Donna Khan Joins SPACE Architects

We're delighted to welcome Donna Khan to SPACE. With a passion for problem-solving, a keen eye for design, and a hands-on approach, Donna is set to bring a fresh perspective to the team. We caught up with her to find out more about her journey, inspirations, and what she's looking forward to in this new role.

Born and raised in Northumberland, Donna still calls Ashington home. Life outside of work is a busy one, juggling family life with two little ones under four and a love for hands-on home improvements. Whether it's tiling, joinery, or tackling a new DIY project, Donna thrives on making things happen. And when she does manage to steal a quiet moment, you'll find her diving into a romance novel for a well-earned escape.

Donna has always been drawn to architecture, seeing it as the perfect blend of creativity and technical problem-solving. Donna has worked on a variety of large-scale projects, covering all RIBA stages and making a tangible impact in the built environment. One standout project was her involvement in the award-winning Newcastle University Stephenson Building—a hub for engineering innovation. Leading the stakeholder engagement process, Donna played a key role in ensuring the design met the needs of its diverse users. Earlier in her career, she took on the challenge of leading a £6m school refurbishment just after qualifying. Thanks to careful planning and clear communication, the project was delivered under budget and 24 weeks ahead of schedule—an achievement that cemented her belief that anything is possible with the right approach.

With a strong foundation in management and an analytical approach to problem-solving, Donna is always looking for ways to streamline processes and work efficiently. As a parent, she knows the value of making every minute count, and that mindset extends to her professional life. The emphasis on innovation and collaboration at SPACE Architects resonated deeply with Donna, particularly the team's approach to testing design concepts in a group setting to refine and strengthen ideas.

"We all interact with buildings and spaces every day, and those experiences shape how I think about design," Donna explains. From optimising storage in the home to considering safety in school drop-off zones, Donna adds,"I consider how spaces can be improved daily, and therefore, the SPACE philosophy of improving lives through thoughtful design struck a chord." Donna is excited to contribute to projects that genuinely enhance the way people experience their surroundings.

At SPACE, Donna is eager to expand her expertise in sustainable design, exploring how eco-friendly solutions can be integrated into projects. She also looks forward to gaining experience in new sectors and sharpening her skills in user-centred design. Donna explains,"I’m all in on exploring the latest tools and technologies, so I can keep bringing fresh, cutting-edge solutions to the table—and impress a few people along the way!" 

We're so pleased to have Donna on board and can't wait to see her impact at SPACE Architects. Welcome to the team!

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