Archinect
Tassanum Sayed

Tassanum Sayed

London, GB

 

About 

Tassanum is a Highly motivated, enthusiastic Design Professional focusing on Urban Regeneration, Hotel and Wellbeing and Transport Hubs and Airports (Project Delivery, Coordination Implementation (RIBA stages 0-7) with extensive UK + USA Experience spanning all stages of the Design and Construction process - Inception, Client Liaising, Scheduling, Project Brief, Review- Comment-Approve, Reviewing Policies and Procedures and Post Occupational Evaluations. Responsible for co-ordination and assurance compliance within project, encompassing liaison with Design Team associated with project deadlines, design changes and technical compliance.

Tassanum graduated with a B'Arch at the age of 21 and travelled to Chicago in 1999 for a focused Internship researching the Sustainable and Intelligent Skins of Vertical Cities. Her thesis focused on the Urban Design of Vertical Interventions which has taken her to various global destinations including New York, Los Angeles, Abu Dhabi and Mumbai.  Her Architectural knowledge spans all stages of the design and construction process (RIBA Stages A-L)  from inception, developing the brief, detailed design, production information, technical package coordination,  implementation on site, post practical completion certifying through to occupation and Post Occupation Evaluations (POE's) - her experience covering The entire Life Cycle of a Building.

A Talented, Focused, Intelligent Professional with extensive experience of all stages of the Architectural process - from Inception, Completion to Performance.  Clients include Rocco Forte Hotels, The PM Members Club, De Beers Diamonds, Planet M Music, Lotus Cars, Marc Newson Design, Quantas, Lee Miller Gallery, American Film Insitute,   and in collab with SOM - Emaar Developments, Meeras, British Land, Ballymore, Dublin Airport Authority amongst others.

Specialised knowledge of Professionalism in Architecture (UCL) and in an depth knowledge of Construction Contracts (JCT, D&B, INT) with an ongoing interest in the Ajudication talks and events held at Kings College Construction Law Association (KCCLA). Tassanum has a natural flair for design and an exceptional ability  to integrate these processes across all stages of the design process. Profound interest in transforming architectural sketches into robust packages and further coordination for Large Scale Urban Projects. Understanding the implications as required by Law for Architects to 'Realise their Conceptual Dreams' and plugging their ideas into the Programmatic Urban Landscape.

Outside her Professional Life - Tassanum enjoys Yoga, 'Haute Global Cuisine' and Mountaineering - having trekked some of the worlds highest peaks including Toubkal (جبل توبقال‎) High Atlas Mountains and Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. She is a keen musician and has brought bands together during her University years, an International Traveller and enjoys writing on the processes and ''experiences'' involved with bringing a conceptual projects to life, to the delight of its owners, the satisfaction of its clients and to the excitement of its end user occupants.

Employment 

TJAA, London, GB, Design Leader

+ Inception + Design + Pre- Construction + Construction + Post Occupation + Performanace
RIBA Stages A-L Life Cycle of the Entire Process
+ Business Case Proposals: Writing and Developing Briefs, identifying Clients objectives
and illuminating possible benefits and constraints of future developments.
+ Feasibility Studies: analysing the assessment of options, collating material and
advising Clients on the benefits of proceeding with projects and new developments
+ Design Brief: Developing Initial statements on behalf of the Client confirming Key
requirements. Identification of procurement methods, procedures, organisational
structure and range of Consultants to be engaged for the future projects
+ Concept Design: Preparation of Outline Proposals for the structural requirements,
service systems and outline specifications and preliminary cost plan.
+ Design Development: Completion of Project Brief and preparing detailed planning
applications; In depth preparation of Technical Elements, Specifications
+ Production Information: Application for Statutory Approvals, Detailed Technical Design
and Preparation for material required under the Building Contract
+ Mobilisation: Appointing the Contractor, Letting the Building Contract
+ Construction: reviewing information provided by Contractors and Specialists involved in
bringing the project to Life and practical completion to delight of owners
+ Post Occupation Evaluations: Guiding building user through initial Occupation period
and understanding and analysing the Operations Manual. Making Final Inspections.
Reviewing project performance and overall success of process and development.

Jan 2013 - current
 

Grimshaw, London New York, Project Coordinator / Asc Project Leader

Airport Team Piers One and Two

Dec 2009 - Apr 2010
 

EM8, Los Angeles, CA, US, Creative Leader

Avenue of the Arts, Los Angeles Feasibility Studies for reprogramming and renovating interior bespoke spaces in Southern California. Creating an adaptive re-programming system composed of simple re-modelling strategies and techniques that allow the spaces to change and adapt to creating a variety of conditions. An overall modern, light, relaxing environment enhancing the sociable outdoor area was very successful. Liaised with external design teams and manufacturers and to schedule the construction and the development of a project. Prepared and developed material from the brief, design proposal and presentation by means of hand sketches, technical drawings, graphics, CAD models, working and presentation models. This project set up a benchmark for various office projects throughout the practice.

Sep 2009 - Dec 2009
 

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), London, New York, Creative Leader / Architectural Designer / Project Guide

Tassanum focused on European Airports, Offices and Towers whilst in the London studio under various US educated Directors and UK Management Leaders before being promoted to large scale Urban Masterplanning Projects in UAE. Jumeirah Garden City developing guide lines and overall strategy whilst collaborating with a team of 15 talented designers. Concepts and ideas on the re-development of the 9M sq m land area, to be part of the 2015 Strategic Masterplan for Dubai connecting the UAE to the rest of the
World. This ambitious project runs parallel to the towers on Sheikh Zayed Road from the
Trade Centre Roundabout to the Al Safa Park, which will also pass through Al Satwa, Jumeirah and Al Wasl areas. The ultimate aim is for each district to be connected and linked to one another by a central canal, a network of public transport systems including road and green boulevards, bespoke pedestrian walkways and a future light rail system. An approach of cultural and design influences where cutting edge ideas and traditional rules have been embraced and exchanged to create a sustainable future.

Tassanum also successfully completed a 100 Million Office and Urban Re-development in a specifically sensitive area in the City of London liasing with a set of Blue Chip Clients and a team of multi-lingual European Consultants (Swiss, German, French, Portugese) and Contractors, Surveyors, Planners, Engineers, Lawyers and Project Managers. Focused, Flexible, Vivacious, multi-lingual and an excellent communicator - she confidently and Professionally delivered the project from Concept to Completion.

Jan 2007 - Sep 2009
 

Aukett Swanke (Europe) Swanke Hayden Connell, London, GB, Architectural Project Leader

No 100 Piccadilly Hotel Located in Mayfair, London

May 2006 - Jan 2007
 

M&B International, Architectural Designer

Sensitive re-modelling and re-programming of Moggerhanger - the Iconic structure designed by the emminent architect Soane. The house is owned by the Charity Harvest Vision and has recently undergone a £6M refurbishment project with help from organisations such as the Hertitage Lottery Fund, English Heritage and the East of England Development Agency. The project demanded careful knowledge of historic construction techniques for the renovations and remodelling. Various building surveys were undertaken – both mathematical and photographic to help bring the project forward.

Jun 2004 - Apr 2006
 

Tassanum Sayed, Los Angeles, CA, US, Architectural Designer

Los Angeles Forum for Architecture and Urban Design (founded in 1987) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting innovative art, architecture, design, and urbanism that takes the city as a laboratory. The Forum plays a vital role among architecture organizations nationally and internationally by initiating, presenting, and debating architectural and urbanistic speculations about Los Angeles. LA Forum programming includes publications, lectures, competitions, and exhibitions. Featured lecture series include the Out There Doing It series that features emerging voices in the design field, and the On the Map series which stages presentations by architects in spaces of their design.

Sep 2005 - Jan 2006
 

Haffeez Architecture, Mumbai, IN, Intern

Feasibility Studies and Technical Studies exploring various stations may be connected and linked to one another by a central network of public transport systems. Good understanding of the Transport Authorities requirement was paramount to the success of the project. The passengers needs for ease of travel and bright open spaces were conveyed in the design and the detailing of the project. An approach of technical and design influences where cutting edge ideas and existing systems have been exchanged to create a sustainable future in Transport.

May 2000 - Jan 2001
 

Santiago Calatrava, Various, Intern

Santiago Calatrava is an architect, engineer and philosopher, but above all, an artist. While his structures employ complex feats of modern engineering, they start with swiftly penned sketches: a bird in flight, a bull, an anatomical eye, a primitive nude. His desire to draw is compulsive. Over the past two decades the Spanish-born polymath has amassed a staggering archive of more than 70,000 sketches. It's been said 'When the rest of us are sleeping, eating, Calatrava is occupied with drawing'. He doesn’t drive and uses every moment of free time – boring meetings, airports, and long car journeys – to create.

In a world of grey office blocks and generic design, Calatrava is a visionary. His work pulses with energy. Before presenting him with the prestigious American Institute of Architect’s Gold Medal, Edward Kodet compared his work to music, announcing: “His vision elevates the human spirit.” While Calatrava’s work may be complex, quirky and extremely costly, it is also lyrical. His bridges and buildings speak of something sublime. The organic creations may be controversial but they are also works of art. They are swiftly sketched visions made concrete: monuments to the unbridled imagination of a modern day Renaissance man.

Dec 1998 - Jan 2000
 

Studio Eight, Chicago, IL, US, Research Intern

Researching ideas of Futurology in Architecture and Design. The primary objective being to share the UK / USA ideas of knowledge sharing and having an increased level of knowledge on the virtues and limitations of the Architects role globally and locally to guide, advise and protect the original Design Integrity throughout the Life Cycle of the Project. The research triggered an improved and 'Futurist' like awareness on the importance of Strategies, Project Rescue and Post Evaluations to assess the overall performing power of the building – ensuring spaces are operating as designed and that Tall buildings are performing to their optimum and most importantly to the delight and enjoyment of its owners.

Jun 1998 - Dec 1998
 

Education 

University College London (UCL), Gower Street, Professionalism

Jan 2011 - Jan 2013
 
Sep 2010 - Sep 2011
 

ArtCenter College of Design, Pasedena, Digital Design

Aug 2005 - Jun 2006
 

School of Architecture, Architecture

Sep 2001 - Sep 2003
 

MSA, BArch, Architecture

Jun 1995 - Jun 1998
 

Awards 

RIBA Award, 1st Place

The Dance Imaginarium - Re-programming the site. This new design will replace the 1950's gymnasium which stands near the entrance to the schools main site. The existing building no longer meets current disabled access and insulation requirements and will be replaced by a modern resource for theschool'd fast growing music, drama and dance department. A new gym is already under construction in the mid-site development due for completion this summer.

Our winning concept design, shown here, is to create a flexible building that can be used in many ways by the students. A large, flexible performance space can be used for public events, and also divides up into three teaching studios. By using a design competition to choose their architect, the school have confirmed their commitment to making a high quality building for their students, which works well for all parties.

2007
 

Areas of Specialization