I believe that architecture is not just about building design, but also about the implementation of a dignifying process that creates long-term impact.

Christian Benimana, RA

Co-Executive Director and Senior Principal
Kigali, Rwanda

Christian Benimana’s dedication to empowering leaders who will design a more equitable, just, and sustainable world led him to found the African Design Centre, a field-based apprenticeship that aims to equip the next generation of African designers with socially-focused design principles. 

At MASS Design Group, Christian leads the Africa Studio as a Co-Executive Director and Senior Principal. His extensive portfolio includes the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture, the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, the African Leadership University, Ruhehe Primary School, the Nyarugenge District Hospital, Munini Hospital, the Maternity Waiting Village, and the Regional Centre of Excellence in Biomedical Engineering and eHealth. 

Christian is a recognized global thought leader with extensive knowledge of the architectural industry in Rwanda and East Africa. In 2023, he curated an exhibition at the 18th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia. He was recognized as a 2017 Quartz Africa Innovator and has been named among 10 architects and designers who are championing Afrofuturism. Christian’s 2017 TED Global conference talk about the next generation of African architects has garnered over one million views to date. 

He has taught at the University of Rwanda’s Architecture School of the College of Science and Technology and authored articles and book chapters, including “An African Theory of Architecture” in the Architectural Guide to Sub-Saharan Africa, “Re-Thinking the Future of African Cities” inThe African Perspective Magazine, and "Creating Design Leaders: The African Design Centre” in the Public Interest Design Education Guidebook.  

Christian holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Tongji University’s College of Architecture and Urban Planning. He was a Global Health Corps Design Fellow in 2010 and more recently served as the Secretary General of the East Africa Institute of Architects.