Interior architect Tola Ojuolape has established herself as a distinctive voice in contemporary design, creating spaces that seamlessly blend cultural heritage with personal narrative. Her journey from art and construction studies to interior architecture has been profoundly shaped by her Nigerian roots, which she rediscovered during transformative travels to the African continent. This cultural awakening has become the cornerstone of her design philosophy, influencing every project she undertakes.
Ojuolape's design process begins with developing a central concept and clear narrative that guides the entire creative journey. This storytelling approach directly influences her selection of materials, finishes, and the overall atmosphere of each space. Her work emphasizes tactility and materiality, drawing inspiration from diverse sources including nature, architecture, fashion, and the numerous cities she has experienced throughout her career. This multifaceted approach allows her to create environments that resonate on both emotional and cultural levels.
The creative process from concept to reality relies heavily on modern technology, with Ojuolape and her team utilizing SketchUp as an essential tool for translating initial ideas into detailed three-dimensional models. This agile workflow enables rapid experimentation with different materials and finishes while maintaining strict adherence to project budgets. Beyond its technical capabilities, SketchUp serves as a collaborative platform that helps clients better understand and connect with designs, even when they lack architectural backgrounds. This inclusive approach ensures that all stakeholders feel engaged in the creative process.
With over a decade of professional experience, Ojuolape has developed an intuitive understanding of spatial needs and client comfort requirements. She consistently gravitates toward warm, earthy color palettes and frequently incorporates natural materials such as wood and stone to create environments that evoke grounded tranquility. This aesthetic preference reflects her deeper connection to natural elements and cultural authenticity, creating spaces that feel both contemporary and timeless.
Several innovative features within SketchUp have revolutionized Ojuolape's workflow and design capabilities. The Ambient Occlusion tool allows her to add realistic shadows and model spaces before applying textures, significantly reducing time spent on client presentations. The Follow Me Tool has become essential for exploring curved designs, which are naturally integrated into her aesthetic vocabulary. She particularly values the integration of Artificial Intelligence within SketchUp, viewing AI as the future of the design profession. This technology has enabled her to effortlessly transform daytime spaces into nighttime settings, a process that previously required extensive collaboration with visualization specialists or separate plugins. The 3D Warehouse feature simplifies the addition of elements like plants to models, while the ability to compress and share files has proven invaluable for team collaboration.
The Africa Center project represents a significant milestone in Ojuolape's career, marking what she describes as a "full circle moment" that perfectly aligned her professional expertise with her cultural insights. This project, focused on redefining the identity of the institution established in 1961, required a designer who could navigate complex cultural narratives with sensitivity and authenticity. Ojuolape's bicultural background and deep understanding of her heritage made her an ideal candidate for this challenging undertaking.
The primary objective of the Africa Center project was to tell a comprehensive story showcasing the diversity of the African continent while moving away from monolithic representations that have historically dominated such spaces. The project's success has been measured not only by critical acclaim but by the organic way people inhabit and enjoy the spaces Ojuolape created. Years after completion, specific design details like unique light fixtures continue to maintain their visual impact and functionality, testament to her enduring vision and superior craftsmanship.
Ojuolape's work demonstrates how interior design can serve as a powerful medium for storytelling, cultural preservation, and personal connection. Her daily integration of modern tools like SketchUp illustrates how contemporary technology can help architects and designers bring their most personal and culturally significant visions to life, creating spaces that honor heritage while embracing innovation.
