1) What is your full name and where are you from?
My name is David Garraza Michaus and I am from Pamplona, Spain.
2) What is your position here at PLA and how did it come about?
I am a designer. Since I am passionate about visualization and digital representation, I used to follow former PLA designer Alex Hogrefe’s visualization blog, this is how I came upon PLA at first. A few months later, when I was looking for a position, I focused on interesting firms from San Francisco, New York, Chicago and Boston. I soon found PLA’s website again, which coincidentally showed a, “We’re hiring” sign. I applied and here we are!
3) How did you get into the field of architecture and design? What intrigued you about it?
My first intention was to study some engineering. I have always liked to know how things are made and how things work. But their program were too technical and not creative at all. Then I considered the option of architecture. I was not sure of my choice at first but with the time I liked it more and more. Architecture and everything around it.
4) What drives you to continue in this field?
I love the wide range of options that architecture and design offers. Not just regarding the different fields of design: Architecture, interior design, urban planning…. Also the graphic disciplines that they involve.
5) What is the hardest part about being in design? The long hours/days, constant changes to the projects?
I think that getting into any design degree already gets you prepared for all these issues, it is a kind of training. But last minute changes, tight deadlines stress and feeling that the rest of the world moves while you are stuck in your desk definitely wears out. However the satisfaction after a good job is always worthwhile.
6) So, how do you relax? What hobbies do you participate in?
I like sports (playing and watching), travelling around the world, photography…I’m curious about science and technology and I relax by listening to music, almost always while I’m working.
7) Who are some of the people who inspire you?
In terms of architecture I would say that the architects that inspire me the most are the, ‘five masters’ whose work I had the opportunity to study in greater detail. On the other hand, I’ve been inspired over the last years by numerous bright Spanish architects of the 20th century: F.J. Sáenz de Oiza, Eduardo Torroja, J. L. Sert, Rafael Moneo.
8) What is your favorite place you’ve traveled to?
Boston is now located in a very high place from what I have seen so far, but if I had to choose a particular city it would be Stockholm, Sweden, and of course, Thailand.
9) Looking forward, where do you want to go and what do you want to do?
For now I want to stay here, my visa lasts 3 years and PLA is a great opportunity to grow and learn. After that, life will say… However I would like to go back to Spain sometime if the economic situation improves and see if I can make a living back there.
10) What’s your take on the future of the architecture industry?
I believe that because of the vital and current times, necessities we will experiment changes in basic aspects of architecture industry, lifestyles and use of public and private spaces. Our goal must be adapting to these changes and offer solutions for real people.
11) Any lasting advice for those going into design, or are already in it?
Find passion, find motivation. Make your work a hobby and you will enjoy it every single day.
12) How do you like it here at PLA so far?
I like it very much so far. I had a great reception from everyone. My colleagues are attentive and try to help where possible. I very much hope that we embark in amazing attractive projects and I keep learning every day during my stay at PLA.
David Garraza can be reached at his website: http://www.davidgarraza.com/
