Akanji Oluwafemi is a registered architect with the Architects’ Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), recognized for his expertise in architectural design, construction documentation, project coordination, and real estate development. He holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Design from the University of Lagos and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Olabisi Onabanjo University. Oluwafemi has contributed to a wide range of projects both in Nigeria and internationally, including master planning, high-rise developments, high-end residential projects, commercial buildings, mixed-use complexes, auto showrooms and service centers, hospitality projects, and recreational facilities. Oluwafemi is committed to designing spaces that not only meet the functional and aesthetic needs of his clients but also minimize environmental impact. His passion for the built environment is deeply rooted in sustainability. He incorporates sustainable design principles such as energy efficiency, passive design strategies, sustainable material selection, and climate-responsive architecture to create buildings and urban spaces that promote resource efficiency, enhance occupant well-being, and positively contribute to their surroundings.
With a strong focus on Housing and Urban Development, Oluwafemi emphasises urban design and effective space planning, ensuring that projects integrate seamlessly into their urban context while fostering sustainable growth. His experience in high-rise developments reflects his ability to design vertical communities that address urban density challenges through innovative and environmentally conscious solutions. His expertise extends to real estate development, where he combines his architectural knowledge with strategic planning and market insight to create value-driven projects. His approach involves aligning design excellence with investment goals, ensuring that each development is not only aesthetically and functionally sound but also commercially viable.
Beyond his architectural practice, Oluwafemi played a key role in the research for Neo Heritage: Defining Contemporary African Architecture by Olajumoke Adenowo, the first work by a Black architect to be published by Rizzoli, the world-renowned art, architecture, and design publisher. His work reflects a steadfast commitment to creating spaces that inspire, function efficiently, and endure over time, all while advancing sustainable design practices and supporting the growth of real estate in urban and suburban contexts.
As a Senior Fellow in the Housing and Urban Development Research Cluster at the Kingsgate Advisors Institute, Oluwafemi plays a vital role in advancing the Institute’s multidisciplinary research and innovation efforts. His work covers a broad spectrum of urban development topics, including strategies that promote inclusivity in affordable housing, the evolution of planning laws, and their effects on creating sustainable cities. Furthermore, his research explores studies on architectural education and how it shapes contemporary urban design, the built environment, smart cities, and digital urbanism. Oluwafemi’s work also focuses on addressing urban growth, managing urban density in overcrowded metropolises, and understanding the socio-cultural impacts of various housing types on cities across Africa.
