Sana Tabassum

I think my little neighbour could be the best architect in the world… She is finding solutions to climate change and the housing crisis with no budget needed. I think she should win the RIBA Stirling Prize and the Pritzker Prize. Why ? • An adaptive re-use project • A carbon positive home with the straw at bottom • Created a new family home in a city centre, lives rent free • Angled glass walls to limit direct sunlight, with panoramic views of a park • A Re-producible and scalable solution • Flood proof • Cat-proof security system - it's too high With #earthday in mind, whilst I do strongly believe in emerging technology’s potential to address climate and housing issues, I also think a lot more can be done with what is already there in our cities, to offer comfortable housing for all. It just needs spotting the opportunities and some smart design. Sandra Woodall, FRIBA, FRSA, AoU, Jason Boyle FRSA FRIBA, Farah Naz FCIBSE #earthday #innovation #sustainability #creativity

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I am proud that an article I wrote on why the use of modular in MMC is on the rise, is featured in the latest issue of the BSBJ journal. You can read the full piece on pages 16 and 17. #modularconstruction #mmc #architecture

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💭Marketing strategy tailored to skyrocket your success To the architecture firms and others in the Built Environment drowning in sketchy plans and lost in a maze of half-finished floor plans- You'll nail down your unique value proposition, you'll own your brand identity and be unforgettable for your innovative designs and client centric-approach with me... So, you can differentiate yourself amidst the crowd, excel in your industry, and secure sales, clients + projects on your own terms. Does this sound like you? Your architectural firm's online presence feels outdated, like a blueprint from yesteryear—faded and obsolete. You're swamped with designs, leaving little time for dazzling copy, social media captions that turns heads and your intriguing brand story that makes you stand out in the sea of samies? Fill out the form and let's start working together https://lnkd.in/ecxwgpM *By contacting me via https://lnkd.in/ecxwgpM I’m assuming you are ready to start having me do these services for you immediately. That's why I reccomend clicking the link above & once you know any of the services are for you and you are able to invest then say ‘hi’* #architecture #interiordesign #thebuiltenvironment #business #smallbusiness #ceo #marketing #marketingstrategy #socialmedia #copywriting #branding #marketingexecutive #seniormarketingexecutive #marketingmanager

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Yesterday I had an excellent morning at the RIBA's Future Leaders Course. I wasn't sure what to expect or if I was the 'right' person to be going, but the teaching and group activities were really insightful. The use of two actors to demonstrate different types of leadership styles was something I haven't seen before and I thought it was really innovative. The other great thing to see was that it was roughly a 50:50 split male:female and I was only one of two men on a table of nine. Definitely looking forward to the next one but a few takeaways I really liked were: - Learning to distinguish between 'Pull' and 'Push' leadership styles and understanding which one I predominantly use (Push btw). - Understanding that it is difficult to do both styles well and that deliberate practice is required to improve both. - Adopting a Push leadership style with someone who doesn't know the answer is as bad as adopting a Pull style with someone who does know the answer. - The importance of creating a work culture where it's ok to fail. - Get into the habit of "directing not doing" - Be confident to show your vulnerabilities/if you don't know the answer then say. - The leader can be the persons who says, "sorry I don't understand". And perhaps my favourite quote of the day (from the HR Director of a large Architecture Practice: "The best Architects are not necessarily the best leaders."

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If you get a moment, please check out my latest article in RIBA Journal - 'Four ways you can embrace the circular economy TODAY. As COP-29 kicks off (sort of!) my article shows how architects can embrace the circular economy now to reduce carbon use, and shows how important demonstrable commitment is in the process. https://lnkd.in/e2mzekzQ We need #ClimateActionNow

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With the design of Care Home bedrooms, there seems to be 2 main schools of thought in the uk (at least with new build schemes) ............ 🛌🏻 The first, is that the bed shouldn't be visible from the corridor to protect the resident's privacy & dignity (shown in this sketch as option 1). The other school of thought, is that the bed should be clearly visible as you enter the room (option 2). If you're in the Care Home sector I'm interested in your experience ( and I’ve even worked out how to set up a LinkedIn poll.....I hope 😁) I've worked on different Care Home projects where the client's generally had a firm view in favour of one or the other of these approaches. What is your experience or view? ❓ Do you go for option 1 or 2? Stirling University in their 'Intersection of Dementia & Design' course are very clear that for dementia patients, option 2 should be used. Their principles are, that for someone with dementia, being able to see the use of a room, before entering it, is really important, and can mean the difference between that person entering the room, or not. It's also felt that being able to see their own bed from the corridor helps the resident recognise their room before entering. The other benefit of option 2 is that it's easier to get a direct sightline from the bed to the wc. So why is that important? 🚽 Well in research it was found that residents with dementia were 8 times more likely to use the wc at night, if they could see it from the bed, than if they couldn't. That's quite a staggering statistic, and clearly something that would help with an older person's dignity and wellbeing. Not to mention reducing the amount of time that staff would spend dealing with accidents in the night. So do you tend to use option 1 or 2 and why?

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try communicating the idea with yourself as though reading the drawing for the first time. Remember, design details need not be boring! Keep your audience engaged with creative and clear communication. Happy designing! #design #communication #creativity

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Fear of Commitment? Here's Why Working with Me Fits Seamlessly into Your Workflow. 👇 Feeling hesitant about committing to a hand-drawn sketch? Wondering if it’s a big leap away from your usual design process? I get it—it can feel like a significant shift, especially if you’ve never worked with hand-drawn visuals before. But here’s the thing: working with me can actually make your workflow smoother, not more complicated. ✅ Tailored to Fit YOUR Process Every sketch I create integrates seamlessly into your existing workflow. I work closely with you to understand your project needs and deadlines, ensuring my illustrations fit effortlessly into your current system—whether it's at the concept stage, design development, or nearing completion. ✅ Focus on What Matters Most Once I receive your brief, you can forget about the visualisation and focus on the myriad other tasks demanding your attention. A Sketch is complete within 7 working days, guaranteed. You’ll be free to handle client meetings, site visits, and project management, knowing that the illustrations will arrive right on time, ready to slot into your presentations. ✅ Easy Feedback Process Worried about getting stuck with something that doesn’t work? I’ve got that covered, too. My process allows for easy collaboration, and I include rounds of edits to make sure the final sketch reflects your vision perfectly. ✅ New Client? Enjoy 5% Off Still hesitant? Let’s make it easier: I offer a 5% discount for new clients on their first order. It's a low-risk way to experience how my sketches can elevate your design process while seamlessly fitting into your workflow. Ready to explore how hand-drawn sketches can bring your projects to life? Let’s chat! Drop me a message and we can discuss how an Artistic Impression or any other sketch style can enhance your next project. ProSketch #SketchIllustration #ArchitecturePresentation #Architecture

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My digital sketch of the wonderfully strange Pegasus Court by Peter Barber Architects Anyone else joining in with the daily habit of sketching? —— ♻️ Repost so your friends and connections can connect and join in and start sketching today P.S. Let me know your favourite Peter Barber project? #architect #architecture #architecturestudent #architecturestudents #storytelling #sketch #usk #urbansketch

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Having designed multiple offices at Studio Ardete , I have witnessed the nature of workplaces shift from being rigid and isolated to flexible and collaborative. The way we design workspaces now, is about more than just function– it's about creating environments where people thrive. For example; open, communal areas are now just as important as quiet corners for focused work. I love how these spaces breathe creativity and energy in an office, allowing people to connect, innovate, and feel comfortable in their work environment. So, when we were designing our new headquarters in Mohali, we incorporated many informal breakout spaces and rejuvenation rooms for team interaction, refreshment, and quiet reflection. Today, there’s also a big focus on user health and well-being. Bringing in nature through biophilic design, integrating ergonomic furniture, or carving out wellness spaces– these aren’t just trends; they’re becoming a non-negotiable part of the modern office design. Evidently so, the future of work is flexible, connected, and human-centered, and I’m excited to be part of this evolution. What do you think is the future of workplace design? #workplacedesign #workspace #officedesign #futureofwork #technology

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One of the hardest questions to answer is how much my design fee is going to be. The reason is that I want to answer that accurately. There are so many considerations that need to be clarified and those need my clients input. This isn’t my new home or renovation project, this is yours. So we need to get clear on what you want to do, how much you have to spend, who else we need and all the steps needed for your project. Once we get all of these things clear and working together, then we have more certainty of what the plan is. Its not my intention to keep your project stuck in the design stage endless making changes, so having a clear brief means we can get on the same page early on and make the process flow smoothly. Learn more about a Design Consultation. The First Step, Link in the Bio @smart_living_spaces #newhome #renovation #realestate #newzealand #healthyhomes

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In previous essays I have suggested that there is currently an epic battle taking place for our attention. I don’t think there has been a moment in history when the battle has been this fierce. We are constantly being confronted with electronic ads, messages and images designed to hold our attention and keep us engaged. There are numerous studies that document our addiction to screens and the resulting adverse impact on our mental and physical health. Unfortunately, the attempts to grab our attention do not have our best interests in mind and do not contribute to the “good life.” How could averaging close to 50 hours per week looking at a screen translate into a life well lived? What is involuntarily thrust in front of us by sophisticated strategies expressed in opaque algorithms is not designed to educate or enrich our lives. The content does not deepen our connection with others or the world around us. They are attempts to instrumentalize our attention for someone else’s economic or political benefit. This has recently been described by D. Graham Burnett as “attention fracking” — an attempt to keep us glued to the screen as long as possible. No longer is the goal to get our attention — they already have it. What our best and brightest tech gurus are doing now is finding increasingly sophisticated strategies to suck more time and attention out of our addiction — like fracking the last bits of oil and gas from an old already diminished deposit. How do we reclaim our lives? If one wanted to reestablish control over their attention, where would they go? What would they do? Where are the sanctuaries for our attention? What are the practices that resist market logic and add true value to our lives — make us better human beings? Although every practice can become corrupted, some suggest that the realms of religion, the humanities (as opposed to education focused on professional training), and the arts resist monetization and at their core are intended to enrich our lives. Reading a great novel, pondering a work of art, or praying/meditating can’t be reduced to a transaction, nor are they easily monetized. Yet, they hold the promise of cultivating understanding, uncovering meaning, purpose and perhaps can lead to transformation.

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Riba isn't just interest - it’s a barrier to real, equitable growth. 📉 It’s a system that keeps the rich ahead, while the rest remain trapped in cycles of debt. But we can break free. In this short clip from 🎙️ The Golden Nuggets Podcast, I gave a quick breakdown of how riba keeps genuine progress out of reach and deepens societal divides. Understanding this is crucial for those of us pushing toward ethical financial solutions. Let’s build a riba-free economy - together. - Watch the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/gJ9kvmfP Or catch it on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ghqqKYBX #Podcast #Riba #Economy #Islamicfinance

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I've been delving deep into the world of architectural storytelling, and let me tell you, it's truly game-changing! As you maybe gearing up for your big presentation, I've uncovered some innovative ways to captivate clients and make a lasting impact in 2024. In today's fast-paced world, traditional presentations just don't cut it anymore. That's why I'm on a mission to rewrite the rules and revolutionize the way we present our architectural vision. To read this story and become a subscriber, click here- https://lnkd.in/e8zjmhjc #architect #architecture #marketing #marketingstrategy #buildenvironment #business #smallbusiness #presentation #brandstorytelling #story #businessmarketing #emailmarketing

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Such an interesting article by Eleanor Flegg on taking a Neuro-inclusive approach to home design, I was delighted to have been asked to share my thoughts on this. https://lnkd.in/eF9J4WC4

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I am submitting my bid to become the next RIBA president! The key points in my manifesto: 1. Protect the Architects' title 2. Make Architects relevant Currently, Architects are completely irrelevant, a ''nuisance'' as someone in The Sunday Times put it, and RIBA will not be able to progress any of their really good policies until they ensure that our voice is heard. In turn, resolving just these two issues will: - prevent our profession from dying (hopefully if not too late), - enable us to lobby the key decision-makers (like other professional bodies in the industry) rather than just issuing boring press releases, - allow us to secure better fees which should lead to better working conditions and salaries in the industry, - increase the interest in Architecture from potential students and boost the morale of the current ones. Unfortunately, this is just a stunt as I have no time to run a campaign at the moment, plus I am not even British, but if one of the candidates has these two slogans in their manifesto they got my vote and full support.

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Here are 3 ways visualising your architectural concept, can help move your project forward. Photo-realistic renders of your architectural concept can be used to: > Supplement a planning application > Enable design development & review and > Form the centre piece for your sales & marketing of a scheme 3D visualisation is a powerful communication tool, that gives everyone involved in a project clarity on what is being proposed. 

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