Tosin Oshinowo is a Lagos-based Nigerian architect and designer, creative entrepreneur, public speaker and author. Oshinowo is the head of the firm, CmDesign Atelier (cmD+A) and the founder of the Ile Ila furniture line. From 2009 to 2014, she organised Sho-n-Tell, an annual platform for University of Lagos students to share studio space with practicing professionals.
Early life and education Oshinowo was born in Nigeria. As a child, she accompanied her father to the building site when his retirement home was being built, which she says contributed to her interest in architecture.
She trained as an architect in London.
Career Oshinowo worked with Skidmore Owning and Merril's LLP London between June and October 2007. Then she moved to Metropolitan Architecture in Rotterdam from January 2008 to January 2009, where she was part of a team of six that designed the proposed double-decker Forth Mainland Bridge meant to link Ajah and Ikorodu, in Lagos State.
In January, 2009, Oshinowo returned to Nigeria and joined James Cubitt Architects where she worked on the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) projects as lead architect. Tosin worked with James Cubitt for four years.
On leaving James Cubitt Architects, Oshinowo established her own firm, CmDesign Atelier (cmD+A) in 2012. Her work includes being team lead on the design of Maryland Mall.
Oshinowo was the convener of Sho-n-Tell, an annual event series that creates a platform for undergraduate and postgraduate students of the University of Lagos to share the same studio with practicing professionals in order to enhance their learning through exposure to the professionals' wealth of experience. The event series was held from 2009 to 2014.
Oshinowo also founded Ile Ila (House of Lines), a contemporary Nigerian lifestyle furniture line in 2017. The brand has featured prominent Nigerian entertainers, including Adekunle Gold and Chidinma, in different campaigns. While Oshinowo favours minimalism in her architecture, Ile Ila's furniture designs are known for bold, colorful expression. The collections, handmade in Lagos, often incorporate iconic and traditional West African fabrics and Nigerian teak wood.
In 2019, Oshinowo was featured in the Visual Collaborative electronic catalog, in the Polaris series.
Awards and recognition Architect of the Year, 3rd City People Real Estate Awards (2017) Lord's Achievers Awards for Creativity (2019) Finalist, Diversity in Architecture Divia Awards (2023) Shortlisted for Architect of the Year, Dezeen Awards (2024) Top Architect for Community, Monocle Design Awards (2024) Included in Elle Decor's A-List (2025) Special Mention, 19th Venice Architecture Biennale for “Alternative Urbanism: The Self-Organised Markets of Lagos” (2025)
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