I achieved my Master’s degree in Architecture and Environmental Design Engineering in 2002 at one of the prominent universities in Iran. Concurrently, I founded my company in the building sector. Over the next two decades, I combined my academic insight with my interpersonal and leadership skills to grow the business from the ground up. In my most recent project — a large-scale, complex, mixed-use industrial and commercial development — I led a team of 35 professionals, including architects, engineers, and a procurement team. Collaborating with other stakeholders, I managed the project throughout its life cycle from inception to completion.
During this project, I was diagnosed with leukaemia and relocated to the UK for treatment. Continuing to lead the project remotely, I completed my treatment at the Royal Marsden Hospital, healed, and fully recovered by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Rebuilding a career in the UK
Given the current political and humanitarian climate in Iran, I was permitted to stay in the UK based on medical and humanitarian grounds and reintegrate into the professional workforce here. Recognising the importance of sustainability for both environmental and human well-being, I am currently pursuing a Sustainability Leadership postgraduate programme at the Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership (CISL), which is part of the University of Cambridge. Additionally, I joined the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and achieved my Fellowship (FCIOB) last September and was recognised as a Chartered Construction Manager.
Through the sincere dedication and support of Breaking Barriers, I had the opportunity to attend the Energy Transition Programme.
Through the programme, I learned more about the huge untapped potential within the renewable energy industry and the holistic approach major companies like Shell are taking toward net zero and the UN Sustainability Goals. This inspired me to begin the BREEAM Advisory Professional* course to deepen my knowledge of energy efficiency regulations and sustainability assessment.
Moreover, I found the interview preparation workshop facilitated by Shell’s experts very insightful; special thanks to the Shell volunteer who offered practical strategic advice for transitioning into the UK job market.
Moving forward, I would like to combine my long-standing industry experience, leadership background, and academic insights gained at Cambridge to contribute to a meaningful portfolio of sustainability and renewable energy projects in the built environment, to serve my community and help improve the quality of life globally.
* A BREEAM Advisory Professional has specialist skills in sustainability and environmental design combined with a high level of competence and understanding in BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method).
