Interview with Japheth Aleyakpo

WHAT’S YOUR NAME?

Japheth Aleyakpo

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO CHOOSE THE FIELD OF ARCHITECTURE?

I would say my love for space and art and also my constant visits to my Father’s office. He was a technician and principal of the technical department in Lagos, Nigeria. I was surrounded by technical drawings and that also slowly inspired me. I initially wanted to become a Pilot but my love for space and design was and still is very strong.

WHAT TYPE OF WORK ARE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN?

Residential is my favorite. (Coming from my background) I wanted to be able to design something very aesthetically pleasing and comfortable with elements beneficial to the client regardless of their amount or low budget.

WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES SINCE OBTAINING YOUR ARCHITECTURE DEGREE?

The somewhat limitation and restrictions to my creativity with the real-world constraints and also the method of the construction approach.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL?

I schooled in Nigeria and the UK and I am appreciative of the fact that I could actually visit case studies/precedents in person as opposed to just checking it online and also learning so much about the challenges some architects had to go through and the boundaries of breaking the norm leading to a functional innovative idea that has stood the test of time and is very relevant in today’s world.

ANY CRITICISMS OF THE ARCHITECTURE EDUCATION EXPERIENCE?

For me, I would say the amount of time designated to teaching construction is sadly low compared to the time allocated to design and graphics (which I do enjoy) but in the real world, precise construction is very important because you are dealing with the safety and comfort of people and also the client’s money and time is at stake.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL GOALS?

I am currently on my path to getting my licensure and I look forward to networking with other AIA Assoc. members so I can learn more and fully understand & adapt to the Architectural community and also own my own firm someday.

WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ARCHITECTS?

Mies Van der Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright, Renzo Piano & David Adjaye.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE BUILDING OR CITY?

I don’t necessarily have a favorite building but my favorite cities are Lagos (Nigeria) & NYC.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO GET OUT OF YOUR AIA BROOKLYN CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP?

I hope to meet and connect with the architectural community and hopefully get some resources to help in my licensure journey.