Sabina Maslova, PhD

Associate Director - Research and Evaluation | Housing, Technology & UX

London, England, United Kingdom

About

Qualitative and mixed-method researcher with 15 years of experience learning about human behaviour, needs and motivations, and translating findings and insights to design, development and decision-making teams to inform business and policy decisions. Through a range of generative and evaluative methodologies, I deliver applied research projects across industry and academia. Passionate about customer-centric approaches, strategic vision, and leveraging technology to drive business growth, create customer value and achieve public policy objectives. With a PhD in Social Sciences, an international profile and a track record of delivering impactful outcomes, I bring research integrity, pro-activeness, empathy, clear communication and collaboration to lead teams and deliver user-centred solutions. In 2022, I was recognised as an exceptional talent in the field of social sciences by the British Academy. Fields of expertise: Housing and Planning, Cities, Built Environment, Smart Homes, Modern Methods of Construction, Metrics and Evaluation, Public Policy, Social Impact.

Experience

  • Verian Group (Full-time · 2 yrs 3 mos)
    • Associate Director
      Feb 2026 - Present · 5 mos

    • Research Manager
      Apr 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 3 mos

      I lead research and evaluation projects in housing and planning that inform public policy. I help manage a portfolio of projects with MHCLG, including being the project manager for several major evaluations in the private rented sector and housebuilding. This includes the long-term evaluation of the Affordable Homes Programme 2021–2026, the UK Government’s flagship programme to deliver 1.5 million new homes. My role involves managing both qualitative and quantitative research, contributing to project design, supporting proposal development, fostering strong client relationships, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality reports.

  • Senior UX Researcher at Freelance | Self-Employed
    Feb 2022 - Apr 2024 · 2 yrs 3 mos

    • Carried out user studies for market research, competitor analyses, customer journeys, business expansion, go-to-market strategies, positioning and attracting investments. • Conducted end-to-end UX research for a mobile application, utilizing a range of research methodologies including user interviews, expert interviews, diary studies, and Jobs-to-be-Done (JTBD) analysis. • Projects for clients in SaaS, PropTech, Telecom, Wellness and Health industries.

  • Research and Teaching Associate at Cambridge Centre for Housing and Planning Research
    Oct 2019 - May 2023 · 3 yrs 8 mos

    • Designed and executed end-to-end qualitative research on user-centred social housing, resulting in publications and securing additional funding for an impact project. • Managed and delivered multiple research projects, leading teams and producing scientific papers and industry reports. Research topics included UK housing and planning policies, housing needs, customer-centred housing, smart homes, net-zero housing, decarbonisation, and digital transformation in the built environment. • Led design workshops with senior industry stakeholders, developing approaches to measure performance, quality, sustainability and customer experience in housing. • Presented research findings at national and international conferences, effectively communicating complex concepts to diverse audiences and fostering knowledge exchange among industry partners, scholars and policymakers. • Contributed to grant writing and secured funding for research projects, ensuring the continuation of vital research initiatives in planning and housing.

  • Associate Researcher at Centre for Digital Built Britain
    Apr 2021 - Sep 2022 · 1 yr 6 mos

    • Conducted research supported by the Construction Innovation Hub (CIH) funded via Innovate UK, analysing the social context of digital transformation in construction. • Developed three research projects on social and cultural aspects of technology adaption in the built environment including stakeholder engagement; data, governance and ethics; customer experience in housebuilding. • Carried out literature reviews, interviews, data analysis, and synthesis of findings. • Collaborated on, wrote and published three academic papers and four research reports. • Presented research findings at professional events and wider stakeholder audiences.

  • Lead Analyst at Agency for Strategic Development CENTER
    Feb 2015 - Jan 2017 · 2 yrs

    • Led and directed research projects as principal investigator, overseeing the entire project lifecycle from conceptualization to dissemination of findings. Managed a team of external researchers, ensuring delivery of project packages on time and within budget. • Conducted social and economic analyses and user research for urban development projects. Generated findings and recommendations leading to the successful construction of several development projects. • Organised and facilitated outreach projects, including international architectural and urban planning competitions.