33. How to Create Work and Stories that Normalize Inclusion and Equity with Obiara Nwazota

I’m excited to welcome architect and design tastemaker Obiora Nwazota to the show!

Obiara will talk to us about how his experience in design and architecture and understanding of Igbo culture aided him in writing a successful children’s book. Through his writing and work, Obiora normalizes stories that celebrates Igbo culture and provides us with a different lens through which to view Black culture.

Obi moved to the US from Nigeria to study architecture. Upon his graduation he went on to work at the most innovative design firms in Chicago. From there, he would found his own firm, ONA formation, where he created several acclaimed projects influencing various scenes and cultures throughout Chicago before becoming the owner of the Orange Skin Showroom and Minotti-Chicago MonoBrand Showroom.

In 2020 Obi launched ỌKPARA HOUSE©, whose mission is to harness the power of good design, dialogue, and academic research as powerful agents to stimulate, reactivate, elevate, and reimagine Igbo culture. Through this, he reclaims and asserts Igbo culture's relevance to contemporary lifestyles within and beyond the Igbo community.

In April 2021, Okpara House Publishing released their first book, “Nkemdiche, Why We Do Not Grow Beards," an all-ages illustrated storybook.

During our conversation with Obi, we will discuss how he came to architecture and how growing up Igbo influences everything he does.

We talk about what culture means and what it means to be of African Descent in these modern times and how to think about imbuing rituals in our every day routines.

We close the discussion with the story of how he came to write his book, "Nkemdiche, Why We Do Not Grow Beards.”

Get to know Obiara Nwazota

https://www.okparahouse.com/shop

https://www.instagram.com/okparahouse/

Catch up with your host, Martine Séverin

www.martineseverin.com

https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/

This is How We Create has been edited by Martine Severin.