Reflections as Triad Architects Mark 60 Years

A spiritual pilgrimage to the Kericho Sacred Heart Cathedral can be life-changing. Not only does entering the massive edifice exude the presence of a higher being, but the structure itself is strangely beautiful. The sloped roof, which evokes lovely imagery of Kericho's hills and valleys, brings out the complexity and simplicity of architecture. And it boils down to the brief – an inspiring structure that would create a stimulus for the congregation to “assemble and grow”.

The cathedral bears the signature of Triad Architects. Yet, although the firm has its name inscribed on many buildings, the Kericho Cathedral has a special spot in the heart of Triad. “This was not a big project in terms of costs and magnitude,” says Cecilia Wahinya, Triad Architect Partner. “Rather, it has everything to do with its good design and impact on the community”.

For Triad Architects, which is celebrating its 60th Anniversary this year, the overriding principle over the past six decades has been a need to leave a lasting ‘impact’ in all its projects. In fact, since its founding by Amyas Connell ad Graham McCullough in September 1963, some traits have remained constant despite the changing face of architecture and the building and construction industry. Integrity, ethics, professionalism and a clearly defined succession plan has ensured Triad continuous to be a leading practice.

Succession, in particular, has been central in making Triad what it is today. Having been established by foreigners, the possibilities of the practice sinking into oblivion would have been high had the founding partners not made a conscious decision to identify well talented and skilled young architects, put them under their wings through training and make them partners at the opportune moment. This savvy decision brought highly-skilled people like Timothy Vaulkhard and Daniel Mutiso, the first African to join Triad straight out of architecture school, to the practice. The trend of sound succession remains sacrosanct at Triad. “To make partner, you just need to be in sync with the firm, do things in the right way,” says Sujesh Patel, Triad’s youngest partner.

Also revered at Triad is the aspect of diversity. While for years the architectural industry had largely been a domain of men, it has now become easier for women to enter the industry and rise to the highest echelons, including the presidency of the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK). “It is a good time to be an architect because it has become a lot easier for women. You just need the right attitude,” states Cecilia Wahinya who joined Triad in 2010, adding that having worked abroad, she was lucky to land at Triad, a practice with a clear mentoring and a succession plan.

Adherence to principles, even when it looked irrational like during the 1980s and 90s when Kenya was in a state of prolonged political and socio-economic abyss, has not only entrenched professionalism in Triad but has also ensured the firm remains as one of the most respected architectural practices in Kenya and beyond. “We are well known for integrity and professionalism,” states James Gitoho, the oldest partner who joined Triad in 1981 and became partner in 1988. “These were foundations that were laid by our founders and have been passed over four generations.”

Triad is a testament that with the right foundation, success is often assured despite the season. Being a practice that is older than Kenya (the country got independence in December 1963), the firm has been there at every step of Kenya’s evolution. Notably, its successes, tribulations and even near collapse have been synonymous with the country’s political and socio-economic transformation. When Kenya nearly fell into the shackles of a coup in 1982, Triad barely had its head afloat. When the country was experiencing an economic boom after the Narc Government came into power in 2002, the firm was swimming in overwhelming projects.

“Architecture is directly related to the pulse of the country and we are proud to still be here,” explains Gitoho. For Triad, the unwavering focus and devotion to ethos has been a shrewd strategic decision that has catapulted the firm to success. In fact, if projects in its fold are the benchmark, Triad has a signature at every defining historical moment. At independence, the firm had its name in Parliament Building. When Kenya was starting to get its bearings right in terms of economic development in the 1970s, a period when the country was ahead of Asian tigers like Singapore, South Korea and Malaysia, Triad’s insignia included Norfolk Hotel representing the growth in tourism and hospitality and the Kenya Planters Coffee Unions (KPCU) building during the coffee boom.

At the height of political and economic upheavals in the 1980s and 90s, Triad kept its flag flying with the Times Towers and Barclays Plaza. “The 80s and 90s were a tough period but what kept us afloat even with the difficulties is that we had established a name,” avers Julius Kibwage, Triad chairman who joined the practice in 1987. He adds that during the time, many firms particularly those started by foreigners ended up folding or relocating to countries with better business environment.

Many others survived on under-hand dealings owing to the fact that corruption was at its peak. This was particularly rampant for government projects. Sadly for firms like Triad, they were largely the only jobs available. Political instability, corruption and the structural adjustment programs had sent foreign investors packing with aid agencies that were funding projects like schools, hospitals and churches also opting to stay away.

Securing the Times Tower project from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) amidst stiff competition, coupled by the fact that various banks were expanding their brick and mortar, footprint gave Triad a survival lifeline. “We refused to participate in deals that were not straight,” explains Kibwage, adding the fact that CBK and some banks wanted to work with a reputable firm with a proven track record saved Triad from demise.

Having survived a tough period unscathed, Triad’s star could only shine when the country took a turn for the best. In fact, even when stiff competition set in with the establishment of many architectural practices, Triad was largely unperturbed. This ir- respective of the fact that a large number of the proprietors who were opening new practices had passed through its tutelage.

During the economic renaissance of the last two decades, the iconic projects done by the firm are numerous. The Kericho Cathedral, Britam Towers, UAP Towers, Coca Cola headquarters and most recently the ultra-modern GTC Towers fall in this space. The firm has also undertaken several projects across the wider eastern Africa region including the Bank of Kigali headquarters, Uganda Ministry of Finance building among many others.

“Many firms have come into the industry but we remain as the most trusted,” notes Charles Ndung’u, Triad Partner. He adds that while living true to its ethos has been instrumental in the firm’s growth, Triad has also set the pace in the industry in terms of embracing technology and being innovative. Being in an industry where 70 percent of the job entails producing magnificent and iconic designs and 30 percent supervision of projects, investing technology is critical. This is even more important considering the building and construction industry is making a shift to sustainability and green buildings.

“We have always purposed to use the latest technology and software being used in the industry,” he states.

Already well-grounded in the industry, Triad has in recent years been expanding its scope targeting areas like interior design and master planning. The firm has established Triad Interiors, a subsidiary whose mission is to create impactful spaces through exploration of new ideas, materials and techniques to express clients’ unique cultures and brands.

Also relatively new is Triad Master Planning that is involved in master planning and urban design processes that establish systems and frameworks that shape cities and lives through creation of sustainable and resilient cities. One of its key projects is the Northlands New Town in Kiambu Town. The proposed development, sitting on some 11,800 acres, consists of various facilities cutting across residential housing, recreational facilities, commercial centers, industrial estates, urban firms, civic building and hotels. Owing to the fact that when fully developed Northlands will house 270,000 residents, getting the master plan correct is vital.

“We need proper planning of our cities to avoid more concrete jungles like we have now,” notes Kibwage. This is more critical owing to the high rate of rural – urban migration. Studies have shown that if the current trend of urbanization continues, over 60 percent of Kenyans will be living in cities and towns by 2050.

The need to develop futuristic cities and sustainable buildings that respond to modern realities, some of which are a direct response to climate change challenges, has prompted Triad to build partnerships with reputable foreign firms. The partnerships have not only helped in enhancing Triad’s capacity and knowledge transfer but have also been fundamental in exposure on how global practices execute projects. On project that brings out the benefits and synergies of partnership is the GTC Towers in which Triad was the local partner of GMP Architects, a global brand.

Looking back over the past six decades, Triad sees the years as a rollercoaster ride. The government and policy makers have also added the spice in terms of commissions and omissions on regulating the architectural industry, meaning the industry still operates under an archaic building code formulated in the 1960s. “In terms of regulation, the government hasn’t moved fast enough,” observes Ndung’u. He adds that even in matters of existing laws, enforcement continues to be weak. This partially explains why the building and construction industry face challenges including frequent collapsing of buildings.

Having grown from a miniature practice in 1963 to the leading architectural practice in Kenya, Triad is already looking forward to the next 60 years. “Triad will still be here in 2083,” concludes Gitoho. The secret, he adds, will be understanding how to remain relevant. Luckily for Triad, it has the template from the past six decades.