Inspiration: Architect and Journalist Sandra Draskovic
Sandra Draskovic writes about architecture and design from her apartment in Belgrade. Here she shares the snowy view and her work habits.
Tell us about the kind of work you do. How long have you worked from home? And where is home? I’ve been working as freelance journalist in the field of architecture and interior design for more than five years. Parallel to regular full-time employment as an architect and project manager, I’ve been managing my passion for writing from home after working-hours and after a while my home desk became my office station. I stopped my full-time architectural practice last year due to the financial crisis and I’ve decided to work now from home. I’m settled at the moment in Belgrade. But I know, in this era of the internet, that wherever I move or travel I can relocate or build a “temporary office”. My home is in a district known as “Blokovi.”
Describe your style and how it relates to the space you work in and also the work you produce. I like to be well informed, that means constant daily review of hundred of blogs, websites, magazines. So when it comes to a particular projects, I never search for inspiration, it’s already there. My architectural design strategy is based on multilevel data research, starting from detailed site and environment analysis, cultural and political conditions, economic possibilities, to develop programs and generate contemporary architectural shapes. The client is involved in the process and plays a big role in shaping the brief and the project. Most of them are so excited to be part of the first stages of design and that’s how they appreciate more each step made afterward. When you work from home there is no part-time or full-time. You’re available!!!
Above: Sandra’s design for hotel resort on Danube Island
How do you keep your work space organized? When we speak of “space” we can think about virtual space. I think it is important to be well organized there as it is in any real space around us. So for example on my computer I have big folders named after the groups such as “projects”, “inspiration”, “pics”, “research”, “education”. The physical space around me needs to be just as organized with only laptop and notebook on the table. Bookshelf and small coffee table near the sofa are occupied with books, magazines, brochures and other paper-material for research, learning and inspiration. I like to hang posters or souvenirs from trips. At the end of the day our space is who we are.