Amina is our Project & Administration Manager in the Design & Construction team, where she helps bring new MEININGER hotels to life from the early planning stages through to opening. Originally from Bosnia & Herzegovina, she moved to Austria for her master’s studies before eventually relocating to Berlin, where she joined MEININGER as a Junior Project Manager. What started as a coincidence quickly turned into a career she loves.
In this interview, Amina shares her journey from architecture to project management, what happens behind the scenes before a MEININGER hotel opens its doors, the challenges of leading her first major project, and how she balances her career with life as a new mum.
Hi Amina! Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background? Where are you from, and what brought you to Germany?
Hello everyone! I am so happy to give this interview and give MEININGER adventurers more insight to what is that we do at Design & Construction department. I was born and raised in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Being born in 90’s in this part of the world meant spending childhood amidst war and genocide, which happened in my homeland during 1992-1995. This was one of the main reasons a lot of us grew up thinking we will eventually have to leave our country to have a future and that there is no other way.
This mindset was kind of wired into my brain – also the fact that my mother enrolled me to study English and German at a quite young age. So, after completing high school and Bachelor of Architecture at home, I moved on for my master’s studies to Austria, which led me to spend Erasmus semester in Madrid before relocating to Berlin for internship.
How did you find your way to MEININGER Hotels, and what was your first role with the company?
I was looking for a job everywhere in Berlin, I remember applying to every possible architectural studio, because that seemed like the only path possible. Out of pure coincidence, I applied to MEININGER Hotels for a Junior Project Manager position.
It was love at first sight! Something I never even considered before happened to be the best decision – to pursue a career in project management instead of having a “typical” architect job.
Building a career in a new country can come with its challenges. What was settling into life in Germany like for you, and how did MEININGER support you along the way?
Truth be told, I was very lucky with how things worked out for me. I was of course always ready to put the effort into everything I do; and I did, but a lot of times you also need a bit of luck.
Joining MEININGER and pivoting my career to work in project management was indeed the right decision to make. I eventually gained my permanent residency, with great help of HR team back then, and two years ago I became German citizen as well.
You’re now Project & Administration Manager in our Design & Construction team. For someone who has never worked with your department, what do you guys actually do?
I like to think of us as guys behind the scenes—as long as the project is running smoothly, you won’t even notice we are there, but the moment something goes wrong, we are the first ones everybody calls.
We are a team of 12 people, and we manage and supervise the planning, design and construction of new MEININGER hotels, as well as renovations and refurbishments of existing ones. We basically start working on a project after the new lease has been signed, all the way until around 3 months after the hotel is open (when we hand it over to FM team).
We also lead the design meetings with Interior, Lighting and Kitchen designers and participate in Landlords’ meetings with their teams.
And what does your own role look like? What are some of the projects or responsibilities that keep you busy day to day?
In April this year, I transitioned into a dual role where I combine project management with administrative leadership, which helps streamline processes, support team development, and ensure compliance with reporting standards.
The projects I have been actively working on are Innsbruck, Cologne, and Edinburgh. Towards the end of each project, it becomes more intense as there are frequent site visits needed for snagging and inspection purposes.
How would you describe your team? What’s the magic element that makes all of you work so well together?
Like in any relationship, I truly believe in transparent communication, and this is something I am very proud of when it comes to our team. We are always ready to support and help each other out with any task we might struggle with.
Most people only see a hotel once it’s finished. What goes on behind the scenes before a new MEININGER hotel is ready to welcome its first guests?
Depending on the size and the complexity of the building, the whole process can take up to 3-4 years. It gets very busy towards the end, once we start with furniture installation and equipment deliveries. Everything comes together, more departments become involved in the process and in the end, it is all one beautiful product of everyone’s hard work.
Which project has been your biggest challenge so far, and why?
The biggest challenge so far was Innsbruck project, without any doubt. It was the first project I led, and one of the most complicated projects overall. Between me being a junior and many complications throughout the project, including budget and travel restrictions because of Covid, it was very hard to navigate the whole thing.
Do you have a favourite design feature or MEININGER hotel that means something special to you?
The “Love is everywhere” curtain in Cologne is a design detail that means a lot to me. It was quite challenging to solve its construction; it is carried by a steel beam which is suspended from the ceiling. Apart from the design, there are also quite a few templates and processes I helped create; those things bring me as much pride and joy as any design features.
You recently became a mom. Congratulations! How has becoming a parent changed your everyday life and your perspective on work?
Thank you so much! Everything has indeed changed, to say the least. I like to think that my life is now additionally fulfilled, getting to be a mom. My career remains an important part of who I am, also because I believe that this way I am continuously giving my daughter a valuable lesson of the meaning of hard work and its advantages.
How are you finding the balance between motherhood and your career? Is there anything about the way you work at MEININGER that makes combining the two easier?
I deeply appreciate the flexibility I have at MEININGER, this is something that is of great importance to me because this way I can give my maximum at home and at work as well.
Looking at everything that has happened since you left Bosnia and Herzegovina, what are you most proud of today, personally or professionally?
The thing that I am most proud of is that I stayed true to myself and to my values, no matter what. I believe that, at the end of the day, a person should be content with their decisions and actions; it is the only way to be at peace and truly happy.
Thanks for sharing your insights, Amina!
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