Cassidy + Ashton’s Samuel gains RIBA qualification
Samuel Okoh, based at our Preston office, has become a qualified Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) architect.
His qualification as a RIBA Chartered Architect comes after completing part three of RIBA’s Advanced Diploma in Professional Practice in Architecture. RIBA is a global professional membership body which supports practicing architects and the sector, helping to deliver better buildings and public spaces and a sustainable environment.
Having gained a Master of Architecture (MArch) from The University of Manchester, this final stage of the RIBA Diploma demonstrates Samuel’s commitment to the architectural profession.
Delivered as an education and professional programme that run concurrently, candidates must demonstrate over two years’ practical experience working in the profession and sit a final set of exams to complete the qualification.
Samuel joined Cassidy + Ashton in January 2023 from Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) where he played a key role in its Revenue Projects Team, managing building refurbishments and working on MMU’s strategy to improve accessibility across its campus. Before his studies in the UK, he worked on several architectural projects abroad, including in Mexico and his homeland, Nigeria.
Speaking about Samuel’s qualification, Cassidy + Ashton chairman Alistair Baines said: “This major career milestone for Samuel comes after a lot of hard work and commitment.
“It is very gratifying to see how quickly Samuel has adapted to the ‘C+A’ way of working and helping us deliver some major projects where his contribution has been both professional and to a very high quality. Since joining us at the start of 2023 he has established himself as a very important member of our team and this impressive achievement only serves to further strengthen our capabilities.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with Samuel over the coming years and supporting him in the next stage of his development while enabling him to contribute to the future growth and success of the practice.”
As a designer, Samuel has a keen interest in incorporating sustainable solutions into his work. He believes architects play an important role to ensure buildings and developments achieve sustainability not just through responsible design and ethical sourcing of materials, but economically and socially too – all within a feasible and affordable manner.
Samuel added: “I’m delighted to have recently qualified as a registered architect after passing all the required exams and completing the necessary practical experience.
“This achievement caps many years of hard work and dedication to my long-held dream of designing innovative, contextual spaces that enhance people’s lives.
“I am especially grateful for the support I have received from Cassidy + Ashton by providing abundant opportunities to gain the practical experience critical for qualification. Their flexibility with my exam preparation and support of my professional development has been invaluable.
“Now qualified, I look forward to refining my skills, collaborating with our multidisciplinary team, and making a meaningful contribution to the built environment and regional infrastructure.”
