Tell us a bit about your background?

I am a trained Architect with a master’s degree in Sustainable Energy Technologies and Management. I am passionate about architecture, and always aim to integrate architecture with sustainability in a creative direction to respond to the climate emergency and socio-economic issues.

I have worked on a variety of projects including low energy, net zero and Passivhaus Designs. I was fortunate to be involved in the detail of these projects from design through to construction. These experiences opened my eyes to several encounters that can be solved in different ways.

Growing up in Romania made me build my desire for architecture. From a young age, I captured the images of different building styles, city planning and designs through sketches and photographs. After that, I decided to expand my knowledge in architecture, and visit some family members, So, I took a flight to Jordan and enrolled in an architecture design program that combined traditional architectural practice with the science and physics of buildings.

After a year of working as a project architect in Jordan, I decided to travel to London to complete a masters degree and undertook some freelance energy modelling work.

I enjoy challenges and intend to leave my own (low-carbon) mark on this planet, so I’m excited to be starting with KLH!

Where did you first hear about KLH Sustainability?

I was searching for opportunities and new ideas in sustainability and I visited the KLH website to find out more about the GSK Carbon Neutral Laboratory project. I started exploring the website and learned about other KLH projects, after seeing the range and the ambition of projects and clients KLH work with, I wanted to be part of the team. When I checked the careers page unfortunately there were no vacancies. So, imagine my surprise, after exactly one week, I was contacted by a recruiter who informed me that KLH was hiring. It felt rather serendipitous!

What made KLH Sustainability stand out for you to work for?

There are two main reasons that drew me to KLH; the KLH team members and their spirit of working together and supporting each other and secondly, KLH’s vision and mission.

The culture and the ambition of an organisation are important to me, and I felt that KLH aligned well with my skills, experiences, and personal motivations.

What is your current role at KLH Sustainability?

I have joined as a Sustainability Analyst. My unconventional background led me to this role. I will be implementing the skills I acquired in my previous experiences as an architect and sustainability Engineer.

How do you see yourself going forward within KLH Sustainability?

I always believe in growing within one company is more effective to make a change that this world needs. I am confident that KLH will provide me the platform I need in the industry to create positive change and support me in developing new ideas to deliver a better future.

What does sustainability mean to you?

I find it hard to describe sustainability in one word, it is more like a spectrum, a way of living or mindset. We must live while keeping in mind that someone else will use this space after us. So, we cannot just destroy it or consume all of it. It is our responsibility to make the world greener and fairer.

At KLH, protecting and preserving our earth underpins our core values. We do everything we can to make sure we are putting the environment first and providing a sustainable future for our team, our clients and the planet! To celebrate Earth Day this year, we have each shared our memories of appreciation for the beautiful environment around us.

“Crag Lough, Northumberland National Park, is where my old man took me trout fishing when I was a little boy. A glacial lake, bordered by a sharp crag and Emperor Hadrian’s Roman wall, it is timeless, epic, and serene”. – Richard Pender

“Enjoying the absolute and newfound serenity of the top of Greenwich park at Earth Day 2020, with spectacular views to an unfamiliarly quiet Thames, the south London hills and the London skyline, no boats, planes or cars in sight, and just the sound of bird songs!” – Georgios Askounis

“Sitting on the concrete stoop at the little chalet, in the late spring sunshine, listening to the fields vibrate with insect life. Their paradise is the multitude of wildflowers that bloom on the steep slopes. My paradise is knowing that they are still here.” – Kirsten Henson

“I was once lucky enough to spend a night on a boat in Los Haitises National Park in the Dominican Republic. I had a wonderfully surreal experience of going for a night swim to discover the sea was full of bioluminescent phytoplankton. As if that wasn’t enough sparkles, the sky was full of fireflies and the milky way made an appearance. I often think of this moment and how lucky I am to have experienced it.” – Katie Margerum

“A sunset that will forever be ingrained in my memory was the amazing sunset on the Lake Titicaca after having visited the Islas de Uros, floating islands made of reeds inhabited by the indigenous Uru people”- William Butcher

“There is nothing more peaceful than looking out and seeing only nature – no cars, no buildings, no roads – and hear only birds singing and water flowing. The freshwater lakes of Canada will always remind me of my privileged to experience such beauty”. – Hayley Cornick

“The beauty of sunrises and sunsets at the beaches in Africa is something that brings me peace and joy” – Jacira Baro

“Floating on my back in the sea, seeing nothing but the sky above, with the sound of the sea drowning out all noise, whether external or internal.” – María Benjamínsdóttir

“I feel a sense of gratitude for all the birds that co-habit our cities, being the songs of the seasons and a reminder of beauty, (the gift of) music and playfulness. I can’t imagine how it would be without them, left only with the technological noise of our making in the air.” – Marietta Gontikaki

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/34jF1nwh8Z32sbB92dH23yf/a-beginner-s-guide-to-identifying-birdsong-this-spring

Category: Uncategorized

Welcoming Sameera to the KLH team!