NAIROBI, Kenya, July 11 – In the dynamic world of real estate and interior design, Cleophas Nyagaka’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
With a childhood passion for art and design, Nyagaka’s imaginative flair led him to pursue his dreams of becoming an international interior designer.
Little did he know that his path would be filled with challenges and triumphs that would shape his career.
After completing a real estate course in South Africa, Nyagaka returned to Kenya and embarked on his professional journey at the National Construction Authority (NCA).
However, his entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering passion for design continued to drive him, even during his professional endeavors.
“I would often find myself engrossed in analyzing rooms during meetings, contemplating ways to enhance their visual appeal,” notes the entrepreneur.
Determined to turn his dreams into reality, Nyagaka established a design workshop that eventually evolved into Fine Urban Construction and Interiors, a prominent firm in the real estate interior design and construction industry.
The road to success was challenging, as Nyagaka often approached clients who had purchased furniture from the workshop, requesting to redesign or repaint their homes, sometimes on a pro bono basis.
Nyagaka’s breakthrough came when he was entrusted with the task of designing the interior of a newly constructed hotel in Samburu.
The success of this project allowed him to allocate a portion of the earnings towards acquiring a better office space in Nairobi, expanding his workforce, and transforming his business into a comprehensive construction company.
“Recognizing the close relationship between interior design and architecture, I realized that many houses required significant upgrades beyond mere aesthetic improvements. This led us to venture into full-scale construction, demolishing walls that didn’t fit well and reimagining outdated designs and functionality,” noted Nyagaka.
Today, in 2023, Fine Urban Construction and Interiors has achieved remarkable growth, taking on projects not only in Kenya but also in various parts of Africa, including Cameroon, Uganda, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Rwanda.
Their success can be attributed to their unwavering focus on client satisfaction, delivering high-quality work through skilled craftsmanship, and building long-lasting, trustworthy relationships.
To further their growth, Fine Urban has embraced digital marketing, showcasing ongoing and completed projects through various social platforms.
Their YouTube channel, which boasts a massive following, features captivating content, including a tour of the Swedish palace in Dubai, offering inspiration to viewers and potential clients.
Despite his success, Cleophas Nyagaka acknowledges that challenges persist in the industry.
“Finding skilled labor and maintaining quality workmanship in a detail-oriented field remains a constant struggle. Fine Urban addresses this issue by investing in the training of individuals with basic skills and offering internship and training opportunities to university students, ensuring they absorb the right talent,” notes Nyagaka.
In their pursuit of excellence, Fine Urban’s team draws inspiration from their travels to various destinations within Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
These experiences fuel their creativity and enable them to bring unique perspectives to their projects.
They also strive to support local communities by sourcing materials locally, valuing the potential of raw materials found in different Kenyan counties and adding value through craftsmanship.
Looking ahead, Cleophas Nyagaka aims to connect with the diaspora market, providing trustworthy and dependable contracting services to individuals who wish to invest in real estate in their home country.
“By expanding our reach and reputation, we hope to offer a seamless experience for clients seeking reliable partners to manage their projects back home,” notes Nyagaka.
The entrepreneur also hopes that his remarkable journey in the real estate and interior design industry will serve as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and design enthusiasts alike.
Through determination, creativity, and a commitment to delivering excellence, Nyagaka has transformed his passion into a thriving business, leaving an indelible mark on the world of real estate and construction.