Ep 11 - Design your world with Kikelomo Sanyaolu, Architect & Entrepreneur
A great chat with one of my best friends of over 20 years. Having watched her grow through the various intense stages of her academic, professional and personal life, it was truly an honour to sit with her and discuss her pathway into the world of architecture and construction, a path that few women take. This is a very practical conversation for aspiring architects especially for those young ladies wondering if there is a place in that world for them. Kike is a true example of the magic that can happen when vision, aspiration and good ol' perspiration come together.
Kike Sanyaolu is a Design Manager at Galliford Try, with responsibility for delivering the design information of major construction schemes to the project timescales.
She is also an Architect who holds a bachelor’s degree and masters in Architecture from University of Liverpool England. She gained her Part 3 Diploma qualification from University College London. She is a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects and an Incorporate member of Chartered Institute of Builders
She has spent majority of her career in the Construction Industry, gaining experience in the design & construction of major projects. She was part of the team who delivered the Jaguar Land Rover GDEC office extension in Gaydon, Warwickshire and the prestigious HSBC head office in Birmingham, to mention a few.
Prior to her career in the construction Industry, Kike worked in various Architectural practices, gaining experience in the design of sustainable and inspirational buildings under BSF (Building Schools for the Future) - the British government's investment programme in secondary school buildings in England in the 2000s.
Kike is known for her desire to mentor student architects and anyone thinking of transitioning from working in an Architectural practice to the Construction Industry, a transition which she has also been through. She is a member of a few initiatives which promote networking, mentoring and support for people in the building industry such as PARADIGM and FLUID. She also serves as a STEM ambassador.
Kike is the founder of KISAN GROUP which provides planning application services to clients amongst other architectural services. Kike is a true example of the magic that can happen when vision, aspiration and good ol' perspiration come together.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS CONVERSATION
Be intentional about what you want out of life and work hard to achieve it
Aspire to always complete what you start
Be proactive about seeking out opportunities for yourself
Be willing to sacrifice short term reward for the things/experiences you really want
Leverage your network to secure opportunities