Mark Mwoka, a Kenyan architect with over a decade of experience, has transitioned from a senior role at Boogertman and Partners Architects to founding his own practice, Lava Architecture, based in Nairobi.

Early Career and Signature Projects

Mr Mwoka’s architectural journey began with an internship at Innovative Planning and Design Consultants, where he contributed to the Park Inn by Radisson building in Westlands, Nairobi. Completed in 2016, the project is notable for its distinctive black façade and advanced acoustic glass technology designed to reduce outside noise. This experience deepened his expertise in hospitality architecture.

He later worked at Aspera Design Limited before joining Boogertman and Partners Architects, Africa’s largest architectural firm, where he served from 2018 to 2025. Under the mentorship of architect Johann de Wet, Mwoka honed skills in commercially driven and functional design, managing large-scale projects including Westlands Square, Qwetu student hostels, and the Davis and Shirtliff Engineering Centre in Tatu City.

Founding Lava Architecture

At age 33, after what he describes as a "seven-year corporate itch," Mwoka established Lava Architecture to focus on "value-driven and timeless architecture." His firm currently manages around seven projects in Kenya and has expanded into Uganda and Zimbabwe.

He emphasizes architecture that balances aesthetic ambition with commercial viability, ensuring buildings generate sustainable returns for clients. Mwoka advocates for architects to engage beyond design, following projects through to ensure operational success and tenant satisfaction.

Philosophy and Approach

  • Collaborative design: Mwoka stresses the importance of involving clients, engineers, surveyors, and other stakeholders early, sometimes even before land acquisition.
  • Investment protection: He views an architect’s role as safeguarding clients’ investments through careful planning, budgeting, and value engineering.
  • Green buildings: Mwoka is a Green Star accredited professional who champions sustainable design that reduces long-term costs via natural ventilation and lighting, citing examples like Britam Tower and Skanem Industrial Park.
  • Technology integration: He embraces digital tools such as building information modelling (BIM) and simulations to optimize design outcomes and coordination.
  • Artificial intelligence: Mwoka believes AI will augment architects’ capabilities rather than replace them, enhancing research and design exploration.

Looking Ahead

Mark Mwoka continues to draw inspiration from global architecture, recently visiting Sweden to study Stockholm’s design. His mantra underscores lasting impact: "Architecture is not measured by how impressive it looks on the opening day, but the value it creates decades later." As Lava Architecture grows, Mwoka aims to redefine Kenyan architecture by marrying creativity with commercial and environmental sustainability.