KENE OKIGBO
RDG Planning & Design
SAY IT LOUD - Nebraska Exhibitor
Nebraska Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
Hrishikesh Hirway has been a big inspiration for a long time. When he created Song Exploder, he did it in such a way that he almost completely removed himself from the final product. Designing and creating with such little ego is my goal above goals.
KENE OKIGBO
Bio:
The great designer, Kene Okigbo, ASLA is an emerging professional and a member RDG Planning & Design’s landscape architecture studio. Kene has been involved with projects in the markets of parks and recreation, universities, sports facilities, and urban design. He is passionate about creating a product that impacts the community and is inspired by the rejuvenation of existing spaces to better serve their people. Kene’s goal in every project is to communicate the needs of a community through compelling design.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
My first direct tie to architecture was a little over a decade ago. I represented the student body at planning meetings for the West Fargo’s new high school. It wouldn’t be until college that I would begin my journey to become a landscape architect.
What do you do?
I take notes. I ask questions. I talk to people who know what they’re talking about. Sometimes I guess and check. I draw. I calculate and model. But by the end of it, I’ve contributed to something that started as an idea and is about to be made real.
What excites you in the work you do?
Designing the public realm is a mind-blowing prospect. Everyday we shape the physical fabric of society. Our ideas influence how people think, move, and feel. Weaving that fabric in a positive way, with peers who share that sentiment is exciting!
Who or what inspires you professionally?
Hrishikesh Hirway has been a big inspiration for a long time. When he created Song Exploder, he did it in such a way that he almost completely removed himself from the final product. Designing and creating with such little ego is my goal above goals.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
In a conversation that nobody, but I will remember; on a project that still holds a lot significant to me, but likely nobody else - I grew my professional backbone by successfully advocating for the more expensive, but more sustainable solution.
Featured Project Name:
Casper Area Wayfinding Master Plan
Featured Project Location:
Casper, Wyoming Metropolitan Area
Featured Project Completion Date:
2020
Role in Featured Project:
Landscape Architectural Intern
Featured Project Description:
This wayfinding master plan was developed for the towns, cities, and county which comprise the Casper metropolitan area. The beauty of the waterways, mountains, and people of the region inspired the distinct sense of place for each jurisdiction, while establishing a cohesive brand. The wayfinding system is responsive to the needs of both tourists and residents, guiding them safely to and through the community. The plan consists of designs, guidelines, and placement of 200+ system components.
