Meet Sara Hernández Díaz - Saunders team member.

Thanks to the very talented team, Saunders is greater than the sum of its parts. Here is an insight into the experience of just a few individuals, at various stages of their careers. This week we speak to Sara Hernández Díaz:

“My advice to young students: becoming an architect is a marathon, not a sprint!”

Tell me about your training to become an architect

My training started young, as I studied Architecture in Spain, and things work a little bit differently there. When you become an Architect in Spain, you also qualify as a structural engineer services engineer. This means that you must have a very good understanding of construction and building regulations and leave university with a broad knowledge, but a lack of practical experience. I decided to complement my training with internships, just as students do in the UK. Now, I have specialised in the technical side of the business, in the residential sector.

What attracted you to architecture?

We got our first computer at home when I was about 10 years old. It came with an encyclopaedia and with some old house-building software. I spent many hours playing, imagining and creating all types of houses. My elder sister also helped, as she studied Civil Engineering, and her room was also full of plans and drawings.

What is your favourite building and why?

I have always loved Can Lis by Jørn Utzon. It is the perfect example of a house built around, and perfectly integrated with, its environment and landscape. A much more well-known building by the same Architect is the Sydney Opera House.

What attracted you to Saunders?
I was looking for a mid-sized established company, developing a variety of sectors, as I was not completely sure what I wanted to specialise in. I also thought the working environment was great.
What advice would you give to those thinking about a career in architecture?

Keeping up to date in this industry is not an easy task. There are constant updates and improvements, not only in the methods of construction, but also changes relating to building regulations and drawing software etc. On top of that, an architect never stops learning! Experience is way more important than in some other professions.

I would tell anyone thinking about a career in architecture that becoming an architect is a marathon, not a sprint. The career is very rewarding, but it does require continuous study and learning. By the time you qualify, your learning has only just started! I realise that now.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time - and what is your passion?

I have lots of passions: going to the opera, sewing clothes for friends and myself, and I love baking! Ever since I was a child, I wanted to play piano so I have just started learning. Turns out that becoming an architect, rather than a pianist, was the right choice!