A Fusion of Heritage and Innovation in Architecture
From Academia to Architectural Vision: Susan Nwankpa Gillespie's Journey
Susan Nwankpa Gillespie's academic pursuits began with political science at Columbia University, where she also interned at Morgan Stanley. Initially, a corporate career seemed her destined path. However, foundational courses on urban history and structure ignited a passion within her, revealing a desire for a more tangible influence on the built environment. This pivotal realization led her to pursue a graduate degree in architecture from UCLA.
The Genesis of a Distinctive Design Philosophy
Establishing her namesake firm in 2016, Gillespie quickly made a mark with her emphasis on crafting spaces that are both elegant and highly livable. Her design philosophy is deeply informed by her rich, multicultural background—a fusion of her Nigerian father's heritage and her French-Canadian mother's roots. This diverse lineage fosters a layered approach to design, where functional elements are expertly interwoven with delightful and unexpected ideas. She consistently draws inspiration from these varied cultural influences, seamlessly blending them with cutting-edge building technologies to conceive unique residential and hospitality environments.
The Creative Pulse: From Sketch to Realization
Gillespie's creative process often commences with a swift sketch, capturing the initial spark of an idea, or a quick grab for her mobile device. She views her phone, despite its numerous open tabs, as an extension of her mind—a repository for research and conceptual thoughts awaiting future development. Despite the demanding nature of her profession, Gillespie finds immense joy in every phase of a project. The most rewarding aspect, she notes, is witnessing the culmination of her efforts, that moment when all elements coalesce beautifully, affirming the value of the arduous work invested.
A Glimpse into Her Inspirations: Family Photos and Ancient Wonders
Gillespie's personal inspirations are as diverse as her background. A cherished collection of photographs from her father's youth in Nigeria, taken before his emigration to America, offers a vivid portal into the fashion, culture, and spirit of the 1970s. These images, a powerful tribute to his legacy, evoke a profound sense of nostalgia and cultural pride. Among these, a striking black and white photograph captures an unknown woman on a motorcycle, exuding an undeniable aura of confidence and style, embodying the essence of traditional West African textile artistry through her attire. Another poignant image from the 1980s features her father proudly standing at the foundation of his home in his ancestral Nigerian village, a testament to ambition and perseverance. This image, set against the backdrop of vibrant tropical greenery and rich red clay soil, highlights the enduring beauty of the Nigerian landscape. Further enriching her cultural tapestry, Gillespie recounts a family visit to the majestic Pyramids of Teotihuacan near Mexico City. The sheer scale and intricate artistry of this pre-Aztec site, with its monumental carvings and vibrant murals, underscore the profound and lasting impact of cultural expression across centuries. These experiences, deeply intertwined with her own family's Mexican and Irish heritage, are a constant source of wonder and artistic influence.
Architectural Masterpieces by Susan Nwankpa Gillespie
Among Gillespie's distinguished works, the Textile House 2 stands as a personal statement, a modern single-story residence characterized by its minimalist aesthetic yet rich in textural drama. It boldly incorporates patterns from West African textiles and fashion, integrating them into timeless architectural forms. The Textile House takes its cue from Ewe/Kente weaving, with its facade mirroring the warp and weft of traditional cloth through vertical cedar slats and intermittent horizontal connections, creating a rhythmic visual play. The Hollywood Hills Midcentury project involved the thoughtful renovation of a 1958 home for a screenwriter and art collector. This endeavor meticulously preserved the midcentury character while introducing contemporary finishes and custom furnishings, including a credenza adorned with Zellige tiles that evoke the vibrant elegance of West African fashion. The Silverlake Treehouse began as a bungalow with a unique symmetrical roofline. Gillespie's design preserved its original charm while introducing expansive horizontal windows that frame the surrounding verdant foliage, enhancing the living spaces' connection to nature. Finally, the Relativity Space Headquarters project saw the transformation of an ordinary office warehouse into a cutting-edge headquarters for a company specializing in 3D-printed rockets. The design, deeply informed by Relativity's mission, embodies core values such as wonder, audacity, relentlessness, and humanity, reflecting the company's excellence and visionary spirit.