Archinect
SAIF ZAIDI, OAA

SAIF ZAIDI, OAA

Toronto, ON, CA

 

About 

  • Architect with comprehensive experience of over 20 years in Architectural & Interior Projects from Concept & Design to Drawings & Execution
  • Licensed member of Ontario Association of Architect and member of Toronto Society of Architects.
  • Effective in preparing Project Budget along with Scheduling & tracking project schedule
  • Proficient in preparing RFP and assist in business development
  • Strong knowledge of Architectural/Interior finishes, furniture, fixture and equipment, lighting, signage, art, and color schemes to carryout design intent
  • Articulate and effective communicator with excellent team-building and interpersonal skills
  • Working Knowledge of REVIT and Ontario Building Codes (OBC)

Elsewhere:

Employment 

IBI Group, Toronto, ON, CA and Dubai, UAE, Associate Director, Practice Lead - Architecture – MENA

 Project Lead representing IBI as the Prime Consultant at Royal Atlantis, Dubai, responsibilities include providing oversight and overall coordination with all consultants as well as Design Lead for Beach Bar, Pool Cabanas, Executive offices, Staff amenities, offices and all BOH service areas.
 Set up the Interiors department and assumed managerial responsibilities and set up an effective organizational chart for smooth functioning and uniform distribution of workload among team members within the department
 In charge of staffing, promotion, contracts and overall coordination
 Prepare project budget, monitor timesheets and co-ordinate with controller for billing
 Present monthly financial report of ongoing projects to Management
 Lead response to proposals for Business Development (RFP)
 Prepare and track Project Schedule using MS Project to ensure timely deliverables
 Contract Administration and client/consultant management
 Review Shop Drawings and Submittals and provide site clarifications when necessary (RFI)
 Conduct periodic site visits to resolve issues and attend bi-weekly construction meetings
 Develop, draw and coordinate execution of custom design details for millwork and construction
 Coordinate with outside project consultants such as Electrical, Mechanical, Structural, Landscape, Lighting consultants etc., as necessary to complete a well-coordinated construction set
 Issue change orders and Supplemental site instructions during construction phase
 Prepare deficiency reports to ensure desired quality and finish is achieved
KEY PROJECTS AT IBI GROUP https://www.linkedin.com/in/saif-zaidi-49158422/
RESIDENTIAL CONDOS: 15 Condo projects for developers like Minto, Concord, GWL, ASPAC, Daniels etc.
HOSPITALITY: The Royal Atlantis (Dubai, UAE), Marriott (New Jersey, US) & Hilton (North York, Toronto)
MULTI USE RETAIL SPACE: Expansion and Renovation, Yonge Eglinton Centre, Rio Can, Toronto

Aug 2013 - current
 

SZ Architects & Interior Designers, Mumbai, IN, Principal Architect & Partner

Job Responsibilities:
Conceptualizing and Designing along with added responsibility to direct and manage the finances and work towards the growth of the firm. Business development and maintenance of client relationships. Manage staff and set targets to ensure timely delivery of the product with quality.
Key projects handled:
 RETAIL DESIGN: Super bike retail stores for BAJAJ KTM, Pan India (40 stores completed so far).
 Lighting Showrooms: 3 Boutique lighting stores by invitations only, 1200 sq. ft. each, Mumbai.
 CORPORATE INTRIORS: Designed & Execution of 7000 sq. ft. Office, Mumbai.
 HOSPITALITY: 20,000 sq. ft. BANQUET, Mumbai.
 MODEL APARTMENT INTERIORS: Model condo and lobby for an apartment building.
 FAÇADE DESIGN: Multi storied showroom for home AV & Automation.
 RESIDENTIAL INTERIORS: About 7000 sq. ft. of designing multiple apartments.

Oct 2010 - Nov 2012
 

Della Tecnica Group, Mumbai, IN, Deputy General Manager

Joined as Architect and promoted as Deputy General Manager over the span of 8 years
Architect (Jul 2002 – 2008) Deputy General Manager (2008 – 2010)
Responsibilities as a Deputy General Manager, Della Tecnica Group, 2008 – 2010:
•Design and conceptualize the projects as per client requirements & manage multiple projects simultaneously.
•Build credibility, establish client rapport, and maintain communication with stakeholders at multiple levels, including those external to the organization.
•Define and initiate projects, assign Project Managers, manage cost, prepare and track schedule of works to assess the progress to ensure the ultimate success and timely completion of the projects.
•Maintain continuous alignment of program scope with strategic business objectives and make recommendations to modify the program to enhance effectiveness toward the business result or strategic intent.
•Present periodic reports on the current projects, future opportunities and client issues.

Key projects handled:
HIGH RISE CONDO: 21 storey High rise Residential Tower, Mumbai.
HIGH END RESIDENTIAL INTERIORS: 30,000 sq. ft. 5 storeys Penthouse, Mumbai.
DEVELOPMENT: Weekend Retreat – 24 Bungalow & Clubhouse, Mumbai.
HOSPITALITY: 7 star Hotel, Delhi & 5 Star Hotel cum Casino, near Mumbai and a Resort
CORPORATE INTERIORS: Interiors of 250,000 sq. ft. 10 floors office space, Delhi.

Responsibilities as Senior Project Manager, Della Tecnica Interior Designer & Project Management Pvt .Ltd, 2005 – 2008 :
•Prepared designs and material boards for client approval process.
•Manage daily project status and trades coordination.
•Prepare budget and cost breakouts for planning board review.
•Prepare daily construction logs for ongoing projects and liaison with field activities as per design changes and internal scheduling.
•Field supervisor for build out of office projects over 25,000 sq. ft.

Key projects handled:
HOSPITALITY: Interiors of a 25,000 sq. ft. Presidential suite , Duplex Suite, 6 Junior Suites, 74 Hotel Rooms, at SAHARA STAR, 5 Start Hotel, Mumbai.
RETAIL: Over 80 Probiking stores pan india, Façade Design & designing of common areas for a commercial Mall, SAHARA GUNJ.
CORPORATE INTERIORS: Over 600,000 sq. ft. Design & Build offices PAN India.

Responsibilities as Project Manager, Della Tecnica Interior Designer & Project Management Pvt.Ltd,
2003 - 2005:
•Prepare Designs and Material Boards for client approval process
•Manage daily project status and trades coordination
•Prepare budget and cost breakouts for planning board review
•Prepare daily construction logs for ongoing projects and liaison with field activities as per design changes and internal scheduling
•Field supervisor for build out of office projects over 25,000 sq.ft

Key projects handled:
Sahara Star Grid: Sahara Shri’s private Presidential suite, Mumbai
SAHARA STAR : 74 Hotel Rooms, 6 Junior Suites, one Duplex Suite, Mumbai
Sahara Gunj: Multiplex (only designing)
Lakhs of Sq,ft of corporate offices Design & Build: Offices for clients like DSP Merrill Lynch, KPMG, Fortis, Essel Group, Mauj, eClerx, India Infoline, Thomas Weisell, Nokia, Crisil, ICICI Prudential, Killer Jeans, Ventura, Arti Drugs, Tata AIG, New Silk Route, United Shippers, IEP Funds, etc

Responsibilities as Architect & Project In-charge , Della Tecnica Architects & Interior Designers Pvt.Ltd,2002 – 2003:
•Conceptualize, Design and prepare budget for the project.
•Supervise site work for subdivision build outs; Typical corporate office interiors in excess of 4,000 sq. ft. each.
•Coordinate with General Contractor to finish the project within an estimated budget and fixed timeline.
•Meet clients on site to keep development process proactive.
•Supervise crews of more than 250 master carpenters, civil masons, false ceiling hangers, electricians, plumbers, POP men and general labor personnel.

Key projects handled:
CORPORATE INTERIORS: Design & Site supervision during execution of up to 200,000 SQ. FT of offices, PAN India.
FAÇADE DESIGN: STAR TV HQ and Apsara Mall, Mumbai.

Jul 2002 - Aug 2010
 

Soyuz Talib Architects Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, IN, Assosciate Architect

Responsibilities as an Associate Architect:
•Conceptualize & Design apartment buildings as per plot size and developers’ requirement.
•Prepare Municipal drawings with Floor Space Index (FSI) calculations and co-ordinate with Municipal Engineers for Construction permit and later Occupation permit on completion.
•Procure structural design through structural consultant to meet the design concept and prepare construction drawings. Prepare 3D renderings and presentation plans for the builder’s Sale Brochure.
•Conduct periodic site visits all through slab casting to final coat of exterior paint to ensure compliance of the design conceived.

Key projects handled:
Development of about 7500 Sq. m: Designed, executed and provided oversight of 25 residences, Mumbai
Facade developments of buildings.
Interior Design and Execution: Fine Dining Lounge & Bar & Residential Interiors up to 5000 sq. ft.

May 2000 - Jun 2002
 

Education 

Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, CA, COURSE CKAR 780 - Building Information Modeling (BIM - Revit)

Building Information Modeling (BIM - Revit)

May 2013 - current
 

Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, CA, COURSE CKAR 205 - Ontario Building Codes (OBC) and Regulations

Ontario Building Codes (OBC) and Regulations

May 2013 - current
 

Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, CA, COURSE CKAR310 - Sustainable Buildings, Materials & Methods

Sustainable Buildings, Materials & Methods

Feb 2013 - current
 

BHARATI VIDYAPEETH COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE, Mumbai University, BArch, Bachelors of Architecture

5 Years curriculum covering various aspects of Architecture;
DESIGN:
Architectural design, Interior Design, Landscape, Graphic Design,
TECHNICAL:
Building Technology, Theory of Structure, Specifications, Estimation & Quantity, Survey.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT:
Working Drawings,Skills Workshop, Model making, Professional Practice

Jan 1995 - Mar 2000
 

Awards 

2016 Outstanding Achievement Award -Yonge & Eglinton Centre, Award

IAA - 2016 Outstanding Achievement Award -Yonge & Eglinton Centre

2016
 

Best Retail Design in Transportation category for Bajaj Pro biking Showrooms, Honorable Mention

Visual Merchandising & Retail Design (VM&RD) award for Best Retail Design in Transportation category for Bajaj Pro biking Showrooms, 2009.

2009
 

Best Sit out Lounge and Restaurant for the Kingfisher Airport Lounges, Honorable Mention

Visual Merchandising & Retail Design (VM&RD) award for Best Sit out Lounge and Restaurant for the Kingfisher Airport Lounges, 2009.

2009
 

Best Designer, Award

Awarded Best Designer, in a ceremony marking Della Tecnica’s 10th Anniversary 2007.

2007
 

National Design Trophy at The National Association of Students of Architecture annual convention, 1998., 1st Place

Led the college to a National Design Trophy at The National Association of Students of Architecture annual convention, 1998.

1998
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills