Meet Saharnaz Pena, New Business Developer and Acting Team Lead for our Washington D.C office. Uber smart and always professional, Saharnaz focuses on maintaining existing accounts while building new relationships with federal government agencies.
How did your path lead to SPACE?
Originally, I studied Architecture and Planning at Virginia Tech and landed at the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), where I worked for eight years as a Project Manager. Along the way, I met SPACE, as they provided design and furniture services to the department and to most of my projects.
At the same time that I reached a stalling point with my professional growth at DHHS, Kathie and SPACE graciously opened their doors to me — and I came on board to help develop business opportunities and teams for our Washington D.C location.
What are you most proud about throughout your time with SPACE?
Together, we’ve built a unified culture that understands our mission and brings their best selves to work each day. Our East team works very closely with HQ and is never isolated from SPACE’s Midland headquarters.
I remember one project where we helped a government agency fix their workplace design problems within a very short timeframe. We listened to their concerns and presented a timeline. Within just one week, we sent a designer on site, conducted a series of interviews with customers, and completed more than 90% of the design concept.
I’m constantly impressed by the way our team comes together to expedite large-scale projects for government agencies with aggressive funding deadlines.
What has been the most surprising aspect of your work with SPACE?
When I joined SPACE, I happily discovered that my existing relationships — people I used to work for and looked up to — could be maintained. Now, I get to introduce our capabilities statement and open the door for them to receive incredible workplace design services.
I’m grateful for our leadership team’s openness to listen and willingness to adopt new ideas. In my short 18 months with the team, they’ve provided me with the tools and platforms I need to execute ideas, learn lessons, try and fail.
In your opinion, what is the future of government design — and how will SPACE be able to help?
The future is so bright for our SPACE East team. We’re looking forward to opportunities to expand our business, compete on higher bids, and work with so many different government agencies.
The solutions we offer exactly fit government agencies’ challenges:
Fun facts about Saharnaz:
Saharnaz’s personal design style: “Minimalistic and white. My house is always clean!”
How she maintains a work/life balance: “To me, running is meditational. I try to run a 5k each day.”
Below, Saharnaz is pictured with Piggybear, her cat, and Jason, her husband.
