Howard Waterfall Retreat competition Honorable mention winners - Temitope Israel Akinsiku, Deborah Kikelomo Oluwade and Victor Chukwuemeka Igene

We’d like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winners of our Howard Waterfall Retreat Competition – Temitope Israel Akinsiku, Deborah Kikelomo Oluwade and Victor Chukwuemeka Igene from Canada!

Deborah Kikelomo Oluwade, Temitope Israel Akinsiku and Victor Chukwuemeka Igene

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

The team comprises two emerging architectural designers and an interior architect with Nigerian roots. Our pursuit to advance our studies abroad brought us to Canada, where our paths crossed. Temi and Victor first met during their undergraduate studies in Architecture at Covenant University, Nigeria. Subsequently, Temitope connected with Deborah while enrolled in the postgraduate architecture program at the University of Manitoba. We are united by a shared cultural heritage and diverse experiences that enrich our collective approach to design, research, and cultural understanding. This exposure informs our interest in developing unique, place-based narratives that offer impactful, locally relevant, and ecologically sensitive architectural solutions. Our design approach is rooted in a systems-oriented understanding of architecture, one that explores the dynamic relationship between buildings, their users, the urban fabric, and the environment. We strive to create holistic designs that respond to today’s needs while anticipating the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

Deborah has worked with both architectural firms and furniture companies, gaining experience in multidisciplinary collaboration across a range of design projects. Temi and Victor have contributed to key projects at both local and international architectural firms, engaging in various phases from schematic design to contract administration and construction. Collectively, our portfolio encompasses diverse project types and scales and spans residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, and industrial developments across the Caribbean, West Africa, North America, and Western Europe. Beyond the studio, each team member has participated in and earned recognition in notable design competitions, including the United Nations Migration Agency Housing Challenge and the Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan Interior Awards.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

For us, architecture is a medium through which the story of a place is told. It merges art and technical precision in the creation of beautiful, functional, and sustainable buildings that contribute to evolving urban fabrics, cultural memory, and ecological balance. Our understanding of the architect’s role has been shaped by our experiences across diverse design contexts, each with its own distinct needs and challenges. We believe architects and designers hold the responsibility to recognize the uniqueness of every project and its environment, crafting people-centered and contextually responsive solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

We participate in architectural competitions to challenge ourselves with diverse project typologies and broaden our understanding of different global contexts. Each competition offers a unique opportunity to experiment with various design narratives and technologies, serving as a testing ground for new ideas and approaches. This process ultimately advances our knowledge base and skill set, informing and enriching our future projects.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

It’s understandable that participating in architectural competitions can be daunting, but the advantages of doing so are innumerable. The best advice is simple: just do it. Start, stay committed to finishing, and make sure to submit. Be open to learning as you develop the project, as each competition offers something unique that expands your design thinking and technical skill set, among other things. After all, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.