James is among the few golf course architects we have in Kenya. Straight form campus he has teamed up with like minded architects to start an architectural firm whose primary focus is in golf course design. They are already making their mark in this profession working on some pretty cool projects that they cant share just yet cause of confidentiality agreement. I did however get him talking about his passion and trade so here is what he spilled.
Golf course architecture, what lead you to pursue that?
Well, it started with Landscape Architecture, the profession I’m trained in. It has always intrigued me to be able to develop a working landscape design that transforms and remodels landscapes for both aesthetics and function. When I did my final year, I based my thesis research and project on golf course aesthetics and did a methodical study in golf course design which fascinated me a great deal. That’s when I decided to specialize in golf course architecture, seeing also that there are very few trained professionals in this field in Kenya today.
Well, it started with Landscape Architecture, the profession I’m trained in. It has always intrigued me to be able to develop a working landscape design that transforms and remodels landscapes for both aesthetics and function. When I did my final year, I based my thesis research and project on golf course aesthetics and did a methodical study in golf course design which fascinated me a great deal. That’s when I decided to specialize in golf course architecture, seeing also that there are very few trained professionals in this field in Kenya today.
What exactly does golf course architecture entail?
Simply put, golf course architecture is the art and science of designing golf courses. It starts with site selection and as is the case with most other landscape design processes, site analysis and appraisal follows. The next stage is golf course routing and master planning. There are different types of golf courses depending on their size (e.g. 18 hole, 9 hole, 27 hole, par 3 course etc) and their geographical location (e.g. links courses – along sandy coastlines; parkland courses on verdant inlands; desert courses etc). Routing and master planning lays out the entire course to be designed, hole by hole, along the best suited locations, taking advantage of existing site conditions. Then site grading follows and the production of detailed hole by hole working drawings. The final stage is site supervision during construction.
Simply put, golf course architecture is the art and science of designing golf courses. It starts with site selection and as is the case with most other landscape design processes, site analysis and appraisal follows. The next stage is golf course routing and master planning. There are different types of golf courses depending on their size (e.g. 18 hole, 9 hole, 27 hole, par 3 course etc) and their geographical location (e.g. links courses – along sandy coastlines; parkland courses on verdant inlands; desert courses etc). Routing and master planning lays out the entire course to be designed, hole by hole, along the best suited locations, taking advantage of existing site conditions. Then site grading follows and the production of detailed hole by hole working drawings. The final stage is site supervision during construction.
How viable a profession is it in Kenya?
Golf course architecture is a relatively new profession in Kenya. Nonetheless, there’s been an almost exponential growth in golf real estate in the country recently ranging from the development of golf estates to private golf resort communities including golf retirement communities, luxury golf communities and gated golf communities. In 2008, the international Golf Travel Writers Association (IGTWA) awarded Kenya as “The Best Undiscovered Golf Destination of 2008”. There are well over 40 golf courses in Kenya today and the number may as well double by 2030. Coupled with the country’s favorable weather and the safari segment, these set the golf course architect in Kenya today at a vantage point.
Golf course architecture is a relatively new profession in Kenya. Nonetheless, there’s been an almost exponential growth in golf real estate in the country recently ranging from the development of golf estates to private golf resort communities including golf retirement communities, luxury golf communities and gated golf communities. In 2008, the international Golf Travel Writers Association (IGTWA) awarded Kenya as “The Best Undiscovered Golf Destination of 2008”. There are well over 40 golf courses in Kenya today and the number may as well double by 2030. Coupled with the country’s favorable weather and the safari segment, these set the golf course architect in Kenya today at a vantage point.
Tell us more about the services you offer?
Consultation services on all matters pertaining golf course development and architecture which include site selection, site appraisal and analysis, golf course routing, schematic design, master planning, site grading, hole by hole design and detailing, production of all relevant construction drawings and clearance plans as well as site supervision during construction.
Consultation services on all matters pertaining golf course development and architecture which include site selection, site appraisal and analysis, golf course routing, schematic design, master planning, site grading, hole by hole design and detailing, production of all relevant construction drawings and clearance plans as well as site supervision during construction.
What’s a typical day like at your studio?
Well, our firm would qualify for a hybrid of the studio system and the matrix system. We have principal designers who will keep at a specific project throughout as well as a more fluid support staff ready to join in any project where increased manpower or expertise is needed. So a typical day for us is based on one word: teamwork!
Well, our firm would qualify for a hybrid of the studio system and the matrix system. We have principal designers who will keep at a specific project throughout as well as a more fluid support staff ready to join in any project where increased manpower or expertise is needed. So a typical day for us is based on one word: teamwork!
Are there other firms in Kenya that do what you do?
There are other landscape architectural firms around.
Where do you see your company in the next 5 or 10yrs?
We’re expanding gradually and would like to carve out our own niche in golf course design and consultancy.
There are other landscape architectural firms around.
Where do you see your company in the next 5 or 10yrs?
We’re expanding gradually and would like to carve out our own niche in golf course design and consultancy.
What would you say has been the most fun project you have been involved in?
Well there have been a couple, the one that readily comes to mind is a proposal for the expansion of Ruiru Golf course from 9-holes to an 18 hole championship course .
What sets you apart from other architectural firms?
Unlike other architectural firms, our chief concern is the outdoor environment and that’s where golf course architecture comes in.
What advice would you give other upcoming architects?
I would say starting out is not easy, nonetheless persistence and perseverance will get you there.