Introducing | Shaham Ahmed - BSBG Head of Studio London

Words by BSBG Media Team, Friday 06 March 2020

Shaham Ahmed is Head of Studio for BSBG in London. He joined the group in Autumn 2019, having so far enjoyed a career spanning more than 20 years, during which time he has been instrumental in the design and delivery of projects across sectors including retail, residential, mixed-use, commercial and education. The BSBG Media Team sat down for a Q&A with Shaham to discuss current and forthcoming projects and plans for BSBG in London…

BSBG Media Team: How are you settling in to the BSBG London studio?

Shaham Ahmed: “I’ve settled in very well with great support from the group partners. There’s a good strength and strong spirit within the senior management team, and we’re all aiming for the same goal, which is to become the first name associated with high quality design and integrated delivery in London.”

MT: Now you’ve been with us for a while, tell us how you think the BSBG proposition is unique to the London market?

SA: “The market in London is currently suffering from a distinct lack of experienced architectural practices that are able to provide strong building delivery using BIM processes, and also offer a comprehensive lead consultancy service from inception to completion. Most architectural practices prefer to provide design services up to the planning/design stage only and tend to walk away from having any involvement in delivery.

“It’s important for the success of a project that the architects have a strong understanding and depth of knowledge as to how building elements come together. This is what distinguishes BSBG. As you see from our portfolio, we’re able to deliver a strong design vision from the outset; one that will ultimately be easier to build, provides higher efficiency and is sustainable for the environment. By engaging BSBG, clients will see the reduction in building cost, mitigation of risk, and a vast improvement in scheduling and sequencing of work.

“Currently, in London, there are few that can provide such a robust, integrated service as BSBG, including lead consultancy and construction supervision. We are 100% BIM orientated and use the latest advancements in building technology and techniques to offer unique, innovative solutions providing improved coordination, better collaboration and communication throughout the building design and delivery stage. A combination of these qualities are quite rare in London.”

MT: As the BSBG London Head of Studio, what are your core functions?

SA: “Predominantly my role is to manage our staff and our portfolio of projects here in the UK. I work with the international senior management team to ensure the established standards are maintained and adhered to, and in coordination with the partners I help to establish strategic plans and long term objectives for BSBG in London.”

MT: Our team in London has grown significantly in a relatively short space of time. Tell us about the synergy and dynamic among the team, between those who were there from the beginning (in 2017) and those that have just joined?

SA: “There is a lot of passion for what we do, every single team member is really committed to the vision, and gives more than 100%. They all understand the challenges that come when establishing a new practice, because although BSBG is an international name, we are still relatively new to London. Everyone here has the same ethos, which is aligned with what BSBG is about and what it will contribute to the London market.”

MT: Can you give us an update as to where we are with our London projects?

SA: “We currently have two 5 star hospitality projects in Central London, both on Stage 5 construction. Green Park Hotel has been very challenging due to the existing site conditions, but both are progressing well. We have just started on a large residential scheme in East London, which is planned to move to site in early 2021, but more will be revealed on that in due course.”

MT: Are there any other future projects for London in the pipeline?

SA: “Now that there is more clarity and certainty related to the way forward for Brexit, confidence in the market is beginning to be restored, and the outlook, particularly for ourselves and our unique market proposition, is very positive.

“In addition to managing our current projects, a big part of my role is to lead an extensive business development campaign in London. My experience in London spans more than 20 years, during which time I have successfully delivered a range of mixed use, and high-end residential schemes, hospitality, commercial, retail and education buildings. I’ve developed a strong portfolio of happy clients, and with the strength of the BSBG proposition, the future is looking very promising. We are already in discussions with some key developers and there is a strong chance of many more exciting commissions in due course.”

MT: What is the plan for 2020 to help BSBG’s reputation grow in the market?

SA: “The plan is to continue with the successful delivery of our current projects, which will help make our foundation stronger in the UK market, while also continuing with our extensive business development strategy. I will be in attendance at various industry events throughout the calendar year, where I will be joined by BSBG Managing Partner Alistair McMillan, Partner, Andrew Bereza, and Group Design Director, Michael Lewis. Already we have a number of key project discussions planned with developers and existing clients this year that could have a great impact on our business in the UK.”

MT: Finally, as an architect who has such a depth of experience, what is your favourite part of the process of building design and delivery?

SA: “I enjoy the whole architectural process from the initial design concept to its delivery. I also like applying the latest technological advancements and software to bring an efficiency to this process. To me, a complete architect is someone who has an ability to design, and to truly understand how different materials work and are put together on site to create an environmentally friendly, beautiful piece of architecture. It is very satisfying to see your own design being built on site and being part of the whole journey - which is something that many architects do not have the pleasure of being exposed to.”

BSBG Media Team

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