David Adjei
This October, in honour of Black History Month, we’re celebrating 31 Black professionals in property. Today we’re celebrating David Adjei.
David Adjei, the brilliant CEO of Cognition, a multidisciplinary Chartered international architecture firm, and CEO of AICHITECT, a platform using AI to simplify construction. David also lectures at the University of East London and served as a Councillor for RIBA from 2020 to 2023.
David's journey into property began when he was awarded a 6 week paid internship with a Construction Company when he was 16, which changed his ambition from Graphic Designer to Architect. At the time David didn't care about Construction and just wanted the paid work, but clearly he received much more than he was expecting.
David founded Cognition Architecture during his Masters studies to explore his passion for architecture and generate income. Now a master of BIM and a RIBA and ARB Chartered architect, his business has flourished through collaborative partnerships, adding value to established architecture firms and developers. In 2019, Cognition celebrated the completion of its first property development in Tooting, South-West London.
David is inspired by the legacy of a building, knowing that something he designed will remain tangible within the urban environment for years to come. Future generations will see, touch, and experience his thoughts and ideas. He firmly believes that God has guided him and that everyone he has encountered has been an informal mentor, teaching him valuable lessons. Every opportunity, captured or missed, has provided learning experiences that have helped him adapt and mature.
When asked about a valuable book or course, David highlights his career experiences and the Bible, which has provided guiding principles. Looking ahead, David aims to scale AICHITECT into multiple countries to assist the construction industry globally. He is passionate about exposing disadvantaged young people to a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, encouraging them to dream big and expand their horizons beyond current challenges.
One of David's proudest moments was being accepted into the Black Valley accelerator program, a milestone that recognised his vision and the potential of AICHITECT to reshape the architecture landscape. His journey has been powered by determination and faith, and he is committed to making a lasting impact.
David is a beacon in the Black community, admired for the opportunities he provides through education and for being a shining example of professional success. His dedication to pushing forward and creating positive change is truly inspiring.
