By: Daniel Finch
In the ever-evolving world of New York real estate and architectural design, Hajir Al Khusaibi has seamlessly transitioned from a traditional architecture role to a dynamic design management position in real estate. This shift has expanded her influence on built environments and allowed her to infuse compelling narratives into these spaces.
This journey was fueled by her desire to challenge the status quo and explore the multifaceted world of real estate through a different lens. In doing so, she discovered that this dynamic field demanded more than just an eye for aesthetic detail, it required a strategic approach that could marry design with overarching business goals. “This shift allowed me to leverage my architectural background while expanding my influence across the entire project lifecycle,” Hajir reflects. “In this role, I’m not just designing spaces; I’m shaping experiences from conception through operations.”
Hajir’s approach is characterized by a holistic nature, one that considers every aspect of the project from finance and marketing to construction and property management. It’s an approach that necessitates a broader skill set and fosters engagement with aspects usually separate within the industry. This comprehensive perspective is crucial in today’s fast-paced real estate market where understanding tenant needs and market conditions can significantly influence project success.
“The allure of having a more substantial say in which projects, or parts of projects, come to fruition is compelling,” she said. “You can partake in the decision-making process from the very beginning, which allows for one to make design choices with broader strategic goals.”
This career shift has enabled Hajir to challenge the notion that there’s only one ‘right’ path in our field. “While licensure and studio progression are valuable, they’re not the only routes to making a meaningful impact,” she said. “By stepping into design management, I’ve found a role that satisfies my creative instincts and feeds my curiosity about the business side of architecture. This move has allowed me to explore the full spectrum of what goes into creating and maintaining successful spaces. It’s a path that continually challenges me to grow, learn, and adapt – exactly the kind of dynamic career I’ve always envisioned for myself.”
Creativity plays a central role in her work as well. “Creative direction is at the heart of my role because it weaves together all aspects of a project,” Hajir explained. “I’m not just designing; I’m orchestrating a vision that spans multiple disciplines.”
Furthermore, Hajir emphasizes cross-disciplinary problem-solving as a key element of her role. She believes that drawing inspiration from fields such as psychology, technology, and environmental science leads to innovative solutions that are both functional and forward-thinking. This varied approach not only enriches the design process but also challenges conventional boundaries within architecture and real estate development.
Hajir highlights the importance of collaboration and flexibility in her work. She values brainstorming sessions that bring together perspectives from different disciplines, fostering an environment ripe for innovation. In these collaborative spaces, ideas can be freely exchanged, refined, and integrated into designs that are both practical and inspiring.
She also stresses the need for adaptable design strategies that evolve with changing market conditions and tenant needs, ensuring longevity and relevance in an industry marked by constant change.
Her career is a testament to the power of embracing change, rather than resisting it. Her evolution illustrates how diversifying one’s skill set can open up new realms of possibility within traditionally siloed professions.
“Decisions should not be made in a vacuum,” says Hajir. “This collaborative approach often sparks unexpected innovations and solutions that wouldn’t have emerged if each discipline worked in isolation.”
As she explains: “It’s a more dynamic, and sometimes challenging, way of working, but in my experience, it leads to superior results – projects that are more cohesive, efficient, and ultimately more successful in meeting both aesthetic and functional goals.”
Published by: Khy Talara
