Michael Femi Alley is the founder and the principal architect of The Building Practice Ltd. He attended the prestigious Federal Government College Kaduna and is a graduate of architecture from the Federal University of Technology Minna. He also possesses a First-Class Master’s Degree in Environmental Design (M.E.D) in architecture from the University of Lagos and a master’s degree course in Business for Architecture and Design in view at IE University Madrid, Spain. With about 20 years of in-depth experience in architecture, building construction, green building design, fire safety in buildings project management and interior design, this architect has had a wide range of exposure from working with reputable architects, engineers, developers and other stakeholders in the construction industry on several notable projects. He speaks to ROTIMI IGE, in this interview on various topical issues in the building industry and reasons for continuous building collapses in Nigeria.
Can you tell us about the vision behind founding The Building Practice Ltd and what inspired you to establish this world-class architectural practice?
The vision behind setting up The Building Practice Limited in 2013 was to create an African company and a platform where buildings can be designed and constructed efficiently, functionally, sustainably and in a manner where expression of ideas and innovation is boundless irrespective of budget and location.
The Building Practice prides itself on providing sterling designs using the most recent technologies and building codes. How do you ensure that every project you embark on is complete in terms of planning, functionality, material specification, climatology, sustainability, fire code compliance, build-ability, and environmental friendliness?
At The building Practice ltd our goal on every project is to deliver the pest product. We do this by providing total and complete solutions to every project starting from the concept stage through the execution phase. We ensure that we stay up to date with the current trends in technology, material development, construction techniques and building codes so that our designs are thoroughly thought through.
Environmental impact is a key consideration in architectural design. How does your outfit approach sustainability and ensure that its projects positively enhance the quality of the built environment?
To aid our delivery of sustainable architecture otherwise known as green buildings, many of our staff have taken training and are certified green buildings experts. This enable us to be aware and implement sustainable measures in every project we work on. On these projects we ensure that we maximize energy conservation, water conservation, sustainable sites, environmental air quality and innovation.
Can you elaborate on the qualifications and expertise of the personnel at your firm, including architects, builders, engineers, fire consultants, and EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) experts?
To practice architecture in Nigeria, the minimum qualification required is a license by the Architect’s registration council of Nigeria (ARCON), to this end four (4) architects in our company are fully licensed and also registered with the Nigerian Institute of Architects. A good number of other architects are provisionally registered, which is the path to full licensure. We also four EDGE experts and 2 LEED professionals who are green building experts. Five of our staff are PMP certified project managers. The company is also duly registered as an architectural firm by ARCON and the Association of consulting Architects of Nigeria (ACAN).
Collaboration is crucial in the architectural industry. Have you collaborated with other experts in the field to ensure that the best solutions are provided for every project?
We work with other allied professionals such as structural engineers, mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineers, landscape architects, interior designers, fire experts and as many as the project requires. All these professionals give their inputs to ensure that every project has the right solutions.
What are some notable projects that The Building Practice Ltd has been involved in, and how do these projects reflect the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation in architectural design?
Our company has been involved in a wide range of projects, where we have participated in varying capacities. On every project we have been involved with we have strived to leave a mark of excellence and good tastes on the lips of our clients and the environment Notable among our completed projects are Promasidor Head Office, Lagos; the Pantheon Ikoyi, Lagos (16 Floors); Sapphire towers Bluewater Lekki (18 Floors); Alley’s House Ajah; NBA House Abuja (10 floors), Sellyfak Office Lagos, Plot A$ Residence Lagos (13 floors) and so many others.
In your opinion, what are some of the most pressing challenges facing the architectural industry today, and how do you address these challenges?
There are many challenges facing our industry, particularly in Nigeria, the issue of quackery when unregistered persons carry out works termed as architectural works at very cheap prices, thereby endangering the pubic. Unfortunately, many people patronise quacks because they get very cheap but sub-standard services. We, as a licensed company with licensed architects, ensure that every project carries the seal of quality.
The industry is also plagued with the lack of quality and innovative materials as used in other developed countries, thus inhibiting innovation. We try to be innovative with locally available materials to achieve good designs.
The lack of in-depth knowledge and the high cost of design tools and softwares do not allow architects express themselves in the best ways possible today. Our company invests in technology and tools to help us transform our ideas to reality.
Technology plays a significant role in modern architecture. How do you leverage technology and innovation to enhance its design processes and deliver exceptional results for clients?
The development of artificial intelligence, building information Modeling (BIM) softwares, 3D printing, virtual reality platforms, drone imaging have greatly impacted the way architecture is practiced and Our company is investing in many of these areas in order to keep up with the trends and stay at the forefront of the industry.
Client satisfaction is paramount in any business. How does The Building Practice Ltd ensure that clients’ needs and expectations are met throughout the design and construction process?
Every client is unique and require varying levels of attention. However, we try to take our clients as our partners as we journey to turn their dreams into reality. We provide solutions and care for our clients and their projects.
Can you discuss any specific strategies or methodologies employed to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget?
Meticulous designs, construction documentation, material specifications, project management, supervision and inspections.
Quality control is essential in architectural projects. How can builders maintain high standards of quality assurance throughout the design and construction phases?
We operate on a strict standard operating procedure (SOP) that guides our day-to-day activities thereby ensuring consistency in everything we do. For projects on site, we take very seriously our supervision and inspections to ensure adherence to designs and specification.
What advice would you give to aspiring architects and designers looking to build a successful career in the industry, based on your experience leading The Building Practice Ltd?
For every aspiring architect or designer my advice is to be patient, learn the craft, hone the skills, be creative, identify a launchpad to greatness and fearlessly take hold of the future.
Looking ahead, what are your future plans and aspirations for The Building Practice Ltd, and how do you envision the company’s growth and impact on the architectural landscape?
The future looks very bright for us, we have the desire, the skill and the drive to become a global name in the architectural industry. We are gradually becoming a household name in the industry in Nigeria, we hope to spread to other African countries and other continents in the future. With our designs we believe we can change some perceptions about and in our local communities and enhance our ways of living.
Finally, what excites you the most about the potential of your company to continue delivering exceptional designs and contributing positively to the built environment?
The excitement we have at our company is the passion we have for our craft and the huge potentials we see in our society where housing remains a challenge that must be met despite the very limited resources at our disposal. We believe that with ingenuity, innovative designs we can solve some of our societal and environmental problems.
