Sara-Ann Logan
“There are a lot of sleepless nights but to step back and to see one’s effect on the built environment and in the lives of the families we work with really makes it worth it.”
#WomenWhoBuild meet Sara-Ann Logan,
Sara-Ann is the Vice President of Design for VBC Studio , a volumetric modular business, as well as a Principal of Architecture 1624. Sara-Ann, who earned her degree from Rice University, began her career in the San Francisco Area working on luxury retail development. Since then Sara-Ann has worked on the architecture, interior architecture, and interior design for luxury residential markets in the San Francisco, Boston, and New York metro regions. In her current role as Vice President of Design for VBC Studio, Sara-Ann designs, manages, and develops manufacturing documentation for all elements of VBC | Studio’s off-site and site construction endeavors.
ArchNative sat down with Sara-Ann (virtually of course) to discuss her introduction to Architecture & Real Estate, what her day to day looks like in her current role, how she approaches each project, and of course her advice for women entering the field.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey in Architecture and Real Estate? What was your first introduction to the field?
The concept of architecture for me was a vague though when I was in middle school. I didn’t have any real connection to the profession and up until that point did not know anyone who was an architect. I don’t remember why but I latched on to either wanting to be an architect or a lawyer. Strangely enough – I have a vivid memory of my 7th grade history class putting George Washington on trial for Treason. After crafting what I thought at the time was a sound argument – we lost. From that moment on – I knew it would be architecture for me and I haven’t looked back since. For me architecture is creative problem solving and that is very much how my mind works.
You are a founder of Architecture 1624, can you tell us about what gave you the push to start your own company?
A1624 is a partnership with a classmate I met at Rice University in Houston, TX. I have always known I wanted to be a business owner. I owned by own small graphic design company prior to acquiring my license. I can’t say what did it really but even when I worked for large and small firms alike I would treat each project with the same rigor and responsibility that I do now – so I guess I would say that I didn’t view working for a firm any differently than working for myself. I realize now how naïve that was – business ownership brings its own stresses and responsibility but it also brings a freedom of practice and flexibility that cannot typically be found for a young architect.
What aspect of having your own studio is the most challenging and which is the most rewarding?
Now that I have a son – balancing work with family life is the most challenging. Architecture can be all encompassing and building a team, a portfolio, and a business takes time. There are a lot of sleepless nights but to step back and to see one’s effect on the built environment and in the lives of the families we work with really makes it worth it.
What aspects of your technical training from your undergraduate and professional studies in architecture have stuck with you the most throughout your career?
I’m a stickler for a pen and paper – even when not drafting or sketching specifically. I remember my mentors saying that I was getting stuck in the computer and needed to work it out by hand. Even if that meant incoherent doodles – somehow it helps.
You are the VP of design in a vertically integrated modular volumetric company. Can you tell us a little bit about your role?
I lead VBC | Studio which is a division of the Volumetric Building Companies. This division designs, manages design and engineering, and develops manufacturing documentation for all elements of our off site and onsite construction endeavors. There is a huge management and training focus but also a heavy research and design focus as well. This builds on the DfMA efficiencies and principles that we established with our case study homes and developments tested through the years with A1624.
What does your day to day look like?
My days are filled with meetings and impromptu design review sessions in our Cambridge (soon to be Somerville) office. Travel used to be a key component of my work since our projects and our team are spread in different cities up and down the East Coast and as far west as Idaho, but the pandemic has slowed that to a halt. I try to do something creative every day – even if its picking a piece of furniture or sketching a detail and even if it only takes 5-10 minutes.
What is one piece of advice you have for women entering the field?
Work hard but don’t put yourself last.