Q&A with Hassan Ahmed: Reflecting on 10 Years at DAY Architectural
After an incredible decade at DAY Architectural, we’re thrilled to see Hassan embark on the next chapter of his career. Whilst he moves on to new opportunities, we’re excited to continue our connection and collaborate with him in his new role. Here's a reflection on his time at DAY and his journey ahead.
Q: How has the DAY changed during your time here?
A: I have been at DAY Architectural for a little over 10 years now and it has been an incredible journey, both professionally and personally. What initially drew me to DAY was its fresh, forward-thinking approach and the opportunity to grow alongside a team unafraid to challenge the norm.
At the time, the practice was growing, and I was keen to be a part of that journey. Since then, the growth has been phenomenal. When I joined, we were a team of 20 and now we’re around 70. This expansion, along with the quality and scale of the projects we now deliver, is reflected with the trust our clients place in us. It’s been a privilege to witness and contribute to this transformation.
Q: What has been the best part of your career?
A: For me, it’s always been about the people and the shared experiences. Whether it’s the camaraderie within the team, the feedback from clients and end-users, or the recognition of our work through awards, every moment contributes to the larger memory of what makes DAY so special.
Being part of transformative and award-winning projects, particularly in the healthcare sector, has been incredibly rewarding.
Q: What has been your passion?
A: Although it may not sound very thrilling at first, I am deeply invested in Fire Safety and Risk Management, particularly following the Grenfell disaster. It’s a topic that demands attention, and I’m passionate about how we can respond proactively to minimise risk and improve safety through the development of best practice.
Q: How have you been supported, and how have you contributed to industry networks?
A: Day have been immensely supportive in my pursuit of knowledge and growth, particularly in fire safety, backing me with time and resources to attend courses, events and seminars. This support enabled me to achieve a Level 3 qualification in Passive Fire Protection, membership with the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), and completion of the RIBA’s CDM and Building Regulations Principal Designer course. These opportunities not only expanded my expertise but also allowed me to develop DAY’s health and building safety policies and foster a culture of open dialogue and shared learning across the practice.
Beyond DAY, I’ve been an active member of the Architectural Technical Leads Group (ATLG), which has been invaluable in navigating the complexities of the Building Safety Act (BSA). This platform has provided a refreshing and collaborative environment to exchange ideas and strategies with like-minded professionals, aligning perfectly with DAY’s ethos of innovation and teamwork.
Q: What’s next?
A: Thanks to the support of DAY over the years in developing my knowledge and experience, I feel confident to take the next step of my career. I’m thrilled to be joining R5 Consultants as Partner, where we’re building a consultancy that goes beyond traditional compliance, offering a dynamic, designer-focused approach to Building Safety Act (BSA) and CDM regulations.
I look forward to staying connected with this wonderful group of people from DAY, including friends and colleagues of my wider network. I’m always open to conversations around how we can collaborate to meet the evolving needs of our industry.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of my journey and here’s to exciting challenges and opportunities ahead
As Hassan embarks on his new role at R5 Consultants, we wish him all the best for the exciting opportunities ahead and look forward to engaging with him in his new chapter. Thank you, Uncle Hass, for 10 outstanding years at DAY!