Bio:
The great designer, Siboney Diaz Sanchez, AIA is an architect at Overland Partners in San Antonio, Texas and a graduate of Cornell University.  She thrives on understanding how design can best serve communities.  Her work focuses on the importance of an individual‚Äôs experience in a space, their relationships to others and contextual histories/ herstories/ ourstories. She insists that creative fields are viable vehicles for social change and is committed to the success of local arts organizations and non-profits.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I learned about architecture in middle school.  A new public housing development was built nearby and some of my classmates were moving into the units.  They were excited about the newness, square footage and natural light.  I had a feeling then.

What do you do?
I oversee the construction administration for ChildSafe and a residence in west Texas.  After work I give my time to Latinos in Architecture Committee within AIA San Antonio.  

What excites you in the work you do?
The people. This project was about listening to how spaces can contribute to healing traumas and how design can contribute to better mental health.  I want to be learning always.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
My grandmother, Elisa.  She was resilient, fearless and resourceful. She was a woman of profound grace & curiosity.  Mentorship is important in this profession. Finding that support as a Latina can be a challenge & creating your own space is needed.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
I believe it was when I was on a panel about municipal bond funding.  My mentee from Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Angelica was my date.  After she told me after how proud she was to see me take up space on a stage and talk about funding disparities. 

Featured Project Name: 
ChildSafe
 
Featured Project Location: 
San Antonio, Texas
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
2019

Role in Featured Project: 
Team Member, Architect
 
Featured Project Description:
ChildSafe is a non-profit organization that aims to restore dignity, hope and trust to children traumatized by abuse and neglect in Bexar County.  Unable to meet the growing needs in their current facilities, Overland designed a new home for ChildSafe  that will serve as a sanctuary for children, their families, and the professionals who care for and protect them.  

Photography Credit:
Overland Partners