James Mitchell

Biography

Visionary architect James Mitchell founded Orkidstudio in 2007, determined to bring the benefits of professional design and high quality construction – healthy, safe and dignified spaces – to those who really need them, disadvantaged urban and rural communities around the world.

Orkidstudio is based in Nairobi, Kenya, with a team of over 30 professionals (>70 women, >80% Kenyan) creating high quality, affordable and healthy buildings, through an exceptional end-to-end design and construction process, which use local materials and promote opportunities for women.

James recognizes the design-and-build process as an economic empowerment opportunity for women, and to drive for gender equality in this vital and growing sector Orkidstudio employs and trains at least 50% women at all its construction sites.

In 2018, James founded Buildher along with Skoll Awardee Nick Moon (Kickstart Intl), which equips disadvantaged young women in Kenya with accredited construction skills, leading to greater financial prosperity, changing male attitudes and promoting gender equality within the construction industry.

Celebrated in Impact Design Hub’s 40-under-40 in 2017, James has also led Orkidstudio to international recognition, including the Royal Scottish Academy Medal for Architecture in 2013, honoured as a Curry Stone Design Prize Social Design Circle member in 2017 and being shortlisted for the Swiss Architectural Award 2018. In 2017, James was selected for the Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship GSBI program and in 2018 as an Aspen Institute Spotlight Health Scholar.

James has previously worked for renowned architects, Shigeru Ban in Tokyo and Theo Hotz in Switzerland, and lectured at the Mackintosh School of Architecture (Glasgow School of Art) in Architecture in International Development. James holds two Masters degrees: in Architecture from Cardiff University, and in Fine Art (Visual Arts) from Camberwell College of Art, University of the Arts London.