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One Year In: Mohammed Arabi’s Journey as Project Manager at Design Works

September 8, 2025
•
Engineering

One Year In: Mohammed Arabi’s Journey as Project Manager at Design Works

Mohammed Arabi looks back after his first year at Design Works Engineering.

Mohammed Arabi’s journey to project management came from an unlikely starting point.

“I don’t have an engineering background — I have a background in accounting,” Mohammed said.

“But I’m an outgoing person. I like to interact, solve problems, and talk to people.”

That openness to trying something new led him into project management, where no two days look the same.

This past August marked Mohammed’s first anniversary with Design Works. Like many who join the construction and design world, his early days were a whirlwind.

“When I first came in, I thought it was going to be meeting minutes, tracking deadlines, following up with the team. That was my expectation.”

Instead, he quickly discovered how dynamic the role really is — and how high the stakes can be.

“It felt like sink or swim when I started. A lot of times I found myself solving a problem while learning how to solve it.”

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗜𝘁 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱

Around the three-month mark, things began to shift.

“Things started to click once it slowed down. I could finally stop and ask: why do we do this? Is there a better way?”

By the end of his first year, Mohammed realized the job was far bigger — and more rewarding — than he imagined.

“I didn’t think a year in I’d be the most important person on some jobs. Clients now know me as Mo from Design Works.”

𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺

Even with his growth, Mohammed is quick to point out that success doesn’t happen alone.

“My success is driven by the people who put in the hard work. I just make sure things stay on track — the real work is done by the team.”

“Sometimes clients don’t even know who’s working on the job — they just know Mo made it smooth. I get recognized, but really I’m just the beneficiary of the team’s hard work.”

𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱

As he looks to year two, Mohammed is focused on taking on bigger projects and stepping up even further.

“I learn best when I’m uncomfortable. When things get tough, that’s when you make the jump from coordinator to manager. I want to get to the point where leadership doesn’t need to get involved at all.”

That mindset — embracing challenge, building trust, and giving credit where it’s due — is what makes “Mo” such a valuable part of the Design Works team.

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