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Andrew joined Design for Independence at the beginning of 2024 as their BDM. He brings a wealth of management, customer service and sales experience from his previous career in investment banking, where he worked for a number of Tier 1 institutions. Earlier in his career he and his teams were awarded a series of industry EMEA regional client service delivery awards. Latterly he specialised in simplifying and digitising wholesale client’s complex trading & investment decisions. Andrew is married and has three grown up children. In his spare time, he enjoys working in the community, socialising and sports.

Lauren is the friendly face of DFI and the first point of call to direct you to the right department for your clients needs. She is an accountant experienced in the Design and Construction industries with responsibilities including producing management accounts, payroll processing and maintaining the sales and purchase ledgers. Determined in approach, methodically organised and able to prioritise a diverse workload whilst remaining quality conscious and adhering to deadlines. Skilled user of various accounting software programmes and Microsoft Excel.

James leads the Design for Independence property search operation, overseeing the sales and lettings business.

Previously James has worked within both corporate and independent estate agencies with over 29 years’ experience in growing and turning businesses around, increasing market share and profitability. James was also instrumental in recruitment and training within organisations and has enjoyed working with teams and individuals, aiding them to develop their own careers. James assists our clients in the search for both short term rentals and forever home purchases and liaises closely with agents to help them understand the client’s needs and the litigation process.

Ash Bailey is one of Design for Independence’s Housing Occupational Therapists, supporting clients across the North of England. As a Senior OT, Ash works closely with Managing Director and Lead OT Anava Baruch to oversee and manage the Housing OT team, with responsibility for approximately half of DFI’s Housing OT caseload.

Ash brings a diverse professional background to his role. Before becoming a Housing Occupational Therapist, he worked with Sheffield City Council as a Landscape Architect, giving him valuable experience in design, spatial planning and creating environments that work effectively for the people using them.

Combining his clinical OT expertise with his design background, Ash brings a practical and creative approach to housing assessments and adaptations. He works closely with clients, families, case managers and other professionals to ensure that proposed housing solutions are clinically appropriate, practical and tailored to each individual’s needs.

Based in the North of England, Ash plays an important role in delivering DFI’s clinically led housing service and ensuring clients receive the same high standard of specialist support throughout their housing journey.

Paul brings with him his experience working in the Design and Build industry as both a Project Manager and a CAD designer. As well as reaching his City & Guilds in Kitchen and Bedroom design he has almost 20 years’ experience in the Aerospace industry providing a strong eye for detail and a great understanding of strict processes.

He works collaboratively with the overall team of case managers, solicitors, equipment suppliers and trades people, coordinating estimates, quotes, team meetings, reviewing drawings/plans and supporting the end users during the process of design and adaptations. Paul is mainly office based and has a complete overview of the projects so he can ensure that all adaptation work is completed in a timely and efficient fashion, within budget.

Jana works closely with Anava’s team to enhance adapted spaces for her clients, delivering considered and sympathetic interior schemes connecting clients’ life values with their new surroundings. Her work is based on the principles of nature incorporating textures, patterns and colours that are fundamental to inviting nature indoors. This balanced combination stimulates senses, provides a calm atmosphere, reduces anxiety and shapes an authentic and comfortable home.

Biophilic design is a combination of natural elements that send a powerful message influencing how we feel and act indoors. It allows every client’s unique style to shine through whilst delivering highly functional spaces.

Jana’s collaborative approach focuses on individual needs and brings uniquely personalised solutions to every client.