Ogeye Olumide, 21, graduated from the Department of Architecture as the best student in the Faculty of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, with a 4.59 CGPA in the 2013/2014 academic session. He tells TUNDE AJAJA about his experience in school

The influx of non-professionals into Architecture is growing rapidly, as a fresh graduate, are you disturbed by this development?

Yes, I am. I feel if people would not trust their lives with quack doctors, then why would they risk it with quack architects? People who don’t value the services of professionals often patronise quacks because they tend to get things cheaper, but they often forget that nothing good comes cheap. In the end, they automatically put their lives on the line. Nothing can be compared to the services being rendered by a professional who has been trained to do the job. It may seem more expensive, but it comes with an assurance of a better job.

Can we attribute that to the spate of building collapse in the country?

To an extent we should because there is no way we can rule out faulty designs from all of these instances. It might not be the reason in all cases, but sometimes, it could be. However, another thing that causes building collapse is the use of sub-standard materials.

It appears the buildings we have these days are too similar in design, especially in the highbrow areas, does this not symbolise inadequate creativity?

No. The problem is not lack of creativity. We can attribute that to the dearth of technological knowhow and the way architecture is being taught in some institutions. An architect should be able to bring his imagination to reality, but students are made to follow a rigid and stereotypic form of design, which eventually hampers diversity in design. Hence, the reason for similarity with most structures. Architecture is very dynamic in nature but we haven’t been able to catch up with it at its pace. Beyond the issue of curriculum, design is a personal stuff and an architect’s design is based on his exposure.

When did you develop the love for Architecture?

I used to think of becoming a scientist, later an engineer, and then finally a magistrate because the name sounded cool. But as a child, my parents bought toys for me, including Lego blocks. I used to play with them as a child, and I made a lot of structures with those blocks. I used to set different houses. I was varying the design and I loved what I was doing. That was my first encounter with Architecture. When I got to secondary school, the love kept growing and I had flair for drawings and technical drawing. So, it wasn’t accidental that I found myself here.

Some people would think it is easier to have a first class in Architecture since it’s all about drawing, is that true?

Contrary to that opinion, Architecture isn’t just about drawing. It’s a multidisciplinary course that covers almost every aspect of life, such as Law, psychology, calculus, art etc. Architecture is a course that mediates man and his social environment together. Therefore, if people think architecture is an easy course, they could as well say Medicine is an easy course.

Is there any hidden but beneficial part of the course that people are not aware of?

Yes, there are a lot of such. People think architects can design only houses, but then the list is endless. We design furniture, cars, products, jewellery etc.

Which part of the course did you find challenging and which part did you find interesting?

The fact that our syllabus was structured to make us knowledgeable about a lot of things was somehow a challenge for me initially, but later, I saw the need and it enriched my knowledge in many things. The parts of architecture that I found most interesting were Calculation and Design. I saw Design as a way of giving meaning to nothing. First, you start with several sketches, and then you modify them until you have an immaculate piece of work. It’s an exciting experience to sketch things out of imagination and turn them, through deep thoughts and modifications, into something that people can admire and relate with. So, Design is fun. It could be stressful, but you tend to be impressed with your handiwork when the design is ready.

Some students of Architecture start making money whilst in school; did you also do that?

It’s not easy to balance making money in school and performing exceptionally well at the same time. You just have to pick one and give up the other.

How easy was it having a first class in Architecture?

Nothing good comes easy. People said it wasn’t possible, so I took the challenge and by God’s grace, I started having first class from my first semester in 100 Level. I saw it as a way to repay my parents for their love and care. It was mainly a combination of God’s help and working smart. There were times I didn’t sleep for days because of drawings that I had to submit. It’s like a norm for every Architecture student. The first thing was that I had a positive mentality. I knew I could do it, and then I figured it wasn’t all about working hard and smart, but also doing the necessary things and leaving the rest to God. That’s the method I’ve always adopted in my academics. At Babington Macaulay Junior seminary, where I had my secondary education, I was among those celebrated for excellence in both the Cambridge and West African Senior School Certificate Examination because I had an excellent performance there. Apart from the sound teaching, they (the school authorities) also prayed and fasted with us during the exam period.

But it could be hard to impress lecturers, to the extent of getting an ‘A’ in drawing. How did you beat that?

To an extent, there is a way you design that would make your design acceptable to most of your supervisors. Most lecturers look out for functionality, by that I mean the building has to be functional and it must be workable. If you design something that has those attributes, then you won’t have a problem. I made sure I did that all the time.

What inspires you while drawing?

I’m inspired by nature and before I start my design or during my drawing, I try to listen to music. There are kinds of music that can help while drawing, such as country music. They are not Nigerian songs anyway. Most of our songs here are for people who want to stay awake. It’s more of beat and nothing inspirational.

How much did you enjoy working in the studio?

We had most of our classes in the studio, so I was always there till we were done for the day. I also did my drawings there but I preferred working in my room to avoid distractions, like people borrowing drawing instrument and forgetting to return them. However, it was fun.

Some people have said that our building pattern in Nigeria is somehow complex, compared to what obtains in some other countries. Why is that?

Our buildings are complex because of the various things we consider at the design stage. For example, when we design, we put into consideration cross ventilation and lighting whereas an Architect in Europe might not think in this line because of the nature of their climate there. That is why you could find some juxtaposition in the layout of a building just to achieve some of these conditions. Some people consider our structures in Nigeria lavish, but an architect’s drawings are based on the client’s specifications. We simply follow the briefs of our clients. The average Nigerian wants to be celebrated for his achievements, and I won’t blame him for this because of the things he might have been through, and one of the ways he could do this is to announce his presence through his cars and his property.

How would you compare the use of AutoCAD to manual drawing?

I think the two of them are inseparable. Creativity is best expressed with a pen and a paper. There is no limitation to the expression of your ideas when you do it with a pen. Our hands may not be as accurate and fast as we want it to be, then that is where the CAD software comes in. They help to enhance speed and accuracy. I believe architecture is changing so fast and buildings are no longer what they used to look like before. Basically, I think whichever method suits an architect, he should engage in it, after all the end product is what matters most.

What was your most memorable moment in school?

It was when I discovered that I was the best graduating student from my department and my faculty. I won’t forget that in a hurry.

Was there a reward from your parents for good performance?

My parents had always done those things for me. Beyond that, I pushed myself to succeed so, a reward didn’t really matter to me. I didn’t expect anything special whenever I performed well, otherwise I would have lost enthusiasm when they failed to recognise my efforts.

What was your typical day like as an undergraduate?

After my lectures, I used to play games with my friends to ease some tension, and after that I would go through my jottings and read ahead for the next day’s classes after which I go to bed. I didn’t deny myself of good sleep except towards the end of the semester. Usually, I slept for seven hours daily, but it used to reduce to four because of the drawings and assignments that we had to submit.

What are your aspirations in life?

I plan to practice the profession for a while and go for my Master’s degree. I plan to be a successful professional in my field. I would like to work with a big construction company such as Julius Berger.

What is your advice to students?

They should believe in themselves and know that they can be excellent. Students should always pay attention to little details, and then try to endure because whatever they are going through is temporary, if they treat it as such.

Source http://www.punchng.com/entertainment/campus-champion/i-pushed-myself-to-succeed-despite-all-odds-ogeye-covenant-university-first-class-graduate/

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