The Kenyan consultancy has grown from an architectural practice into a multidisciplinary firm, working on projects in education, hospitality, commercial and other sectors.
Design Source Limited recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, bringing together its founders, employees, clients and industry partners at a dinner to mark two decades in the built environment sector.
Established in 2006 by architects Christopher Naicca and Emma Miloyo, the company has expanded beyond its original architectural practice to offer a broader range of services, including interior design, project management, construction supervision and master planning.
Over the years, the firm has worked on projects in several sectors, including education, hospitality, energy, commercial and residential development. Its portfolio includes the Gulf Energy Headquarters, Alba Hotel in Meru, Moi Educational Centre, the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) at Konza, the University of Embu, iHUB and projects for the Jesuits of Africa and Madagascar.
The range of projects reflects the firm’s work across different building types, from educational and institutional facilities to commercial spaces and hospitality developments.
Two architects behind the practice
Naicca and Miloyo have led the firm since its establishment, bringing different professional experiences to the practice.
Naicca is a registered architect and Chartered Architect with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), as well as a member of the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK). He has more than 19 years of experience in both the public and private sectors and has also served in professional leadership roles within the architectural community.
Miloyo is a practising architect and director at Design Source. She graduated from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology with First-Class Honours in Architecture, becoming the first woman at the university to attain that distinction. She subsequently became the first female president of the Architectural Association of Kenya. Her other professional recognitions include a place on Business Daily’s Top 40 Under 40 Women in Kenya list and an Eisenhower Fellowship.
A broad project portfolio
Design Source’s work spans architecture, interior design and project management, with an emphasis on understanding the requirements of individual clients and the people who will use the completed spaces.
The company says its design process involves consultation and regular engagement with clients through discussions, workshops and design reviews. This is intended to ensure that project requirements and priorities are considered from the early design stages through to completion.
Beyond design, the firm identifies coordination with consultants and suppliers, professional development, and attention to health, safety and environmental considerations as important aspects of its operations.
The Future
As it enters its third decade, Design Source intends to build on its experience in Kenya while pursuing opportunities in the wider African market. Its stated priorities include adopting new technologies, responding to changing sustainability requirements and continuing to develop its professional team and industry partnerships.
The anniversary dinner provided an opportunity for the company to bring together people who have been part of its development, including employees, clients, consultants and other industry associates.
