- Dagliesh Marshall Johnson was inspired by legendary New Zealand architect Amyas Connell
- Firm has worked on some of the most iconic buildings in the region
- DMJ marks over half a century in the business
Two pairs of little eyes peer curiously into the window of the boardroom where we sit and wait for our host. I return the stare, pleasantly surprised. Wait, those are not supposed to be here… I tell myself. But the two little monkeys outside the DMJ Architects offices at Dagliesh House, probably seem more at home than the two human visitors now leaning out of the window, peering to check if there are more of the same species in the well-kept compound, tucked away on the leafier part of Westlands, East Church Road.
When Arch. Simon Johnson walks in and notices our fascination with the exterior of his office, his first comment is completely at odds with our first impression of the office’s location and setting.
“Westlands is a mess right now, courtesy of poor planning and greed,” he remarks.
Westlands epitomizes the mess created by misapplication of building codes because the basic rules that were part and parcel of CBD. The area was supposed to adhere to low-rise development codes uniform to the rest of the country. No wonder the CBD has been slowly but steadily “migrating” to areas like Westlands and Upper Hill.
But Johnson insists that the city still retains a lot of its beauty, though this is in great danger of being eroded.
“If you look at the city from the top, you will realize that we still have lots of greenery around, but greedy developers are busy outdoing each other in destroying it,” says Arch Johnson. There is no doubt that Nairobi, fondly referred to as the Green City in the Sun’s allure of culture and charm is fast fading away, an orchestra that is rapidly given way to a concrete cacophony.
Johnson, owner of DMJ Architects which at 55 years is one of the most established and respected architectural firms in East Africa says this is the developmental point in history of the city that DMJ finds itself in.
“Construction is controlled by a few who pay over the top for land, and are in turn forced to pile excessive development on each property, which has turned to haunt them because there are no takers.”
Existing physical infrastructure is overstretched, and there is urgent need for more schools, clinics, hospitals and housing for the rapidly growing population.
For DMJ, it requires careful appraisal and being “choosy” about the opportunities that present themselves in such a chaotic environment to plan and design projects that genuinely contribute to the community. This has been crucial in establishing and sustaining a reputable practice with strong values.
“We look at how the buildings fit into a framework that we are comfortable with, ensuring that the people we work with respect the need for their buildings not just to be viable economically but also take into consideration the environment in which they are set,” says Arch. Johnson. It is the approach taken by most other reputable practices, which explains why a glance at the boards on the schemes being put up on Riverside, Westlands, you may never have seen that architect before!
He adds that DMJ emphasizes use of materials and techniques that infuse local availability and international standards. This is what makes DMJ’s work stand out.
Johnson’s passion for architecture and design was inspired by legendary New Zealand architect Amyas Connell who had risen to prominence in the UK, winning the prestigious British Prix de Rome in Architecture award, while he was still a student in 1926.
“Connell was an old friend of my parents,” Johnson recalls. “His house was close by, and I was fascinated from an early age by him.”
Before coming to Kenya, Connell worked in Tanga, Tanzania for a while, and then won the commission to design Kenya’s parliament buildings, his first job here. He subsequently moved to Nairobi, going on to design the early structures of the Aga Khan Hospital.
Born in 1948 and raised in Kenya, Johnson studied architecture at the Oxford School of Architecture (RIBA), and joined a reputable practice in London to gain experience, then had a stint in Doha, Qatar (1976-1978). He came back to Nairobi and joined Marshall, becoming the J in DMJ Architects in 1980.
One of his most memorable projects was working with the Benedictine Sisters on Thika Road, designing the Benedictine Priory in Kenya. He has since maintained a longstanding working relationship with them.
“The work we have done with the Benedictine Sisters has always been interesting to us because of their commitment to help the community. I am very proud to have contributed to many of their projects – clinics, schools and convents,” says Johnson.
Today, DMJ’s work concentrates on Kenya and Tanzania, with a link office in Botswana. Previously the firm was extensively involved in projects in Ethiopia and Uganda with projects also carried out in Somalia and Sudan.
Recently, DMJ has also been involved with jobs in Rwanda, Ghana and Namibia.
“From its outset, DMJ has carried out masterplans and studies,” says Johnson. “This includes the Arthur D. Little Ethiopia Tourism Study, ILRAD at Kabete, the USIU Complex at Kasarani and the Primate Research Center in Ololua Forest, as well as the Rift Valley Academy at Kijabe.
Indian Ocean Club in Diani was designed in collaboration with Mruttu Salman Associates is another fun project that is still a standout work of design along the coastal tourism circuit.
“The proposed Intercontinental Hotel at Shanzu was a very well thought out project, and was going to be the first international branded hotel on Kenya’s coast. It started off as the Mombasa Intercontinental and ran as such for several years. Sadly it came a cropper when the owners failed to agree and the plan was altered when representatives of the international brand abandoned ship,” says Johnson. On the site stands the Continental Resort.
For Johnson, Eden Square on Waiyaki Way presented a unique challenge, situated on a busy, polluted highway.
“We had to try and ensure that we give people a decent environment to work in. We successfully achieved that by politely turning our back on Waiyaki Way, creating a Piaza on the other side where people could come out and enjoy some fresh air,” says Johnson.
More recently, DMJ Architects is involved in modernization works at the Sarova Stanley in the CBD, to meet the fire and safety standards. Johnson also discloses ongoing involvement in restoration works on two factories in Central Kenya.
No matter the location or type of scheme, DMJ’s work stands out in terms of elegance, construction integrity and cost-effectiveness. These form the mainstay of the firm’s design philosophy which encompasses long term usability, environmental awareness and flexibility, taking into account of the changing needs of the modern world – both commercial and domestic, while taking into account the practicalities of building in Africa.
“The founders of DMJ set very high standards, and undoubtedly, some of their early jobs gave us much inspiration. It is with a sense of pride that we have consistently sought to live up to those standards – providing elegant, cost-effective and well-constructed solutions that meet, and often surpass our clients’ expectations. We believe that has contributed to the high esteem clients regard DMJ.
He says it is deeply satisfying when you spawn architecture that excites or inspires people.
As well as the hospitality industry, DMJ’s clients now include international institutions, multinational companies, private homes, religious institutions and diplomatic missions.
“I am often amused to see other projects that show a familiarity with the DMJ approach. I take this as significant praise from others in our profession.”
Achieving this has also meant deploying a people-centric approach, maintaining great relationships with other consultants, contractors and material suppliers, handled by his dedicated and highly motivated team of professional colleagues who are happy to be part of and contribute to the process of delivering projects professionally and on time.
“This is what has kept the fire burning – the immense pleasure derived from working with all these dedicated souls, delivering solutions to a satisfied clientele,” Johnson adds.
“We went through a tough period in the nineties, when the economy was in the doldrums and there was very little work going round. I actually wondered whether we shouldn’t just fold up and shift to other things, do things differently,” he says on reflection.
“Am glad we chose to stick with it, because with economic turnaround brought with it more commission opportunities.”
“I’d like to think that over the years we have given the individuals who have passed through our doors enough chances to be part of the process and professionally equip themselves for success. It is our hope that the guys that stay with us stay longer than I have, and believe in our processes.” Says Johnson.
If you are going to stick with architecture, you must pretty much possess the passion to stay, learn and grow with time, get the experience that comes with it. You’ve got to have something that drives you forward.
He points out that there are too many individuals who run architectural practices purely as business entities they can make money from – and some indeed have. But there has got to be much more than that to make it in this profession, to stand the test of time.
“You’ve got to have an understanding that the buildings you create are human dwellings, and the kind of project you deliver for other people will have a bearing on how you fare in this field. When the community feels good about the new structure in their neighborhood, you are pushing the right buttons on your way up.
“It is a great shame when people have a building in their neighborhood and they hate it, or it doesn’t do anything for them. If the new project you’ve built in the middle of the neighborhood does not inspire a sense of pride, you are probably in the wrong job!” says Johnson.
Future
It is very important that the government gets the economy moving again, get money back in circulation and work will come up again. Get the private sector involved and together restore confidence.
