The Leader - January/February 2008 - (Page 79) emerG iNG lea der by megan mccann diana simaan Baker Barrios architect’s diana simaan Diana Simaan, Principal with Baker Barrios Architects Inc. in Atlanta began her career in real estate when she started college in 1994. “I wanted to get a head start on my career and gain valuable experience so that I was totally prepared once I graduated,” she explains. “It paid off because upon graduation from college in 1997, my employer at the time offered me a full time position.” The combination of Simaan’s work and educational experiences gave her a wide range of skills and knowledge to further her career, she says. In 1998, Simaan joined Baker Barrios Architects, Inc. as an interior designer. She was later promoted to Principal, and at age 24 she was entrusted to oversee the opening and management of the firm’s Atlanta office. “Under my direction, the Atlanta office has grown to now offer both interior design and architectural services and has been listed as one of the Top 25 Design Firms in the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Book of Lists for the past two years,” Simaan enthuses. Simaan cites her love and passion for what she does as the biggest contributing factor to her success thus far. “However, getting an early start on my career by working in my field during college played a vital role,” she says. “Those employment opportunities provided valuable experience and gave a jumpstart to my career.” Her future plans for her further developing her career include continuing to set goals and challenges while maintaining the work ethic and drive that has gotten her this far. “Interior Design is a broad and everchanging field that stipulates constant learning,” she explains. “With so many product options in the market and constant developing trends, our firm encourages continuing education on a regular basis.” Communicating and networking is also important for continued career development, she says. “A big asset to my success in networking and continuing education are the programs that CoreNet Global offers,” Simaan says. “I would also like to give back and mentor students and maybe teach a few continuing education classes as well. I will continue to raise the standard, let my passion be the driving force and never settle for less!” Simaan believes the future of the Corporate Real Estate and Workplace industry is dependent on the young talent coming into the work force. “The younger and older generations communicate and think differently and the industry is faced with an assortment of notions and work styles,” she explains. “The younger generation is looking for commitment to the environment, continuing education, state-of-the-art technology and constant/instant communication. While responding to these desires, it is important for companies to maintain their corporate culture and brand while planning a strategic way to answer these needs effectively.” advertising in the leader ensures that your marketing message really does reach the key decision makers in the industry. according to a recent reader survey: • 6% of CoreNet Global members 7 read at least four issues of the leader each year. • 6% of CoreNet Global members 8 feel that the information gleaned from advertisements in the leader is helpful. * advertise in the industry’s most respected journal and maximize your market penetration! * to advertise please contact: paul Newman Client Relations Manager direct: 1.303.565.4012 pnewman@corenetglobal.org 2 0 0 8 th e le ade r 79 J aN Ua rY / F e B rUa r Y
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.