Shaping the next generation of designers.
Contributors
- Karuri Kanyi (Architectural Technologist)
Since 1945, Leslie Jones Architecture has helped shape towns and cities through thoughtful, collaborative design. Our long-standing legacy is built on a commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent, combining the expertise of our experienced team with fresh perspectives to create a vibrant culture that continues to attract industry-leading professionals.
We sat down with Karuri Kanyi, Architectural Technologist at Leslie Jones Architecture to learn more about his experience at Leslie Jones over the past 18 months.
What is your role at Leslie Jones?
I am an Architectural Technologist and my core focus is project delivery across our diverse portfolio by preparing comprehensive drawing and technical packages. I work closely with our internal design teams and consultants to ensure all the information we produce is precise, fully coordinated, and ready for site.
How long have you worked at LJA?
I originally spent a year with LJA before stepping away for two years to complete my undergraduate degree and pursue my Master’s. I’m now five months into my second stint, bringing my total time here to around a year and a half. Returning felt like a natural next step, the supportive team and strong culture made it an easy place to come back to.
What did you do before joining LJA?
My journey started right here at LJA on a placement year, gaining early hands-on experience. I then stepped away to complete both my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Returning as a qualified professional is definitely a full-circle moment, and I’m looking forward to advancing my professional development while contributing to the practice’s continued success.
What is your greatest achievement / proudest moment/career highlight?
Right from the start, I wanted to understand the full lifecycle of a project, from early setup and coordination right through to delivery. Building a skillset that allows me to do that, reinforced by professional training and continuous hands-on experience, has been a huge personal milestone. Day-to-day, nothing beats watching our work transition from the screen into reality. Putting in the groundwork behind the scenes and seeing everything take shape on site is an achievement that feels just as rewarding every single time.
What makes working at Leslie Jones different? What experience have you gained / key lessons you’ve learned?
For me, it comes down to the people, the level of trust placed in the team, and the broad range of work you’re exposed to across the practice. There’s an open culture where everyone’s input is valued, giving you the space to take ownership of your work with strong support. What you quickly learn from this is that a genuinely collaborative environment translates directly into better project outcomes.
Which projects do you work on?
Before undertaking my master’s degree, the majority of my time was dedicated to a large-scale residential scheme. Since returning, my role has expanded across different sectors, and I’m now actively working on a mix of exciting retail and aviation schemes across the practice.
