About Us
G. manu & associates is a full-service architectural design and building firm located in Falls Church, Virginia. The firm’s experience ranges from ground-up construction to renovation projects, specifically our services include:
Our residential projects range from remodeled kitchens to new home construction.
From a single office suite to an entire building we offer a full range of commercial design and construction services.
As a licensed contractor, we offer turnkey solutions that ensure the highest -quality construction at the most competitive cost.
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Who We Are
With our Lead Architect, Gyan Manu, at the helm, our team produces consistently high quality, award winning design and construction.
Gyan was born in Accra, Ghana. His early education was at the prestigious Englebert International School. He earned a scholarship to Adisadel, the renowned Episcopal Mission School, for his secondary education. While at Adisadel, 14-year-old Gyan decided to follow his dream and become an architect.
Looking back, Gyan says he was fascinated with the school’s architecture – the chapel, bell tower, dining hall, residence halls – and these magnificent structures inspired him to learn more about “how such beautiful buildings are created.” That investigative process led to his awareness of the field of architecture. He graduated with honors from Adisadel and entered the architecture program at the University of Science & Technology in Kumasi, Ghana, graduating in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science in design. Gyan also holds a post graduate diploma in architecture from the same university
Throughout college, Gyan had been fascinated by American architects and their work, particularly the immigrant architects Eero Saarinen, Eliel Saarinen, Mies van der Rohe and I.M. Pei.
Gyan immigrated to the United States in 2003 and joined the Expo Design Center as a project designer. This experience exposed Gyan to other areas of design that are not typically a specialty of traditional architecture – bath and kitchen design – and added interior design skills to his repertoire.
In 2008 Gyan joined Wentworth, Inc., as a project architect, where his work won several industry awards. After 10 years, still in hot pursuit of the American Dream, Gyan founded G. Manu & Associates in Falls Church, Virginia.
Gyan and his family love making trips the beach and sightseeing. Gyan has been very active in the local community in various ways; radio talk show host, soccer coach and organizer for fundraising events for the disabled.
G. Manu & Associates is a realization of the vision of a young Ghanaian architect determined to positively impact and make his mark on American design.
Gyan is an admitted associate member of the American Institute of Architects, member ID 30497473
Inspired by his passion and energy, Toby joined Gyan in founding G. Manu & Associates. He is applying the lessons learned during an entrepreneurial career spanning over 30 years.
In addition to GMA, Toby is the President of Focused Image, a company he founded in 1986. Today, Focused Image is a leading marketing communications agency within the Greater Washington area that helps clients realize their business potential and growth opportunities through brand development, advertising and public relations. With more than three decades of experience in strategic planning, creative marketing and design, Toby has worked with hundreds of clients from technology start-ups to Fortune 1000 companies to develop new brands, relaunch existing brands and create integrated marketing programs. He has worked with well-known clients such as Airbus, Bechtel, Black & Decker, CACI, XM Satellite Radio and many others.
Toby Eckhardt lives in Vienna, Virginia with his wife Laura and their two children, Hayley and Connor. He is on the board of four not for profit organizations and coaches youth wrestling.
Matilda has several years of experience in retail banking from Cardinal Bank, Virginia. She previously worked at Navy Federal Credit Unions as an equity loan specialist.
Her knowledge transcends the world of investment banking and includes a background in real estate appraisal and business development.
Matilda is responsible for the firm’s overall operations and project profitability and is also charged with developing the firm’s project delivery systems. She is also responsible for business development and the growth of our professional staff.
She has a wide range of experience in management with particular expertise in leading strategic initiatives such as organizational change and development.
Matilda has a Bachelor of Science in Land Economy from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and a Master’s in Public Administration and Management from Bowie State University.
Matilda is a member of the National Association of Professional Women and a Publicity Officer for her College Alumni.
Our Work
The proof is in the final product, we invite you to view our gallery of recent projects. We think you’ll agree, we deliver as promised.
For more photos of these projects and reviews of our work, please visit our page on houzz.com
What We Do
"If a designer can listen, hear and understand nature, then the designer can listen, hear and understand his client."
Gyan believes that all successful design is in some way influenced by nature.
“Analyze any successful design carefully, regardless of whether the subject is buildings, roads, bridges, landscape or [commercial products] … and one is bound to discover the relationship to or the influence of nature,” says Gyan.
Gyan draws heavily on nature for inspiration and design ideas. “If you want to see design in its perfection,” he says, “just look around you. Successful design has to do with the right scale, the correct proportions, synthesis of information provided by clients, the right materials, etc. These design elements are found in nature – trees, rocks, streams, the way animals go about their business, etc. Nature is the best designer; it makes the most of very little.”
Gyan says his design philosophy is the “simplest, most common-sense approach to design problems.” Inspired by nature, his creative design solutions are functional and have the quality of understated sophistication to suit the needs of the particular design problem. For Gyan, no two design problems are alike, especially in the field of residential design.
"If a designer can listen, hear and understand nature, then the designer can listen, hear and understand his client."
After all, architects cannot provide solutions to design problems if they do not first “hear and understand” those problems.
Careers
Interns
We are currently looking for qualified interns to join our team. If you have a high-energy level, a passion for the highest quality architectural design and desire to learn, e-mail your resume to info@gmanuassociates.com
Full-time Employees
We are currently looking for an Architectural Drafting Technician with a minimum of 5-7 years’ experience. If you have a proven track record, a high-energy personality, and a passion for the highest quality architectural design, complete the form below and send us your resume today.
Basic Duties
Prepare drawings from field measurements and documentation of existing buildings
Prepare drawing sets for client review and design presentations
Space planning for residential and commercial tenant projects using AutoCAD
Create detailed Construction Documents, Schedules & Specifications
Create drawing set for building permit application
Prepare documents & drawings for design presentations and onsite meetings during construction
Create notes & hand sketches during client & contractor meetings
Attend construction meetings & photo-measures
Other related duties
Minimum Requirements:
2-year AutoCAD degree or demonstrate CAD skills
Ability to read & interpret architectural plans, drawings & construction documents
Exhibit strong organizational, time management, and detail oriented skills
Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Excel
Ideal Candidate:
3-5 years of architectural drafting experience
Must be proficient & knowledgeable in the construction industry and building codes
Must be able to thrive in a dynamic, and fast-paced work environment
Must be eager to grow and learn about the construction industry
Email resume to info@gmanuassociates.com
Contact Us
Why wait any longer? Take that first step and call or write us today to schedule a consultation. It's time to make the dream a reality.
Falls Church, Virginia 22042
