City: KENYA

Ar. Evans Oino is a dynamic architect and urban designer with a decade of expertise in transforming complex design challenges into sustainable, functional realities. Based in Shillong, he specializes in blending modern architectural innovation with the unique cultural and topographical landscapes of Northeast India.

Design Philosophy & Expertise

Evans’ work is rooted in a commitment to holistic and sustainable design. He focuses on creating spaces that are not only aesthetically striking but also environmentally responsible and socially inclusive. His expertise spans a diverse range of scales, from intricate residential projects to large-scale urban master planning and institutional infrastructure.

Key Achievements & Recognition

• Infrastructure Excellence: Leading the design and execution of major public works, including the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) for Shillong Smart City.
• Tourism & Heritage: spearheading the development of the Nongkhnum River Island infrastructure and the State Museum at Williamson Sangma Memorial.
• Urban Transformation: Key contributor to the Shillong Laitumkhrah Market redevelopment and various institutional projects for NEIGRIHMS.
• Strategic Planning: Actively involved in the preparation of Master Plans for regional development across Meghalaya.
  

Professional Background

With 10 years of professional experience, Evans has established himself as a versatile leader in the field. His portfolio reflects a deep understanding of regional requirements, ranging from the Aura Spa and Resort to critical healthcare facilities like the Critical Care Block at Tura Civil Hospital. His collaborative approach ensures that every project balances technical precision with the aspirations of the local community.

Education & Credentials

• B. Arch: National Institute of Technology (NIT), Hamirpur.
  
• M. Plan (Urban Planning): School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi.
• Registration: Council of Architecture (COA).
• Affiliations: Associate Member of the Institute of Town Planners, India (ITPI).

Ar. Susan has done her Ph.D in Architecture from the University of Sheffield in 2000. She is working as Lecturer in Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. She has supervised several undergraduate Architecture students in their final thesis, Masters students in Architecture and Construction Management. She has Worked at the Ministry of Public Works as an Assistant Architect and have also been engaged with private practice. She was also Dean, School of Architecture and Building Sciences. 

OFFICIAL NAME: ARCH. PROF. ALFRED OMENYA

DESIGNATION: CEO ECOBUILD-AFRICA

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES:  @aomenya (Twitter); Alfred Omenya (facebook)

BIO

Arch. Prof. Alfred Omenya is a practicing architect and sustainable human settlements expert. He is the Principal Researcher and CEO at Eco-Build Africa, a leading consultancy on sustainable urban development for developing countries. He is Adjunct Prof. University of Canberra in Australia and Kenyatta University in Kenya. He is the Chairman of the Education Committee of the College of Fellows of the Architectural Association of Kenya.

Omenya has been Associate Professor and Head of School of the Built Environment at the Technical University of Kenya. He previously taught at the University of the Witwatersrand (RSA) and the University of Nairobi (Kenya) where he still serves as external examiner. He has supervised numerous Masters and PhD students. He helped establish schools of the built environment in Kenya, Rwanda, Malawi and South Africa. He has published over 100 academic papers and remains external examiner in various universities, including University of Warwick, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, University of Nairobi, University of Malawi, University of Rwanda, etc. He collaborates with leading universities globally in research including the Harvard Graduate School, ETH Zurich, University of Manchester (UK), University of Florida (Gainesville US), Virginia Commonwealth University, among others.

He started professional practice at Planning Systems Services (Kenya) and also worked with Sync Consult Pty (South Africa). He has designed hundreds of commercial, residential and hospitality projects in Kenya, Uganda and a few in South Africa. He was the lead consultant for the New Green Master Plan for United Nations Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Prof. Omenya was identified by the International Union of Architects as a major opinion shaper on the future of sustainable architecture. Prof. Omenya helped establish the African Union Climate Change Centre, developed the African Union 25 Year Climate Change Strategy and was also lead author for the African Union Vision 2063 on Urban Development.

Omenya has consulted for international organisations including: the World Bank, African Union, UNEP, UK-Aid / DfID, Oxfam GB, Sida, etc. He was lead author of the UN-Habitat’s State of African Cities Report series for many years. He co-authored “the Definition of Housing Terms for the Republic of South Africa”, “Guidelines for County Spatial Planning for the Republic of Kenya”, and “the African Union Climate Change Strategy”. In 2018 and 2019 he published two research reports on the State of Housing in Kenya. He is currently the lead consultant in development of Building Regulations incorporating Sustainability, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management for the Republic of Malawi, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and Republic of Uganda. Locally Prof. Omenya is supporting the Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP), the Sustainable Urban Economic Development Programme for Kenya (SUED) and the Programme Management Office for Post-Covid 19 Recovery.