Simah Aslam

An accomplished career in architecture, interior designing, and workplace consulting results in a confident design lead /project manager. Extensive experience in managing a team to deliver large scale complex projects within tight deadlines and budgets. A creative thinker with strong analytical skills.  A confident Service designer that places User Experience at the heart of design.  Proficient in AutoCAD and an understanding of Revit.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Phoenix Group– Senior Workplace Designer 

 January 2024 - present  

•        Leading on delivery, coordination and master planning the SLH subdivision sublet project and related re-stack.

•        Implementing sustainable design principles and practices, integrating elements such as natural lighting, biophilic design, and eco-friendly materials to create healthy and environmentally responsible workspaces.

•        Building reliable and resilient processes, guidelines and information packs and advise what future fit offices require from a design to DEI perspective.

abrdn – Workplace Design Manager -UK and Europe

November 2019 – January 2024  

•        Delivered design and build projects for 5 global world class offices up to £10m.  Being the design lead to ensure that the written brief for the company brand and aspirational look and feel was visible throughout the design. 

•        Project Managed core teams including workplace, IT and security and procurement to align with the project deliverables.

•        Developed abrdn workplace design guidelines. Set the quality, aesthetic and sustainability standards.

•        Savings generated in excess of £100k through artwork and furniture initiatives.

•        Designed innovative and creative workplaces, bespoke artwork, furniture and lighting.

•        Engaged senior stakeholders and colleagues to win pitch designs, manage expectations and support change management.

•        Challenged existing ways of working and introduced new workplace strategies and solutions, space optimization.

•        Relationship management with internal and external partners to enhance the workplace experience. Educate and implement best practice in-house.

Edinburgh Council – Workplace Designer/Portfolio Planner – Strategic Asset management January 2013 – October 2019  

•        Workplace Design for head office. Creating more efficient and collaboration areas for colleagues. Created support settings for flexible working.

•        Collaborated and managed change across multi-disciplinary teams. Using good interpersonal, persuasion and influencing skills.

•        Initiated a new design strategy to improve consultations with key complex stakeholders to ensure a positive outcome.

•        Communicated plans using excellent written, oral and presentation skills.

•        Addressed complex issues regarding budgets and achievable results with patience, resilience and subject matter expertise.

•        Project Managed complex large scale moves for 3 buildings from block planning stage through to move management for up to 2000 staff.

•        Selected to be part of the fast-track manager initiative.

198 Designs Ltd - Architectural and Interior Designer

July 2009 – January 2013  

Confidently ran a company for 5 years. A mixture of residential extensions, commercial interiors, and educational buildings were completed. Projects were taken from ini al survey stage to comple on. It was imperative to understand the clients brief and formulate a comprehensive project plan. It was fundamental to control the budget and manage the different trades. Liaising with planners and building control officers ensured compliance. Customer satisfaction and designing with architectural and interior merit was the measurement of success. This was proven when one of my residential projects was picked up by channel 4 to be featured on a tv Programme. I also contracted for 2 years with larger companies such as Move plan and Space Solu ons on similar projects.

•        Initiated new business and went through each stage from site survey, pitching concept design and project management.

•        Budget control reporting to key stakeholders to ensure visibility of project expenditure.

•        Saved clients’ money by using existing networks to attain best price. Educated clients regarding best practices and emerging trends.

Bachelor's in architecture with honors