This episode of NUFRIENDS features a captivating conversation with O.A.J. Ige, a design staff at the Lamar Johnson Collaborative and a recent graduate in architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology. O.A.J. discusses his journey from Oyo State, Nigeria to becoming an architect in Chicago, his passion for leadership, and his commitment to impactful projects like Socially Constructed and Ige Lead, a non-profit focused on Nigeria. He shares insights into the architecture education process, the subjective nature of architectural design, and his thoughts on leadership inspired by his grandfather, Chief Bola Ige. O.A.J also discusses his work at Lamar Johnson Collaborative, his vision for the future of Nigerian leadership, and offers advice for aspiring architects on creativity, portfolio building, and the importance of networking and sleep.

00:00 Welcome to NUFRIENDS: Meet O.A.J. Ige

00:41 O.A.J. Ige: Background and Career in Architecture

01:20 The Journey from Nigeria to Chicago: O.A.J.'s Architectural Dream

02:10 Understanding Architecture: O.A.J.'s Perspective

02:53 The Rigors and Rewards of Architecture School

05:48 O.A.J.'s Architectural Inspirations and Favorite Buildings

07:02 Professional Life: Working at Lamar Johnson Collaborative

08:05 The Path to Becoming a Licensed Architect

09:07 Beyond Architecture: Leadership and Legacy

10:30 IgeLead: Fostering Leadership in Nigerian Youth

15:12 Creative Pursuits and Socially Constructed Events

16:56 Advice for Aspiring Architects

20:15 O.A.J.'s Final Thoughts and Advice on Sleep