Mrs. Adaku Oguamanam, Secretary General of the Nigerian Institute of Architecture (NIA), Lagos Chapter, has reassured that despite the rapid growth of technology, architects will never become irrelevant.
She believes that even Artificial Intelligence (AI) cannot take over their jobs but can only serve as a tool to make their work easier.
Her passion for architecture started in secondary school. While at Command Secondary School, Ojo, a soldier-teacher introduced her to introductory technology, especially engine drawings.
Watching him draw on the board fascinated her and sparked her interest in design and construction. This early influence shaped her dream to become an architect.
Studying architecture came with its own challenges. At Imo State University, her class had 66 students, but only four were female. In the classroom, they were treated the same as the men and expected to meet the same standards.
However, in professional practice, she discovered that female architects often had to prove themselves more because many clients preferred working with men. This reality has pushed women in the field to work harder and become tougher in order to succeed.
Over the years, she has drawn inspiration from architects who broke boundaries. Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Falling Water” project fascinated her with its modern design and creativity far ahead of its time.
She also admires the late Zaha Hadid, who made a lasting mark in a male-dominated profession. For Oguamanam, role models are people who challenge norms and achieve greatness, regardless of gender.
She believes women are finding their place in modern architecture. The profession has evolved beyond just building design to include green architecture, project management, and risk management.
To remain relevant, women must keep up with new trends and never limit themselves. She herself is certified in green building, project management, and risk management, showing that women can excel across different areas of the industry.
Still, one major challenge she faces is the misconception that women cannot lead on construction sites. She has experienced moments where contractors or artisans undermined her authority simply because she is a woman.
She insists that female architects must grow tough skin and remain firm in order to be respected in the field.
Her design philosophy is built on functionality and simplicity. She believes that less is more and that clean designs stand out without unnecessary details. She also values sustainability and the use of local materials.
However, she pointed out that Nigeria still depends heavily on imported building materials because poor electricity supply makes local production difficult and costly.
Looking at the profession in Nigeria, she describes architecture as an art where every architect expresses creativity differently. However, she emphasized the need for more eco-friendly and sustainable designs that can stand the test of time.
She also believes architects should work closely with government authorities to influence policies and building codes, stressing that collaboration is necessary to improve Nigeria’s urban development.
As for the future, she sees technology as a strong support tool but not a replacement. From hand drawings to AutoCAD and now AI, each advancement has only made work easier.
She envisions a future where virtual reality allows clients to experience their designs before construction, but insists that creativity will always require the human touch.
To young women who dream of becoming architects, she describes the profession as beautiful and fulfilling, even though it requires long hours and commitment. She encourages them to stay focused, seek mentorship, and keep learning new skills because there is nothing women cannot achieve with determination.
Balancing career and family, she admits, is not easy. Women often return home after work to cook, care for children, and manage the household, while men may have the luxury to relax.
Still, she believes women are naturally equipped to handle these responsibilities with grace and strength.
Reflecting on her life, she describes her childhood as a happy one, with a strong family support system. Outside work, she finds relaxation in music, football, and board games like Chess and Scrabble.
For Adaku Oguamanam, architecture is not just a career but a lifelong passion. She believes the future of the profession is bright, and with the right balance of creativity, technology, and resilience, architects—especially women—will continue to thrive and shape Nigeria’s built environment.
