The Architecture of Realtors & Developers (a rant)

Disclaimer: As architects, we are very much part of the real estate industry, often due to economic factors. However, this post is written with the intention of urging a shift in how we approach our roles. We need to move from being mere tools for developers to taking up the responsibility of shaping the future of housing in Nigeria—one that serves the public good and reflects our culture, context, and values.

PARK & POLK: A Mixed-Use Apartment Building by Jonathan Segal Architects

Hello, everyone!

As promised, I’m back. And today, it’s all about architecture (and real estate).


*takes deep breath


First, let me give you some context.

I graduated in 2019 and was due for NYSC (a mandatory year-long national service in Nigeria). However, due to the chaos caused by COVID-19, I never had the chance to work in an architecture office. Instead, I was posted to the works department of a surveying school.

This unexpected turn of events gave me a lot of research time (mostly podcasts), which eventually led me to discover Jonathan Segal (such an inspiration). It was through this journey that I became convinced that I wanted to become a housing provider. I am now more convinced than ever that architecture professionals are in the best position to directly address Nigeria’s housing challenges.

They don't really care about us

WhatsApp Advert for Residential Development (Source: Writer's Research)

Blood of Jesus.

Your eyes do not deceive you.

That listing is for 3.5 billion Nigerian Naira.

₦3,500,000,000.

Disturbingly, this was a very common sight while I was shadowing a senior colleague who runs a real estate agency (God bless you, Mr. Ayeni). These ads were the object of ridicule and fantasy in equal proportion, with a common remark being that "the owner knows the kind of buyer/tenant he is looking for". During this season, I came to an obvious conclusion: Nigeria desperately needs legislative changes that will incentivize developers to provide creative, high-quality housing solutions that cater to all income levels.

Take, for example, the so-called "affordable housing" developments popping up in various parts of Lagos and Abuja. The marketing for these properties often boasts of being "for the middle class," yet, when you look closer, they are simply unaffordable for the average Nigerian. A two-bedroom apartment in some of these developments might be priced at 25 million naira or more. Let’s be honest—this price tag is out of reach for the very people they claim to serve. The middle class in Nigeria is vast, but many don’t earn enough to afford such housing. Meanwhile, the government continues to ignore the situation, and the private sector continues to subsidize large developers who build developments that simply don't meet the needs of this demographic.

Contextual misfits

Residential Development (Source: OwnAHome)

Moreover, most of these projects ignore the unique climate, culture, and context of Nigeria. You can walk through a newly built estate, and you’ll see rows of identical, imported-looking houses with no real relationship to the local environment. You won’t find much consideration for things like natural ventilation, local materials, or a layout that considers how Nigerian families live and interact with their surroundings. It’s as if the architecture is built for somewhere else—perhaps for a North American suburb—rather than for the Nigerian context. This gives Nigerian architecture a reputation for lacking identity, with many developments feeling like copy-paste versions of designs from other countries that have no relevance to the Nigerian way of life.

For example, consider the new gated communities springing up on the outskirts of big cities, with sleek, modern homes, manicured lawns, and security gates. They’re marketed as "safe and affordable" housing, yet they are far from it for most middle-class Nigerians. In reality, these developments are more suited for wealthy individuals or expatriates. The cost of living in these communities quickly rises, with service charges and additional costs pushing them out of reach for many. Even the lack of proper public transportation infrastructure to these remote locations makes them inaccessible for families who rely on public transit.

Entrance to Gated Community (Source: OYSFS)

Which way?

Housing solutions should prioritize mixed-use developments, mixed-tenancy, and accessible public infrastructure. Imagine a development that combines residential apartments, office spaces, recreational areas, and local shops within a single complex. Think of a project that blends housing for middle-class workers with spaces for students, artisans, and young professionals. By doing this, we create a thriving, dynamic community, where people of various income levels can interact, share resources, and feel part of a larger purpose.

While these niche housing developments might be great investments for developers, they don’t solve the bigger problem—providing adequate housing for the middle- and low-income Nigerian population. Housing should be seen as more than just an investment opportunity; it should be a solution to the problem of inadequate shelter for the majority of the population.

I truly hope that more well-meaning architects and professionals enter the real estate space. It pains me every time these press-worthy developments are unjustly hailed as part of the solution to Nigeria's housing deficit. What we need is more sustainable, contextually relevant, and inclusive housing solutions that actually improve the living conditions of Nigerians—solutions that address the needs of our climate, culture, and economy.

This is actually what we need more of (Source: CCW on Behance)

So, there you have it. 

My little rant on the state of architecture and real estate development in Nigeria. 

I know it might sound like I'm throwing shade, but honestly, I’m just frustrated—and I believe we can do better. After all, we’re the ones who know how to design spaces that work, that inspire, and that make a real difference in people's lives.

Let’s move beyond being mere cogs in the developer’s machine. Let’s take charge, innovate, and build housing solutions that are as unique as the people who need them. Housing is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s about creating communities, telling stories, and solving real problems.

So, to my fellow architects, real estate professionals, and future housing heroes: let’s stop talking about change and start building it—one meaningful project at a time.

Thanks for reading, and I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment, share your experiences, or even send me a message if you’re ready to collaborate and shake things up!

There is always a place in the world for creativity.

And don't forget to smile, because Jesus loves you.