About Us

Discover our mission, vision, and journey to becoming a leading design firm in Kenya.

Our Story

From humble beginnings to one of Kenya's most innovative architectural and design firms, our journey is driven by passion, creativity, and a commitment to transforming spaces. It is a testament to the power of visionary thinking and a dedication to creating spaces that resonate with people.

Founded in 1998 out of the vision of a youthful Oliver Mbanya Gichuri who was driven by a passion for sustainable architecture and modern design, Octa Architects Ltd is a medium-sized architectural and interior design services firm duly registered in Kenya and based in Nairobi. The founder's expertise and commitment to pushing the boundaries of architectural possibilities set the stage for a firm that stands at the intersection of art and functionality.

Our objective is to provide creative designs that aim to more than satisfy socio-economic needs both locally and internationally. Our assignments include site analysis, production of outline designs, production of detailed working drawings, procurement and co-ordination of engineering and quantity surveying services during design, production and construction phases, obtaining local authority approvals, supervision of works to ensure strict adherence to the drawings and quality execution of works, and management of all the other consultants to ensure projects are delivered in time and with strict adherence to quality standards.

Our Mission

To create transformative, sustainable, and innovative spaces that reflect our clients' needs and values.

Our Vision

To lead in innovative architectural design while contributing to a more sustainable future.

Our Core Values

Innovation, sustainability, integrity, and client-centricity guide our design philosophy.

Innovation

We believe in building with principles that create lasting impact and positive transformations.

Sustainability

We believe in building with principles that create lasting impact and positive transformations.

Client-Centric

We believe in building with principles that create lasting impact and positive transformations.

Integrity

We believe in building with principles that create lasting impact and positive transformations.

Meet Our Team

Our team consists of visionary leaders and highly skilled professionals.

Oliver Mbanya Gichuri

B.Arch. Hons (University of Nairobi)

Founding Architect

A Corporate member of the Architectural Association of Kenya and registered by the Board of Architects and Quantity Surveyors, the Team Leader's passion for modern architecture and commitment to client satisfaction have shaped the firm's vision from the very beginning. He has led numerous prestigious projects across Kenya and beyond, establishing the firm as a leader in architectural and interior design services. He has amassed a wealth of experience having worked in various other organisations prior to founding Octa Architects Ltd.

After graduating from The University of Nairobi with a Bachelor of Architecture (Upper Second Class Honours) and obtaining his Professional Examination Qualification in 1993 and 1994 respectively, Oliver went on to work with Plence International where he lent his expertise in 2 major projects; refurbishment of Euro Bank Offices at Hamilton House, Nairobi at a cost of Kshs. 5,000,000 in 1993 and refurbishment of Jacarada Hotel in Westlands, Nairobi at a cost of Kshs. 10,000,000 from which he gained a lot of useful experience.

In 1994, he joined the Ministry of Public Works where he remained until 1996 before quitting to join Otieno & Kung'u Associates. During his 2 year stint at the new posting, he was directly involved in the handling of 2 major projects; construction of Udu Housing Co-operative, Zimmerman, Nairobi at a cost of Kshs. 120,000,000 in 1996 and construction of Kalamka Press Headquarters, off Mombasa Road, a project whose total cost was Kshs. 100,000,000. Oliver then left his last employment posting in 1998 to found Octa Architects Ltd which he has steered ever since as Managing Director.