Aisha AlSahlawi

• Assisting the Lead of Design on multiple DIFC projects. This involves liaising with all Design Consultants on aspects such as architecture, interior, aesthetics, and other special functions. My role spans the entire project phase ensuring that all DIFC requirements are met when working with service providers.

• Managing the design process for fit-out and refurbishment projects within the existing DIFC Masterplan assets. This process begins with scouting the market for the appointment of design consultants, followed by benchmarking and tendering to select the most suitable consultant for each project's needs. During the design development meetings, which vary by project, the DIFC team works closely with the consultant to achieve the best design that aligns with DIFC Standards. During the construction phase, our team is on-site daily to ensure that the quality and design match the approved final design.

• Began the Initiative of the DIFC Sculpture Park Exhibition alongside the Design Lead of the Property Development Department. This year marks the fourth edition of the DIFC Sculpture Park. My role spans from the planning period until execution and even after the launch event with plans to keep the exhibition activated for the 6-month period. Communication with galleries and artists, reviewing proposals and obtaining management approval, and assisting agents with the installation of art pieces within the DIFC Masterplan. Additionally, I have been involved in planning the Launch Event for the Sculpture Park.

• Assist in managing all DIFC assets Look & Feel approvals, as well as third-party developers' Look & Feel approvals within the DIFC master plan.

• Execute project presentations, including development and design updates for executive management, ensuring that project progress and proper internal communication are achieved.

• Conduct benchmarking and research of similar or related developments, projects, and consultants to ensure that our project vision and goals are achieved.

The Research Lab at Waiwai focuses on research and experimentation with materials that will aid the future of sustainable architecture and design. The Waiwai Design and Research Agency is known for addressing social, environmental, economical and technological aspects of architecture and design. Waiwai won the Golden Lion for the Wetland Exhibition for the National Pavilion UAE at the 17th Architecture Biennale di Venezia.

My role included Part-time management of the Research lab which consists of:

• Review and Interview interns for the research lab.
• Managing daily intern tasks and outcomes, help mentor the interns in the right direction.
• Communicate with the interns' universities regularly and provide feedback on their works.
• Help procure the necessary materials required for the lab experiments.
• Aid the research that occurs prior to experimentations.
• Research new materials to experiment with and go further in depth with some materials that the lab usually experiments with.
• Provide solutions for any problems/obstacles.
• Email suppliers and other potential collaborators.

Intern in the National Pavilion UAE at the 17th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale de Venezia. The UAE Pavilion has won the Golden Lion Award for the best National Participation out of 60 national pavilions at La Biennale de Venezia this year for their Wetland Exhibition. Winning this award also coincides with National Pavilion UAE's milestone 10th participation; marking 10 exceptional, thought-driven and creative exhibitions.

As an intern, we assist the visitors around the exhibition space and answer any queries they may have. As well as making sure the exhibition space is ready to receive all the visitors daily and doing minor inventory.

This internship was a part of the university requirement to fulfill an internship for at least two months prior to graduation.