John Maina Wamwangi

John Maina Wamwangi

Date of Birth: March 12, 1961
Nationality: Kenyan

Membership in Professional Societies:

• Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK)
• Registered Architect, Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS)

International Exposure:

• Architectural tours and excursions in Finland, Sweden, Holland, Britain, and Egypt.

Key Qualifications

John Maina Wamwangi holds a Bachelor of Architecture (Honours) from the University of Nairobi and a Master of Architecture from Helsinki University. His extensive academic background, combined with professional memberships, has enabled him to become a highly skilled and respected architect in Kenya.

Work Experience

John’s career spans several decades, with significant contributions to various architectural firms and academic institutions. He is currently a Lecturer at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, a position he has held since 1991, and serves as the Lead Architect at Cadplan Architects Limited since 2004. Previously, he worked with Mutiso Menezes International and Nyanja Associates Architects, where he gained invaluable experience in architectural design and project management.

Notable Projects

Nyanja Associates Architects (1986-1987)

• Gatundu Market, Kiambu: Conducted feasibility studies and designed the market up to the tender stage (approx. 2250 sqm).
• Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi: Designed and supervised the construction of basketball, volleyball, and handball facilities, along with a swimming pool complex.
• Senior Staff Housing for Kenya Pipeline Company, Karura Forest: Planned and designed 48 executive housing units.
• JKA Resort Club, Nairobi: Designed working drawings for a 58-bed hotel facility including restaurant, bar, kitchen, and health club.

Mutiso Menezes International (1987-1988)

• Bank of Uganda: Designed a proposal up to the sketch design stage and compiled a report.
• Egerton University Science Complex: Worked on the design team, focusing on working drawings and detailed designs.
• Egerton University Temporary Accommodation Facilities: Designed temporary accommodation for 1000 students up to the tender stage.

Cadplan Architects Limited (2004-Present)

• Commission for Higher Education Headquarters, Gigiri, Nairobi: Part of the design team for an executive office complex (approx. 8000 sqm).
• Residential Flats, Parklands: Designed and supervised the construction of 10 executive flats.
• Godowns at JKIA: Designed and supervised the construction of an executive house in Runda (cost: Ksh 180m).
• Hotel, Meru Town: Designed and supervised a 36-room hotel with seminar facilities (cost: Ksh 65m).
• KEBS Bio-Chem Labs: Refurbishment and extensions at KEBS Headquarters, Nairobi (cost: Ksh 300m).
• Proposed Office Block – CPS: Ongoing project with an estimated cost of Ksh 1.4 billion.

Selected Projects from 2010s

• Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives Limited (2014): Completed project (cost: Ksh 700m).
• Kenya Pipeline RBS (2016): Ongoing project (cost: Ksh 700m).
• Kenya Police Sacco Nyeri and Meru (2016): Designed and partitioned office spaces (Nyeri cost: Ksh 30m, Meru cost: Ksh 33.2m).
• Hazina Sacco (2017): Completed project (cost: Ksh 124m).

Academic Contributions

John has had a significant academic career at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. His roles have included:

• Department Representative to the Faculty of Engineering Consultancy Unit.
• Teaching Materials and Construction in B. Arch. I and Building Technology and Services in B. Arch. III.
• Revising the syllabus for Building Technology across all university years.

Research and Publications

• Designing for Industrial Chemical Processes: Thesis for Bachelor of Architecture.
• Shelter Strategies for Low-Income Earners: Case study of Nairobi.
• Kikuyu Architecture in Time Perspective: Presented in Helsinki.

John Maina Wamwangi’s illustrious career reflects his commitment to architectural excellence and education. His broad range of projects, both in design and execution, showcase his ability to handle complex architectural challenges, making him a prominent figure in the Kenyan architectural landscape.