGINATION
I aim to push the boundaries of my imagination and figure out ways of bringing my designs to life.
DETAILED
Paying attention to details is what makes projects so great and successful. Creating harmony with little details amplifies design ideas and philosophies.
RISK
The higher the risk, the higher the reward. I aim to take risks through exploring all my design capabilities outside of architecture especially during my years in University.
AMBITION
Ambition is the engine that drives all my designs and projects. I aim to push even further and translate all I learn from creative spaces into my building designs.
