As appeared in Property Week 7 June 2024.
The senior design analyst at London-based GIA Surveyors on how she got started in the property industry, her favourite book and podcast recommendations, how she would spend £1m and her number-one travel destination.
How did you join the property industry?
I have been interested in architecture since a young age, in particular the element of taking an existing problem and mitigating it through the built environment. I believe this interest came about after visiting Bangladesh at a young age and being taken aback by the damage caused to the infrastructure from heavy rainfall and the inevitable flooding. This inspired me to learn about how the environment impacts architecture, and how buildings can be built to withstand intense environmental conditions.
What does your job entail now?
I am a Senior Design Analyst in the Wind Department at GIA. We conduct Wind Microclimate assessments using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Wind Tunnel Testing, Desktop Studies and Thermal Comfort assessments to provide clients with advice on how to mitigate potential wind concerns.
What do you like most about the property industry?
I love that my work is tangible. It is so satisfying to stand in a house or building that I have worked on. One scheme close to my heart is The Green Quarter, which is a Berkeley Group mixed-use regeneration project in Southall, west London. It has been incredibly rewarding to contribute to this scheme, bridging my past experience in architecture with my current focus on wind analysis.
And what do you dislike most about it?
The property industry is still not diverse enough. I am part of the recruitment process for my team, and we very rarely receive applications from women. I am keen to work with GIA Surveyors and the wider industry to foster a more inclusive and diverse place for everyone. By actively recruiting and supporting underrepresented groups, providing equitable opportunities for advancement, and creating inclusive workplaces, we can build a more dynamic and resilient sector that better reflects and serves our diverse society.
What barriers or challenges do you feel you have overcome?
I feel like I have overcome stereotypes imposed by my community. The construction industry is not considered a typical career route of choice for Bangladeshi women, and growing up I was discouraged a lot. Despite this, I continued doing what I enjoyed and am proud of my achievements to date.
What are you most proud of in your career?
When I first started at GIA Surveyors I was the only design analyst in my team, meaning I was responsible for all of the computer aided design we put out in that one year – and, believe me, it was no small amount. I did all this with an autoimmune disease, which wasn’t easy on most days, so I am incredibly proud of my drive and tenacity despite this.
What do you value in people?
I value honesty and candidness in people. I appreciate people who skip the small talk and get straight into getting to know the essence of who they’re talking to.
What advice would you give someone starting a career in the property industry?
I would say to roll up your sleeves and get fully immersed. The property industry is multi-faceted and draws on so many different skills, so do not be afraid of thinking outside of the box.
Favourite destination
Japan has been on my list of places to go for a long time. I’m fascinated by the culture, in particular the contrast between the fictional and non-fictional worlds. There is such a big market for cosplay and anime yet it is one of the prime countries for overworking. I also really love Japanese food.
How to spend £1m?
A tad boring but I would probably invest it in either two businesses or I would buy investment properties so ensure more profit in the long run.
Favourite podcast?
I love true crime and investigative journalism and one of my favourite true crime podcasts is Serial. I am quite an imaginative person who read a lot growing up, so I love that as I am listening to it, I can imagine the setting and the characters.
favourite books?
One of my favourite books of all time has to be Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami. It is a coming of age rom-com, about a shy and somewhat meek boy falling in love. It is the sweetest but saddest book I have read. I’m going to be cheeky and add another one, The Unconsoled by Kazuo Ishiguro. It is one of the most interesting books I have come across, it’s about everything and nothing all at once, forcing you to rack your brains and put the book away out of frustration, only to go and grab it again out of curiosity.