Symbion was founded in 1980 and has since grown to become one of the leading architectural practices in Sub Saharan-Africa. Today Symbion has over 200 employees spread across 8 countries and through an integrated process, Symbion’s network of resources provides its clients with access to a vast range of professional services. Symbion’s reputation for providing high quality architectural, interior, project management and urban design services is well known throughout the region, and together with its associates practices, the company has been involved with projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Seychelles, Mauritius, Somalia, Zambia, Botswana, Burundi, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Sudan, Mozambique and Gabon. The Directors, together with their teams of skilled interior designers, architects, technicians and specialist consultants are able to offer comprehensive design services from the feasibility study through to the completed contract on all types of work.
Symbion is also a part of the international association firm RMJM. RMJM is a collaboration of the largest, most geographically and culturally diverse architecture firms in the world which operates on 5 continents, with 30 studios sharing skill sets across borders in 24 countries. RMJM has received 526 Awards and partaken in the manifestation of over 940 built projects globally.
OUR CAPABILITIES AND VALUES
Symbion’s core services include:- Architecture, Interior Design, Project Co-ordination, Project Management, Design Management, Value Management, Information Management, Contract Management, Independent Technical Audits and Urban Planning.
Symbion’s success can be attested to by numerous awards the company has received including the First Prize in the First National Kenya Prize for Architecture 1989, 6No Gold, Silver and Bronze awards at the AAK’s Millennium Awards 2000, 2 Gold Awards and 3 Bronze Awards for Excellence in Architecture from AAK 2006, Kensington housing estate won the best exhibitor award in the Stanbic Bank Home and Auto show in in Kampala Uganda 2008 and the CNBC International property award for Kensington Housing 2008 to mention but a few.
The Symbion group also recognizes their role as a corporate citizen and makes appropriate contributions to deserving causes. Apart from direct contributions in response to various appeals, the company continues to participate in social corporate events including:-
The Standard Chartered Marathon
The Lewa Marathon
The Dettol Heart Run
The Barclays Step Aside Walk contribution
The Women’s Hospital fundraising event.
The Nairobi Hospice
The Mater Heart Run
OUR PORTFOLIO
Symbion has created and implemented a substantial number of significant projects for leading private and international organizations throughout Africa. A handful of such works are described in detail below:-
A) HOTELS AND RESORTS
Located in Kampala, Uganda this project was executed by the Symbion Uganda office. For its achievement in 2007, Symbion Uganda brought together a skilful blend of Architecture, Interior Design and Project Management.
This intensely detailed project ensured the successful transformation of the old Nile Hotel with 65 guest rooms, into a resort hotel of ambience & prestige by 2006. The building was positioned on the upper portion of the 17-acre site, allowing the landscape and gardens to wrap around it. The 152 guest rooms and suites have views of the bustling city with its surrounding hills. Themes of lakes, rivers, wildlife and landscape appear in both the exterior features of the hotel and the room décor where muted colour, organic and softly flowing fabrics are evident. With the skills of local craftsmen, creations of beaten copper fretwork, beaded wall hangings, mosaic pillars and stunning carved panels come to life in communal spaces. The harmonious synchronization of the interior and exterior themes was certainly the most rewarding aspect of the project. And in Kampala Serena, Symbion was able to create a world class hotel that is wholly appropriate to its site.
This ongoing project is the hotel’s architectural and interior design restoration. Situated in Dar es Salaam Tanzania, Symbion designed the master plan of the existing hotel which comprises of approx. 230 No. rooms with commensurate public areas and support facilities in 2013. Subsequently, Symbion was appointed to proceed to the enrichment of the: Arrival and Reception lobby; fabrics, artworks and decorative lighting;
Other selected feature hotels by the Serena Group and designed by Symbion are:
Sited in the bustling city of Nairobi, Kenya this tasteful hotel was completed in 2013. Symbion partnered with world-renowned interior designers, DWP to create a true Global village nestled in the heart of Nairobi that emulates a Tuscan village and utilizes rich warm colours which contrast well with the green lawns, hanging gardens and water features. Through careful planning, Symbion was able to provide over 13,640 sqm of an up-scale, chic, and sophisticated urban complex. The hotel development features 200 guest rooms, breakout terraces, a pillar-less grand ballroom, conference facilities, fully equipped gym and aerobic facilities, a state-of-the art spa with 9 treatment rooms and an outdoor swimming pool, pool-side café, steam, sauna and Jacuzzi with relaxation areas.
Located at the sandy coast of Mombasa in Kenya this project, completed in 2013 boasts of a modern Arabic architecture and interior design. The pavilions at Whitesands have been the focus of attention to visiting guests for the last twenty years. Given this period of existence the pavilions had been of effective service and required a fresh look. Symbion was excited to be refurbishing these rooms to uplift and modernise them with the changing times. Symbion chose to retain the architectural language of the Arabic/Swahili style on all aspects to this project in order to adhere to its clientele and locality.
B) HEALTH CARE FACILITIES
Located in Nairobi, Kenya this project was intended to create a new hospital wing. Established in 1958, Aga Khan Hospital continues to upgrade its facilities and develop the master plan in a bid to respond to the health care needs of the people of East Africa. The Princess Zahra pavilion provides the hospital with 74No. self-contained private bedroom suites, supported by state-of-the-art cardiology units, a maternity / delivery ward,sophisticated laboratory and appropriate staff support facilities.
