AIA President Kimberly Dowdell and Lanre Olusola, President of AIA Sub-Saharan Africa and AIA International At-Large Director
A Memorable Month of Activities!
August 2024 was an exciting and eventful month for AIA Sub-Saharan Africa (AIA SSA). The highlight was the historic visit by AIA President Kimberly Dowdell, marking the second time an AIA President visited the region. Her visit featured high-profile engagements, cultural tours, and meaningful discussions. Here’s a recap of the key moments:
AIA President’s Visit to Abuja for the Nigerian Institute of Architects Abuja Chapter, NIA ABC 40th Anniversary
AIA President Kimberly Dowdell’s visit to Africa was a significant milestone, as she became the first Black female president and only the second Black president of AIA to visit the continent. She attended the 40th Anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) Abuja Chapter, accompanied by Derek Washam, they were warmly welcomed by AIA SSA President Olarenwaju Olusola and Secretary Ahmad Naibi, alongside numerous international members based in Abuja. This event attracted local and international attention, underlining AIA SSA's commitment to global architectural collaboration.
Meet & Greet with AIA SSA Members at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja
Kimberly was warmly welcomed by AIA members residing in Abuja at an exclusive meet-and-greet dinner. The event, held at the renowned Transcorp Hilton, provided an excellent opportunity for Kim to share her vision and goals for the institute through the #morein24 initiative. It was a vibrant evening of networking, with architects exchanging ideas, sharing their experiences, and discussing the future of the profession in Sub-Saharan Africa.
CEO Roundtable: A Deep Dive into Abuja’s Public and Private Sectors
A key highlight of Kimberly’s visit was the CEO roundtable, which brought together leaders from both public and private sectors to discuss challenges and opportunities in Abuja’s architectural landscape. The session offered an important platform to address issues unique to Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory and facilitated meaningful dialogue about sustainable development and the role of architects in shaping Abuja’s future.
Fireside Chat: Bridging Generations in Architecture
A memorable Fireside Chat brought together architects from different generations, creating a collaborative space to discuss cross-generational teamwork in the field. This session explored how architects of various ages can share knowledge, experiences, and skills to enhance understanding and foster stronger collaborations. The conversation shed light on how diverse perspectives can improve the profession’s future while ensuring continuity in creative problem-solving.
Cultural Tours: Exploring Nigeria’s Rich Heritage
Kimberly and Derek explored Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage through visits to landmarks like the Nike Art Gallery, the National Mosque, and the Discovery Museum. These tours provided deep insight into Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing the country’s artistry, history, and diversity. The visit to Nike Art Gallery was especially memorable, featuring traditional and contemporary Nigerian art in its purest form, while the National Mosque and Discovery Museum provided insight into the country’s religious and historical fabric.
Visit to Kenya: Attending the Architecture Association of Kenya (AAK) Annual Convention
In addition to her time in Nigeria, Kimberly visited Kenya for the Architecture Association of Kenya (AAK) Annual Convention, hosted by AAK President Florence Nyole. This visit further strengthened AIA SSA’s ties with the architectural community across Africa and underscored AIA SSA’s commitment to cross-border collaboration.
Interactive Session with Architecture Students
Kimberly also engaged with students from three architecture schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during an interactive session. The discussion centered around the need for exchange programs, affiliations, and promoting gender inclusivity in architecture, highlighting the importance of mentorship and collaboration. The students gained valuable insights from seasoned professionals about the future of the field in Africa.
A Memorable Farewell to Kimberly
Kimberly’s visit concluded on August 21, 2024, leaving a lasting impact on AIA SSA members and the architectural community. Her trip was filled with cultural exchanges, professional discussions, and new connections, paving the way for future collaborations. Kimberly’s visit not only strengthened AIA SSA’s presence but also set the stage for continued progress and partnerships in the region.
We look forward to continuing the conversations and building on the momentum of Kimberly’s visit as we work toward achieving #morein24! .
Lanre Olusola, FNIA, FNIM, FIMC, Int'l Assoc. AIA
President, AIA Sub-Saharan Africa
At-Large Director, AIA International
Country Representative I (Nigeria) AIA International
