Kenya Architect | Urban Savannah Design Studio

	Karuga Koinange - MPhil (Cambridge), Dip Arch (UCL), RIBA Karuga is the principal and founder of USDS. He has numerous years of experience in conceptual, schematic and detailed design. Karuga studied and worked internationally for a number years acquiring important design knowledge in residential, educational and commercial sectors before returning to Kenya. These design skills have been adapted to provide unique solutions to environmental and construction needs in the African context. ‘I think it’s critical that architects, particulary here in Africa, make a positive contribution to the public environment, finding innovative solutions that respond to the user at the same time as being sensitive to the environment.’ Other interests include bespoke design, innovative technical solutions and local real estate oppurtunities.
	Amy Namwakira – B Arch, MAAK Amy is an architect with four years experience working on various projects such as commercial, residential and hospitality. She previously worked in Symbion Kenya Ltd before undertaking a one year Masters Exchange Programme in Sweden. She is currently managing and working on residential and hospitality developments in the office. She is especially passionate about positively impacting the environment and people through design. Amy is currently undertaking her Masters of Architecture in Environmental Building Science at the University of Nairobi.
	Mayank Singh – B Arch, MAAK Mayank is a senior architect and project manager consulting with USDS. He specializes in the design and planning of large scale projects, and is specifically interested in design development, contract management and general construction co-ordination of such projects. Mayank brings a strong technical understanding to his projects, ranging from transport to agriculture to the functioning of natural systems.
	Lelei Ruth - Student Leli is a 4th year student at the University of Nairobi working part time at USDS as she works towards her 5th year. Lelei is currently focusing on a private residence in Kitengela fronting the Nairobi National park and a residential development in Nanyuki. She will be assisting with the WHAT IF MOMBASA 2013 campaign, in particular the monorail project.
	Lynette Masai - Student Lynette is a student of Architecture at the University of Nairobi at the cusp of her 6^th year of study. She is a creative with varied facets including music, art, poetry and fitness. She takes a keen interest in the question of Kenyan identity within Architecture and hopes to be at the helm with regards to this ongoing conversation. She has experience in residential design as well interior design, 3D modeling and visualizations. Lynette is currently working on the interiors of a commercial reception area and an office extension.
	James Kagiri - Student James joined USDS in 2013 on completing his Diploma at University of Nairobi. He has been assisting with the design and supervision of a number of bespoke residential projects. James key intrests are 3D visualisations and technical design.
	Jackie Kairo - Student Jackie first joined USDS right out of High School in 2014. She is now a fulltime student of Architecture at The University of Nairobi hence balances working part-time at USDS through her semesters and fulltime during her holiday. She works on an assistive capacity and handles some administrative responsibilities as she learns the Computer Aided Design (C.A.D.) software packages used in the industry and gains mentorship from her colleagues. She is currently working on potted, a blueprint storage unit of her own design.