AIA SSA at AIA25, Boston
Connecting Architecture Across Borders
Webinar Spotlight: Embracing Innovation in Smart Architecture
In April 2025, AIA Sub-Saharan Africa (AIA SSA) proudly supported a forward-thinking webinar titled “Innovation, Safety, and Design Trends Transforming Modern Living”. The virtual event featured AIA SSA President Lanre Olusola alongside leading voices in architecture, technology, and automation.
Organized by PE Lifts Nigeria—renowned manufacturers of smart home elevators—the session explored the cutting-edge integration of smart technology in modern architecture design, and how new safety innovations are redefining the way we live. The event was well-attended and sparked insightful conversations that continue to shape our industry.
Leadership Expansion: New Country Representatives Join AIA SSA
Asher Marcus
Abimbola Ajayi
May brought exciting news for our growing regional leadership team. We welcomed new leaders to our regional team following approval by the AIA International Board:
Asher Marcus – Country Representative, South Africa
Abimbola Ajayi – Country Representative 2, Nigeria
These accomplished professionals bring fresh vision and deep commitment to expanding AIA’s presence across Sub-Saharan Africa. Join us in welcoming them to the team!
AIA SSA Shows Up Strong in Boston!
AIA SSA made a vibrant impression at the AIA National Conference 2025 in Boston.
Secretary Ahmad Naibi led an enthusiastic delegation of members from Nigeria, Kenya, and beyond. They joined peers from across the U.S. and global sections, forging new connections and sharing ideas.
Thought Leadership: Kenya’s Florence Nyole Speaks at Global Symposium
Florence Nyole, AIA SSA’s Country Representative for Kenya, took the stage as a featured speaker at the AIA International Symposium on Day 1 of the conference. Her reflections on inclusive design and cross-border collaboration were met with enthusiasm and helped spark meaningful dialogue among international attendees.
Global Networking at the AIA International Booth
The AIA booth at the Boston conference was a hub for global exchange. AIA SSA members engaged with section and chapter leaders from around the world, sharing experiences and deepening connections across the international design community.
International Reception: Where Worlds of Architecture Met
A highlight of the week, the AIA International Reception, brought AIA SSA into dialogue with global architectural leaders. Secretary Ahmad Naibi met with:
Arc Donatien Kasseyet Kalume, President of the Africa Union of Architects (AUA)
Muyiwa Oki, Outgoing President of RIBA
Bryan C. Lee Jr. FAIA, President of NOMA and recipient of the 2025 Whitney M. Young Jr. Award
The event also featured an inspiring keynote by AIA President-Elect Illya Azaroff, who emphasized the importance of international collaboration and pledged for AIA’s ongoing support for its global sections and chapters.
AIA25Boston: A Conference to Remember
The 2025 AIA National Conference lived up to its billing as a world-class event. It delivered:
Impactful keynotes
Inspiring architectural tours
Thought-provoking lectures
An impressive array of exhibitions and showcases
AIA SSA members returned energized, inspired, and more deeply connected to the global design community.
Together, We Design the Future
Thank you for being part of the AIA SSA community. Stay connected for updates, opportunities, and inspiration as we continue shaping the built environment across Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.
Ahmad Naibi, MNIA Int’l Assoc. AIA
Secretary, AIA Sub-Saharan Africa
