Wajiha “Jia” is a design and sustainability advisor with more than a decade of professional industry experience. She spoke to Devika about her career and advice for those wanting to work in design, construction or architecture.
What are the best aspects of your career?
With more than a decade in the construction industry, I have had the opportunity to represent, work with and mentor several fantastic individuals. As a people-centric person, I can easily say that learning from others, knowledge sharing, guiding and contributing collaboratively with dynamic teams have been the most joyous aspects thus far.
How has your perception of the industry in general changed over the years?
I have always been a complex problem solver and driver of change, realising early on that this requires expert communication and meaningful engagement with a diverse group of people – my mantra is underpinned by the saying; ‘if you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room’. When I first entered the industry, I didn’t have a full understanding of exactly how true my early observations were. Over-time I realised the importance of inclusive leadership, noticing how much further the construction industry needs to grow to break down barriers and implement truly collaborative, transparent and networked diverse teams. As long as people continue to speak up, share their experience and drive change, I’m hopeful that the future of the industry will be much more inclusive.
Can I ask about some of your most meaningful projects that you worked on?
Of course! But it is difficult to answer – I suppose it ties back to my love for this quote, ‘if it doesn’t work for the poor, it is neither radical nor revolutionary’. This touches upon what I believe the word ‘meaningful’ can be attributed to. I entered design through Architecture because I wanted to directly impact people – by designing spaces where they spend the majority of their lives; homes, schools, offices, public spaces and more. A firm believer that ‘good design’ can transform perception and improve lived experiences – if – done correctly. As a result, some of my more meaningful projects have come from situations where budgets were extremely restricted (in some cases there was no funding) and therefore, required entrepreneurial, out of the box thinking. While I have worked on many UK and International school designs, hospitals, offices, and homes, the most meaningful projects for me have been through my extensive volunteering. Working with charities facilitated designs that were truly sustainable, utilising materials in a circular economic way, minimising waste and involving the local communities. Without pro-bono design work, I would not be who I am today.
What is something you wish you had known before entering the industry?
I wish I had known how multi-disciplinary the process of design truly was. In my early days as a student, there was a tendency to be taught/think that one person had control over the whole project from start to finish. This is the biggest misconception there is and something I have since shared with all the students I have mentored through RIBA, practice programmes or privately. Listening and translating needs of end-users, other disciplines, statutory and supply chains into a design is an extremely under-rated skill. The earlier one can start practicing it, the better.
What is one assumption that you had about the construction industry that turned out to be wrong?
Interesting question – I assumed the construction industry was slower-paced than it actually is. With the involvement of digital and modern methods, the speed of construction and delivery of projects is astounding. 3D printing, CNC milling, AI, digital twins, BIM are all processes that didn’t exist just a few years ago. Skill sets are evolving and mindsets are slowly changing – dynamic teams, agile thinking and an approach to fail fast, learn quick is starting to shape aspects of the industry.
What is something you would like to tell your younger self entering the industry?
- Break the ceiling: Understand systemic inequalities and make your own opportunities – your path is different.
- Be curious and attentive: Knowledge can be gained from more than just books – pay attention to everyone and everything – Keep a journal – reflect continuously – invite feedback.
- Be prepared: what goes up, must come down – understand that tables will turn – everything exists in cycles.
- Build relationships: Find your mentors/your role-models early and build your network.
- Support others: Speak up when you notice injustice – silence is compliance and the personal is political.
- Write your own story: You may not see many people like you in the industry, certainly not in leadership – but trust yourself and continue to unleash your power, know your worth and make your space.
