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Designing Burna Boy’s mansion was an exciting challenge – Enebeli

Akose Enebeli is the founder and CEO of elArc Designs, whose firm has over the years churned out exotic and disruptive designs, creating the opulent homes of many Nigerian stars such as the Grammy Award winner, Burna Boy and football star, Odion Ighalo. He spoke with EDWIN USOBOH, about designs and engaging professionals in the creative industry

What inspired your choice of Architecture?

I chose Architecture because I have loved houses and cars since I was a child. I have been drawing and designing houses (or my idea of houses) since I was four years old. When the time came to choose a course of study in the university, there was really no other most preferred choice other than Architecture.

What is the role of an Architect in building and construction?

An Architect is responsible for the design, planning and development of a project. He/she is in charge of the project from start to finish; ensuring that the building is according to specification, standards are met, quality is not compromised and delivery of the project is timely.

How important is an Architect when planning a home?

The Architect needs to be involved from the inception stage; preliminary studies will aid him/her to advice on the viability of the project. The Architect has the ability to piece together ideas, dreams (of the client and himself/ herself) and bring them to reality. This in its self is the core art of Architecture.

Is it possible to learn on the job or is it a skill that must be learnt in school?

Architecture is not some random skill you can learn on the job, it is an art and a science; a profession that must be learnt in school. Architecture goes beyond ‘just a beautiful house.’ The Architect knows about the structure, the choice of colours, type and properties of each material used. It is a very long list of things an Architect takes into consideration before a design is completed.

What qualities make you a great Architect?

Ability to critically think and come up with solution focused designs that have the end-user in mind. What is your design style as

What is your design style as an Architect?

I prefer an Architect? I prefer to describe my design style as dynamic; my ability to change and adapt constantly to whatever the request of a client is or the challenge of an environment. Having just one style is rather boring and monotonous.

You have done a couple of jobs for some celebrities in Nigeria, could you take us through your list of them?

For confidentiality’s sake, I can only mention the star footballer, Jude Ighalo and sensational music artiste, Burna Boy. We have also designed the famous OX Restaurant. For others, I do not want to mention until they go public with their projects but we have done a number of projects in the private and corporate sector, as well as projects for other celebrities. There are a lot more in the workswithin and outside Nigeria and I’m just thankful for the opportunity to be able to create masterpieces that my clients can be proud of and satisfied with.

How did you meet Burna Boy?

I met him through his mum (his manager), she had reached out to me after seeing my contact on the project board of one of my projects. She liked what she saw and decided to engage my services.

We learnt Burna Boy had to request some specific features in his mansion, such as the swimming pool. How difficult was it getting this done?

I love challenges. It’s what defines you as an Architect. Having said that, it was not easy getting it done, but what Damini wanted was clear to us. He wanted the living room floating over the pool, for example, so we took it as a challenge and delivered it spot on.

What are of the other unique features that make this amazing mansion?

The bar in the swimming pool is a visual delight- a classic view where you can sit and sip a drink while in the pool. There’s also the sunken lounge – an outdoor lounge by the garden that you have to descend into. The view at night is spectacular. It’s a great space, especially at night. The natural lighting in Burna Boy’s house is something we were very deliberate about. You can live in the house all day and not have to turn on any light until sunset. He knew exactly what he wanted.

What is your relationship with him and how difficult was it working for him?

My relationship with Burna Boy is a very friendly one. He has a naturally good eye so we often just chat and tease each other. Oh, also mostly argue about which creative space is more challenging- Architecture or Music! Working with him was interesting. I prefer to say it was challenging rather than difficult.

In your line of career, have you had any reason to reject a business proposal?

Oh yes. I have. The most recent being that the client undervalued my role, so I walked away from that project with no hard feelings.

What books have you read that affected your life positively?

Rich Dad, Poor Dad and Richest Man in Babylon. I know these are financially inclined books, but I read them at such an early age and I applied some lessons from them in my daily activities.

While growing up, who would you say was your biggest influence?

My biggest influence would be my parents, both of them – the core values and approach to life they both taught me are things I will cherish for life.

What legacy would you want to be remembered for?

I would like to be remembered for constantly evolving, not being ordinary and rejecting mediocrity.

What is your life philosophy?

Make improvements, not excuses.

What was growing up like for you?

I was born and brought up in Lagos into a home of five boys. I am the fifth of the five boys. I think being the fifth child I was able to learn something from each of my four elder brothers. I schooled here in Lagos. I had my secondary school education from International School, Lagos. I got my Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture and a Masters in Environmental Design, both from the University of Lagos.

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