The women breaking barriers across the property and architecture industry
For a long time, the property/ construction and architecture industries have long been perceived as male-dominated with women having little influence within them. This is a mistaken belief, however, as HAD & CO are continuing to prove.
The partners at HAD & CO Property Consultants have over 10 year’s experience in the industry and are based in London, Manchester, Burnley and Blackburn, Lancashire. With a desire to deliver architecture that is enjoyable, easy to use, provides a beautiful experience, and is a visual delight, Huddersfield University educated Saira Hussain founder of HAD & CO discovered adversity early in her career when she was told construction was “no place for a woman”.
Despite the initial barriers, she strived to shift the culture around the industry and in 2017 worked to create HAD & CO, a forward-thinking brand whose workforce is built around equality. Saira continues to fight for better conditions and more flexible working policies for both men and women – her efforts not going unnoticed as in 2018 she was awarded Entrepreneur of The Year at the Precious Awards, which honours women of colour.
Co-founder Nixie Edwards who is Burnley born and Leeds University educated, specialises in conversion projects and is currently working on 130 unit self-contained apartment new-build tower block in Coventry.
HAD & CO Property Consultants are an award-winning architectural and interior design practice that offers a range of services, they have worked on some notable buildings including The Royal Exchange building in Manchester City Centre and a number of notable projects, one of them includes the Lava and Ignite conversion project in Saira Hussain and Nixie Edward’s hometown of Burnley, an ex nightclub grade two listed converted to luxury apartments.
HAD & CO take on projects such as schools, commercial units, offices, large-scale residential developments, one-off private houses, nurseries, HMO’s and retail buildings. The team is committed to providing a service with the capability to offer exceptional design solutions – whether they be architectural, planning or interiors. HAD & CO pride themselves on being a one-stop shop for all property and building needs – with other services that include planning permission and building regulation drawings.
HAD & CO is a strong believer in sustainable design and she continues to improve processes through the use of clean technology.
Saira Hussain said: ” Women entrepreneurs are underrepresented in the most productive sectors of the UK economy, especially Architecture, Engineering, and Construction. As it stands, only 24% of UK STEM roles are held by women and the country has the lowest percentage of female engineers in Europe and 2020/21 has been an extremely difficult time for businesses, however due to our established working relationships, repeat clients and loyal support network we’ve continued to provide the very best of our service and continue with our projects with very little delays.
HAD & CO is available to make comments on the following topics: Commercial planning, High-end residential planning permission, HMO conversions, Women in business, women in construction, architecture, interior design, commercial architecture and BAME in business
You can find more information here: www.hadmanchester.co.uk
