1. Why have you joined Atelier?
Firstly, knowing the fact that it’s a young, dynamic and exciting business and known to be the best around the south was a big motivator.

Second, I was seeking a new opportunity to take my career in the direction I always dreamt of, to be within the IT/Web industry and work with people rather than machines hence  the managerial role.

2. What’s your background?
The border control officer at Heathrow once asked me this question and then regretted it as it took about 15 min for me to explain my background as its very complex. Are you ready?

So I was born in the Iranian capital of Tehran. My Dad is Assyrian (a rare breed these days as we are about 2 million, so we are classed as an endangered species) and my mum is Armenian (another endangered race). Having lived there for about 4 generations they are fairly rooted to the Persian culture and they both speak Farsi. However, they both speak their native languages and both of them speak each others language but my dad refuses speaking Armenian with my mum purely out of political reasons and that he is very patriotic. So lets recap, I am Assyrian/Armenian born in Iran so far. During the revolution my parents decided to provide a more secure and stable country for their 2 kids (me and my younger brother) to grow up in. They had the whole world to choose from but we all ended up in the wonderful country of Sweden. At the age of 2 I considered my self as “Swede” however when you look at me today you get confused as I am not blond and blue eyed. I grew up in Sweden, went to school and did all things Swedish visiting IKEA, having meatballs, skiing and dressing up as a Viking attacking the neighbourhoods playground and being a general menace. In my younger teen days I decided to enrol to an English speaking school doing my A  Levels or what we call “Gymnasieutbildning” to prepare for my future studies. I always dreamt of being a Pilot, lets say its still a dream after what happened in US… So then suddenly I ended up in The United Kingdom a.k.a Queens Land in 2002. I finished my degree in Business Information Technology at the Solent University in Southampton and got moving into my career and until today still in Southampton. So lets recap, I am a multicultural UFO speaking Assyrian,Armenian,Swedish and a bit of Farsi, languages that are either nearly “dead” or to no use anywhere in the world (not including the English language).

3. What do you get up to at the weekends?
I do a fair bit, I call it Administration (laundry, cleaning, ironing,stocking up the fridge) the rest of my “daylight time” I spend socialising with friends (both visible and invisible) and lock my self in the music studio to produce music. During night time I actively DJ around UK and Europe (www.djsole.com) feel free to listen to some of my music there or under our production house www.snrpublishing.com. Any other time left I spend sleeping which totals up to about 10 hrs across the weekend.

4. What’s your best achievement to date?
Finishing my degree and getting a job.

5. What’s it like working at Atelier?
It’s fast paced, dynamic and friendly. We work on interesting projects and clients across a number of different business sectors, so its always something to learn.

6. Please attach a feature photo and explain why it’s so important to you.
Coffee is my daily elixir, I can not think life with out it. I am as passionate as the Queen taking her afternoon tea, with my coffee.

7. If I take a look inside your refrigerator what would I find?
Right now you would probably find 10 limes, 24 bottles of Corona, ½ bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2008 (Wonderful), ½ bottle Rose Blossom Hill (Awful), a few cans of diet coke, few cans of energy drink, some milk and water. I usually buy food on the day of consumption find it more flexible.

8. Tell us an interesting fact that none of us know about?
I can play the Jaw Harp

9. What will you do if you have a time machine?
Go visit my kingdom of Assyria, swing past the Egyptians do some graffiti inside the pyramids so Dr Sawi Hawass gets my message, say hello to the Spartans, then zoom into the future to see how it all turns out.

10. What’s your top tip in life?
Just be you and be a good you. Honour your parents and stay in school (In B.A. Barracus voice)

11. What’s your favourite sandwich?
Its called “The ManWich” researched and developed by plasma propulsion scientist Dr. I Rudwan. NOTE: This is a health and safety warning for Vegetarians, DO NOT EAT!
Ingredients:

1 x olive and thyme ciabatta loaf (foot long) roasted with some drizzled olive oil and sea salt.
100 grams of grilled prime sirloin steak thinly sliced.
1 x grilled chicken breast mixed with red or green pesto (up to you to choose)
Fried mushrooms with onions
Fried Hallumi cheese
Hummus and/or tzatziki and/or Garlic Chilli Sauce
Shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, cucumber, olives
Stack it up and enjoy!