Female Architect Studio in Windsor and Eaton. Photography by Rossana Novella

Rossana Novella
4 days ago
3 min read

Inspiring woman and architect CEO of the renowned In-habitat architect firm based in Eaton gives us a little inside to her beautiful design work, influences and lifestyle.

Where did you study architecture?

In Buenos Aires and then in London where I did it all over again!

What made you decide to do a transition from working for an architectural firm to set up your own design studio?

It was a natural progression to finding my identity as professional. I found that the combination of the creativity required as an architect and a business owner brought a special spark that became irresistible.

Three words to describe downs to going solo

loneliness - uncertainty - doubt

Three words to describe the ups of starting your company ?

empowerment - freedom - faith

Where is your design studio based?

Eaton, UK

Whats your daily routine?

I like to start my day gently. I allocate the first two hours to meditation and yoga or a gentle jog along River Thames, time to make breakfast and take my daughter to school. I only check my phone after 10am and book appointments after 11.00am. Then I work 4 to 6 hours solid, before heading back home. I like to take an hour at the end of the day to plan the following day, catch up with any unfinished task. I tend to have a big spark of creativity in the evenings and love capturing the ideas in my notebook before going to bed.

What does Inhabitat specialise in?

Creating spaces that embrace human emotions

Your brand Ethos?

The desire for balance between Nature and Human intervention to create architecture, on the one hand and the enjoyment in the process of creation. .

A current project are you working on ?

We are working on a historical manor house with strong character in a beautiful Berkshire village.

How many people do you have working for you in your team?

We are a team of 6

Your influences to your design journey?

I come from a family of musicians. The structure of musical sounds and architectural harmony can be proven scientifically but to me this has always been second nature. As a visual person, I read space innately by its rhythm and the melody it inspires.

Who inspires you ?

My female ancestry line, a mixture of southern European and aboriginal Latin American women.

Are there many women in the architectural world?

We are still a small percentage in comparison to the male counterparts, particularly leading in business.

Have you found it challenging being a woman at times doing your work?

Yes, but I never allowed myself believe this was solely because I was a woman. I find that focusing on the advantages of being a woman in a smilingly male profession gives my business an edge. I lead with unapologetic femininity.