This spotlight features Chuka Ihonor. Chuka is an architect and a furniture designer  

Can you share a brief bio?

I studied architecture at UCL, own and run ARG Studio and Ci Studio as well as 9H Media. I generally live alone if I am in Lagos, but when in London, I can see my four children (they are not children anyway; oldest is 27 and youngest is 17).

What time does your alarm go off?

I do not use an alarm unless I need to prepare for something early at an exact time; like catch a flight. I wake up just after 6am.

What do your mornings typically look like?

These days, I have a slightly dislocated work life and schedule, spending time abroad. So I have had to be good at working remotely with staff in Lagos. So my mornings depend on where I am. Working in solitude is the apt description these days.

How did you get on this career path? 

I sort of always knew I wanted to be an architect and a furniture designer. But I was such an all-rounder I could have been a good lawyer, or a good economist. And of course a medical doctor. Sometimes I wish I could still have studied Economics.

Tell us what a typical day looks like?

There is no such thing as a typical day for me. Absolutely no such thing!

Can you share some of your most memorable moments?

The times I spent with my young children before they grew up. Those are memorable. Carrying them on my shoulder and walking long distances, or when my oldest first properly called me ‘Papa’. So it’s not about architecture.

As a creative, we must work to improve the quality of our projects. We must disseminate knowledge and guide the younger professionals.

What do you love most about what you do?

I love architecture, I love my architecture and have immense respect for my work. I set out from when I was in Uni to produce first class work; no excuses. I think I approve of my oeuvre so far. I love to spread the word about design, motivate others to be better, and generally raise our collective design consciousness.

What do you not like about what you do?

Too-know clients (really don’t know a thing) and wicked thieving clients. I probably approve of only about a third of clients I have worked for.

What do you do after work?
I enjoy anything related to design; I dream, read, watch videos all about design globally.

And what do you do at the weekends?

Not much!

Who in the creative industry (globally) inspires you and why?

I am too old to be inspired by others; rather I expect that I may inspire others.

What does being a successful creative mean to you?

Producing work of intellectual solidity, rather than skin-deep good looking work. It is not about popularity with clients, or amount of money made; strictly about the work. Only intellectually sound art and design can inspire other practitioners and that is what defines a successful creative.

What does the societal change mean to you?

A positive shift in consciousness and mindset; a peculiar problem for Nigeria. It needs everyone to work hard at their chosen profession to ensure progress all round. Especially our government which has for decades been hijacked by unscrupulous politicians.

In your opinion, how can the creative industries contribute to social change/social cohesion/improve the Nigerian society?

As a creative, we must work to improve the quality of our projects. We must disseminate knowledge and guide the younger professionals.

If you were not doing what you are doing now, what career path would you be on?

Economist and financial analyst.