Founded in 1994, AD Consulting stands as the architecture and interior design practice established by Olajumoke Olufunmilola Adenowo when she was twenty-five years old. Based in Nigeria, the firm has completed more than 114 diverse projects, ranging from institutional and healthcare facilities to complex mixed-use developments, solidifying her influence on contemporary African architectural design.
Early Development and Academic Foundation
Born in Ibadan in 1968, Adenowo grew up on the campus of Obafemi Awolowo University. Her exposure to historic sites, including the Palais de Versailles, catalyzed her interest in structural design. She entered university at age 14, earning a Bachelor of Science in Architecture with Honours at 19, followed by a Masters Degree with distinction in 1991. Her executive education includes programs at Lagos Business School, IESE Business School, Yale School of Management, and the Harvard Kennedy School.
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Before starting her own firm, Adenowo gained experience at Towry Coker Associates and Femi Majekodunmi Associates, where she worked on the Federal Ministry of Finance project in Abuja. Her design methodology, termed NeoHeritage Architecture, seeks to integrate heritage-based principles into modern African contexts. Beyond architecture, she founded the oil and gas services company Advantage Energy and serves as a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects.
Academic Contributions and Global Recognition
In 2019, she became a visiting professor and Guest Scientist at the Technische Universitat Munchen. Her book, Neo Heritage: Defining Contemporary African Architecture, published by Rizzoli, represents the first monograph by a black architect released by the firm. Her work has garnered international attention, including profiling by CNN and recognition from the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2018.
Philanthropy and Leadership
In 1999, Adenowo launched the Awesome Treasures Foundation, an organization focused on developing leadership for societal advancement. This non-governmental body operates across six continents and maintains a goal of training 1,000 leaders by 2030. Her efforts in leadership and philanthropy were recognized by the United States Congress in 2023, and she was named Forbes Woman Africa Entrepreneur of the Year in 2020.
Fast facts
- Born: 1968, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Firm founded: 1994, AD Consulting
- Education: Obafemi Awolowo University, Yale School of Management, Harvard Kennedy School
- Design philosophy: NeoHeritage Architecture
- Key publication: Neo Heritage; Defining Contemporary African Architecture
- Foundation established: 1999, Awesome Treasures Foundation
- Visiting Professorship: Technische Universitat Munchen, 2019
- Notable Recognition: Forbes Woman Africa Entrepreneur of the Year 2020
Questions readers ask
What is the focus of the Awesome Treasures Foundation?
It is a faith-based organization dedicated to developing transformational leaders for societal advancement, specifically targeting women and youth.
What characterizes Adenowo's architectural style?
Her approach, NeoHeritage Architecture, centers on using an understanding of heritage design to inform and define contemporary African architecture.
Achievements
- Trained at Obafemi Awolowo University and John F. Kennedy School of Government
