Approach

We believe that all design begins with the human experience and a creative approach toward problem solving. Driven by the desire to create cohesive, innovative designs and experiences, we strive for beauty and elegance in every design consideration. Warmth, vibrance, and tactility are combined with an unwavering eye for tailored details, resulting in elegant and livable spaces that enrich daily life. Inspiration is drawn from multicultural influences from around the world, as well as a contemporary commitment to inventive uses of materials and building technology. Design specialties include the architectural and interior design of residences, restaurants/hospitality, retail and office spaces.

Our Team

Susan Nwankpa Gillespie, Principal

Kristen Nakamura, Architecture

Amin Abbaszade, Architecture

Francisco Laredo, Architecture

Elizabeth Leung, Interior Design

Leadership

Susan Nwankpa Gillespie, AIA, NOMA, Registered Architect

Susan Nwankpa Gillespie is a Nigerian-American architect and interior designer based in Southern California. Her ability to form a personal connection with each of her clients enables her to identify their inspirations and aspirations, and bring focus and confidence to the bold, cohesive designs they create together. Over the course of her career, her work has been published in some of the industry’s most-read publications including Dwell, Interior Design Magazine, and The Architect’s Newspaper, and has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects.*

Her eclectic background informs her layered approach to design, enabling her to blend functional details with ideas that surprise and delight. Born to a Nigerian father and mother with French-Canadian roots, Susan grew up in the mid-West and moved to New York to study and begin her professional career before attending graduate school in Los Angeles where she has worked ever since. Her time as an artist, activist, materials librarian, and qualitative researcher - often in parallel with her design work - continues to enrich her process, allowing her to better guide her clients and elevate their collective effort.

* Portfolio includes work completed prior to founding Nwankpa Design.

UCLA, School of Architecture & Urban Design, MArch I
Pratt Institute, M.S. Interior Design Candidate
Columbia University, B.A. Political Science