NETWORK / CONTRIBUTORS

Ololade Temitope Oduneye


Profession: Architectural Technologist
City: Northampton
Country: United Kingdom


What inspired you to want a life in Architecture and the creative industries?:
As a child, I always had a passion for building and dreamed of becoming one of the people who create buildings and shape cities. This dream led me to start working as a bricklayer in Nigeria, where I gained a deep, hands-on understanding of construction. But I wanted more, I didn’t just want to follow the plan drawn by someone, I wanted to be the one who do the drawings and designed the buildings. This ambition inspired me to take an opportunity to work as an apprentice at an architectural firm. From the moment I arrived, I felt a sense of belonging and loved every moment I spent there. This cemented my decision to pursue a career where I could merge creativity, technical skill, and practical knowledge to deliver functional and inspiring spaces.

Who inspired you in finding your path to Architecture/Film and the creative industries?:
My inspiration came from a combination of personal experiences and the people I worked alongside early in my career. As a bricklayer, I was influenced by the architects and designers whose drawings I brought to life on-site. Watching their concepts transform into real structures sparked my curiosity and admiration for the creative process behind architecture. This drive grew stronger when I worked as an apprentice in an architectural firm, where my mentors encouraged my ideas and guided my skills. Later, during my time at university, my lecturers played a key role in shaping my path, challenging my thinking, refining my design approach, and showing me how creativity, technical expertise, and innovation can work together to shape the built environment. Their belief in my potential solidified my decision to build a career in architecture.

How you unlock obstacles and overcome bias in your work?:
Whenever i come across obstacles at work, i break them down and list them into manageable step, then i research solutions, and seek perspectives from, seniors, colleagues to ensure a well-rounded approach. When facing bias, I rely on facts, data, and industry standards to keep discussions objective, while fostering an open, respectful environment where all voices are valued. This ensures that my decisions remain fair, informed, and focused on delivering the best outcome for the project

What improvements do you feel are required to promote effective change in the academic and working environment?:
To drive effective change in both academic and workplace environments, it is essential to strengthen the connection between theory and practical application. In education, this means incorporating more hands-on projects and fostering stronger collaborations with industry, enabling students to gain real world experience and better prepare for professional challenges. Within the workplace, cultivating a culture of mentorship, continuous learning, and open communication empowers individuals to develop their skills and adapt to evolving industry needs. Furthermore, embracing diverse perspectives and backgrounds promotes innovation and ensures solutions are inclusive and forward-thinking.

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