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Constructs LLC
Constructs LLC is a design and development firm specializing in 'inno-native' solutions in architecture and product and materials design. They are based in Accra, LA and Washington and are working on a wide range of products from, high end condos through mobile food carts to affordable housing. They are entering manufacturing with their pozzolana cement starting next year.
The organization is currently involved in the following projects:
- The ‘Akwaaba’ project, which seeks to develop residential models and an environment which takes into account, culture, history, climate, and economics to shape dwellings, which are both livable and affordable. Currently, Constructs is involved in explorations to confirm that the use of bamboo for affordable housing is viable.
- Building a new generation of private homes and commercial buildings featuring modern design and advanced building techniques. 4 of these projects are ongoing.
- Developing an eco-water receptacle to replace plastic sachet bags which are used locally in place
of plastic bottles for conveniently storing drinking water.
Their current office staff in Accra comprises of architects, materials researchers, graphic designer and project managers. They have created an atelier of sorts where students and professionals alike can interact productively.
About the founder Joe Addo
Born in Ghana, West Africa, trained at the Architectural Association between 1984 and 1986 (A.A.) in London, Joe Addo has worked for firms in Finland, the United Kingdom and the United States, setting up his practice in Los Angeles in 1991. His early influences were with Peter and Alison Smithson through their protege Peter Salter at the A.A. the work and interest of the practice has been influenced by various investigations of 'genus-loci', and how architecture can/should respond to this in creating pieces which are both site specific and meet the needs of people who will inhabit or interact with it.
Joe is also a founding partner of the A+D Museum, based in the historic Bradbury Building in downtown Los Angeles. The A+D Museum’s mission is to advance knowledge and to enable people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests to appreciate and understand architecture and design.
His articles have been published in amongst others Interior Expressions, the New York Times and Index Magazine. His designs have also been featured on a BBC program on designs and building technology in Africa.
Available Positions
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Constructs are looking for committed volunteers to come and share their knowledge, skills and ideas. The main role will be to conduct research and to assist with projects. Code: CON01 |
Designers are required for their new projects. The prospective intern will have a graphic design background and will be required to show examples of previous work. Code: CON02 |
Developers are needed for ongoing and new projects. The prospective intern should have an interest in architecture in Africa and have a product development background. Code: CON03 |
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Students are more than welcome to come and share their knowledge & skills with the staff and the Ghanaian interns. This is a great opportunity to learn about Architecture in Ghana. |
Architects are required to assist with a village resettlement project. The person should be familiar with Auto CAD 2D, 3D modeling, 3D Rendering with Accurender, etc. |
Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager the intern will oversee and coordinate the activities of artisans engaged in construction work. Code: CON06 |
| Office Administrators
Constructs are keen to recruit interns who are interested in helping them out in the office. There's a lot to do and they need the help to get the office organised. Monthly stipend provided! Code: CON07 |
Health and Safety
Ghana is one of the safest countries in Africa. In the Global Peace Index it is ranked above both the United Kingdom and the US. It is the perfect introduction for first time volunteers to Africa. It has a democratic electoral process and a stable economy. Our ten-strong team in Ghana is there to ensure your health and safety at all times and you'll have emergency support 24/7.
Accommodation
The volunteer will be housed in our accommodation in the centre of town, with it possible to walk from the accommodation to nearby shops, communication centres, bars and restaurants. The spacious accommodation with a fully furnished kitchen is well maintained and has live-in staff to ensure you are well looked after. The surrounding garden and balconies overlooking Accra are perfect for chill out sessions with fellow volunteer housemates.
Food
Food is not included in our placements as in our experience volunteers prefer to cater for themselves. We have a fully furnished kitchen and our staff will show you where you can do your shopping. Western-style supermarkets and the bustling markets can be found nearby. A weekly vegetable & fruit shop can cost as little at $10, however shopping at the western-style supermarkets can be quite dear as most goods are imported.
"Quarshi (Ikando Staff) will introduce you to a woman named Felicia who sells mangos and bananas. Her mangos may very well be the sweetest in town. And, you will love shopping in the market." Elise Wray.
Airport Pick up
An Ikando member of staff will be at the airport arrivals to meet you and take you to the Accra accommodation. Please be aware that arrivals is located outside the airport, just keep an eye out for a sign with your name on it. Please ensure you send us your flight details two weeks before arrival.
Flights
Volunteers must arrange their own flights to Accra Airport (ACC). Please be aware that you should aim to arrive on the day your placement is due to start. If you are unable to do so please just check first with your volunteer coordinator whether the new dates also work for us. The following airlines fly into Accra:
- Alitalia (Lagos, Rome-Fiumicino)
- British Airways (London-Heathrow)
- Delta Air Lines (New York-JFK)
- EgyptAir (Cairo)
- Emirates (Abidjan, Dubai)
- Ethiopian Airlines (Abidjan, Addis Ababa, Lagos, Lome)
- Ghana International Airlines (London-Gatwick, Dusseldorf)
- Kenya Airways (Nairobi, Freetown, Monrovia)
- KLM (Amsterdam)
- Lufthansa (Frankfurt, Lagos)
- South African Airways (Johannesburg)
