Adding Value by Design
Architecture, Interior Design and Products
Experienced architects with a knowledge of a variety of building types and project management.
DC Waterfront Office Interior Fit-Out
Services
We Create, Transform and Coordinate
We provide architectural design services from concept development to programming and the design and specifications for several building types.
We provide services in interior space planning for commercial and residential properties. We also provide design review and code review.
We work with you throughout the process including providing construction administration services.
Biofilter Wall at Reception
and Dining Area for RAP
Why we exist?
We are here to serve you. To help you transform the spaces you live and work in to more reflect your individuality. We are here to create, to guide and to assist. We create a synergy of design, practicality and spirit.
Our philosophy is “Adding Value by Design”. For us value is not just monetary, but it is also psychological; we want our clients to benefit from a well-designed space. Our goal is to feed your soul, provide you a space in which you feel safe and which sparks creativity, enhances productivity and engenders a sense of pride in ownership.
Ikumba Lifestyle Concepts, LLC
Adding Value by Design
Ikumba: Interior of Dwelling / Inner Sanctum
The word “ikumba” comes from Ndebele tribe of Southern Africa. The ikumba was the interior of the home and considered fully the woman’s domain, her space of refuge. So strong was the association with her that no one could enter without establishing trust and being invited in; additionally, when she leaves the home or dies, her home was allowed to disintegrate. I have translated the word “ikumba” to mean interior of dwelling, interior of self or inner sanctum. Every year, this concept becomes more nuanced. There are so many subtleties of the ikumba that speak to me as an architect and my concerns for the impact of the construction process and buildings on our environments:
— Multipurpose / multifunctional space.
— Sustainable design using local materials to build the house, with scarce resources using every opportunity to contribute to energy conservation, recycling of use and reduction of waste.
— Organic – Both in design form and materials used.
— Focused on promoting individuality of expression.
Paula Griffith, RA
Ikumba Lifestyle Concepts 