Leslie Onumbu is a Nigerian born, Architectural experience curator based in San Francisco. He possess an M.F.A. in Interior Architecture and Design and a B.S.C. in Architectural Design Technology.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architectural designer in your society?

Architecture is ones artistic language driven by experiences and interests. Furthermore, I believe spaces are no longer about arriving into a monolithic environment but rather curated to immerse its audience into micro-worlds. Architects design a threshold for an audience to discover messages that challenge expectations and encourage self interpretation.

Why do you participate in architecture vision competitions?

Architecture contributes to actual scenarios that require multiple input from individuals with a creative mind. it is real life and isn’t fictitious to what might be presented forth while at school. (You dissect problems and create a new being (One journeys through the process.)

Origin, geometry, threshold, micro-world.   (I believe spaces should transport its audience into microwords that challenge expectations and encourage self-interpretation).

What advise would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture vision competitions?

Just do it! The world is constantly evolving and contributing to actual scenarios “challenges and presents” // that helps you join the conversation. “As the world is a Ferris wheel waiting for no one only a few with a strategy can enjoy the ride.” Multiple opportunities presents itself.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

To mark my exit I got offered to feature at the Academy of Art University Spring Show.

What softwares do you use in executing your projects?

Revit V-ray, AutoCAD V-ray, SketchUp, 3Ds max, Rhino, Enscape

What is your design process?

Concept, schematics, design development

What are 3 things you’d use a pencil other than write?

draw, offer support, (drawing and doodling all the time) an instrument for communicating during design presentations

What would you communicate a design to a blind person?

space and proximity, sensory reach, acoustics, light and colour.

What was your Dissertation about?

Dissertation on “Regenerating a listed building in the 21st century” which examined the fast paced, technological driven, built environment and how designers protects or fails to protect listed buildings from becoming redundant.

What was your Thesis project about?

A three-storey 27,000sqft Art Deco building. Converted into an entertainment, dining and art gallery complex to contribute to the preservation and promotion of South of Market’s cultural life.

I design M|cro worlds that challenge expectations and encourage self-interpretation and believe that the importance of contributing to ones urban development is crucial as

The world is a ferris wheel waiting for no one only a few with a strategy can experience the ride _ Leslie Onumbu