The Stanley Hotel in Nairobi has a significant meaning to Kenyan practitioners in the built environment. It was in this hotel that a decisive meeting resulted in the formation of the Architectural Association of Kenya – AAK in 1967.
AAK has its roots in the East African Institute of Architects (EAIA), created following the enactment of the Architects and Quantity Surveyors’ Registration Act in 1934.
When EALA collapsed in 1965, Kenyan practitioners in the built environment engaged in a series of meetings, the first being in May 1965, to design a national association that would champion their common interests. The interactions resulted in the eventual creation of AAK on May 31, 1967, following a decisive meeting of 46 professionals at the Stanley Hotel in Nairobi.
Architectural Association of Kenya – AAK promotes the interests and the Welfare of its members, who are architects, quantity surveyors, engineers, town planners, construction managers, landscape architects and environmental design consultants.
The services include provision or organising of continuous professional development of members through workshops and seminars.
The association further participates in the setting of professional standards in the country, and contributes to curriculum development in the fields it represents. It also influences policy in matters concerning the built environment.
The pioneer chairman, then called president, was Mr. Graham MacCullough.