An Interview With The Founder – Arc. Linda Zaki

Like a lot of businesses, an idea is constantly inspired by something, likewise the story of how 27^th architects came to be. A journey to personal rediscovering that manifested the ideas that birthed 27th architects. Started in 2020, Inspired by childhood memories, a love for wood and the desire to create furniture that would last a lifetime, Linda Zaki, founder of 27^th architects in this interview articulates her humble beginning, challenges thus far and the future plan for 27th architects.

An interview filled with pure joy, and inspiration.

Ada: you love to talk about how your background has contributed to shaping who you are today so can you please give me a brief preview of your background?
Linda: yes, an immense impact you can say. well, I was born and raised in Kaduna State, Nigeria. an Architect with 6+ years in design, construction and finishing. My background was rooted around discipline and consistency so much of that has contributed in shaping me.

Ada: As a manager who is in charge of coordinating and organizing people to ensure effectiveness and efficiency, what are some of the personal values that have translated to the brand’s values?

Linda: well, I would say I’m good at exchanging ideas, thoughts, opinions, and knowledge, and in summary, communicate effectively. and another trait I love is my ability, to be honest with myself and others despite the circumstances. So, in my dealings with employees and acquaintances, I try as much as I can to communicate effectively and encourage honest behaviour.

Ada: Let’s make this interesting, what are some interesting facts about?
Linda: I think of myself as one born with creative hands. Anything I touch with my hands becomes magical, there is no end to my desire to use my hands. To this, I acquired pottery, carpentry, cooking, hairdressing and sewing skills. I am a physical and sensual person.

Ada: What inspired you to venture into to woodwork design?
Linda: The inspiration to use timber in furniture design arose from observing the strength and durability of my mother’s bed frame made of teak wood 59 years since she had it as opposed to modern designs in hdf and mdf that are short-lived. Also, I was inspired by the traditionally carved wood furniture in my childhood home. This imprinted in me the desire to create furniture piece pieces that would last a lifetime, and be indigenously artistic with a touch of creativity and modernity.

Ada: What are the core values of 27th architects?
Linda: Can be summed up in 3 words Creativity, Enchantment, and Culture.

Ada: what are some of the challenges you have encountered?
Linda: As a female in a male-dominated industry, there are always scenarios where my abilities have been called to question with comments like “can she do it” ” is she the furniture designer of the company?” etc, A notable example that keeps reoccurring. Each time I am working at the workshop and supervising my carpenters, a man will walk in, totally ignore me, and go to the carpenter to state his issues, they will in turn refer him back to me as their boss. Most times their reaction runs from surprise to disgust.

Ada: What are some of your go-to relaxation activities?
Linda: monopoly game brings out the best in me I also enjoy game nights with friends, reading novels and karaoke. Silly joyous indulgence. Dancing in front of the mirror while working. I also find nude art fascinating creatively.

Ada: Any personal challenges that you still deal with ?

Linda: I struggle with impostor syndrome and social anxiety. it is a psychological event in which an individual doubts their skills, talents, or accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud. It’s something I have struggled with for a while. but I’m getting to a point where I am beginning to appreciate my ability more. I’m a work in progress. Slowly but surely I will get to that point where I would feel wholly in my skill and abilities

Ada: How did the idea to start a furniture company spring up?
Linda: The idea to create a furniture design company came to light in march 2020, after losing a job and changing accommodations/ starting a new phase of life. I took on the responsibility to furnish my apartment myself. Along with my co-founder (Theresa), we created amazing furniture pieces for this bedroom, an apartment that would later serve as our show house. Friends and acquaintances saw how amazing the furniture pieces were, bought them from us and encouraged us to start a business. 27th Architects was born.

Ada: The name 27th Architects came to be from?
Linda: My undergraduate registration number in Zaria school of architecture was no 27 and we used to refer to ourselves by our no; 3rd, 5th, 17th 27th 34th Architect in that manner. The symbolic meaning of no 2 (partnership, teamwork, balance) and no 7 (completeness). These meanings have been our guiding principles.

Ada: What and to whom are you most thankful?
Linda: 2+ years down the line and this wouldn’t have been successful without the unwavering support of Theresa, my co-founder and sister who has given her all to this course, Ada; the company’s digital director working graciously, our team of carpenters, wood carvers and creatives. Not forgetting close friends and associates like Stanley, Max, Mercy, Oseme, Ojo, Ibrahim, Sharon and others who are always routing for me.

Ada: Personal plans?
Linda: I aim to be a diplomatic nomad, speaking at panel sessions across the world, and leading conversations in innovative and creative furniture design, ingenious African furniture and furnishings. Establishing workshops in cities across Africa and impacting local communities.

Ada: Final words?

Linda: Watch out for 27th Architects. We will be a disruptive brand in indigenous and innovative furniture and spatial design creating and setting trends in the design industry.