"Architecture is about far more than beautiful buildings"

When Sophie Sander says she never wanted to become an architect, she means it.

Growing up, architecture was always there. Her mother ran a successful architectural

practice, working on large-scale projects ranging from government buildings to

corporate headquarters. Sophie regularly tagged along to site visits and meetings.

“I always said: if there’s one thing I’ll never become, it’s an architect.”

Fast forward a few years, and today she is co-founder of Sander + Sander, the

architectural practice she now runs together with her mother.

Sometimes, life has different plans.

Fotografie: Susanne Zaal

More than designing buildings

For Sophie, architecture has never been just about creating beautiful spaces.

What fascinates her most is everything surrounding the design process: understanding

clients, managing complex projects and bringing different disciplines together.

“I’ve always been drawn to the entire process. I don’t just want to design something beautiful. I want to understand how it gets built, how it fits financially, how everyone involved works together and how different disciplines can strengthen each other."

That broader perspective developed during her studies and the first years of her career, where she discovered that she enjoyed not only the creative side of architecture, but also the project management and coordination needed to bring a design to life.

She believes architects should be more than designers.

“I see architects as the generalists. You don’t have to know everything about every discipline, but you should understand enough to bring everyone together. You’re the director of the entire project.”

Today, her work ranges from residential architecture and transformations to public buildings and projects in the Netherlands and abroad, always with a strong focus on concept, materiality and spatial experience.

Leaving the safe path

Like many young professionals, Sophie had mapped out her career in detail. Five years at an architecture firm. Then move into development. Eventually start her own company.

It sounded logical. Until reality told her otherwise.

“After starting at an architecture office, I realised this wasn’t the right path. It wasn’t the work itself, I simply missed the freedom to create, to build something of my own.”

Rather than ignoring that feeling, she decided to listen.

“It was scary, but I also thought: if I don’t try now, when will I?”

A second chance

The story behind Sander + Sander is as personal as it is inspiring.

Years ago, Sophie’s mother was forced to close her successful practice after becoming seriously ill. At the time, doctors expected she had little time left.

Instead, she recovered.

Gradually, she started designing homes again for friends and private clients, never expecting to rebuild the business.

Meanwhile, Sophie was exploring her own future.

“I suddenly realised how unique this opportunity was. My mother was still here, we shared the same vision on architecture, and I could learn from someone with decades of experience.”

After months of conversations, they decided to take the leap together.

Today, the business combines experience with fresh perspectives. “My mother brings incredible calm and experience. I’m faster, more digital and constantly thinking about where we can grow. We complement each other really well.”

Building relationships, not just projects

Starting an architecture firm comes with a challenge many people underestimate.

You’re not selling a product. You’re selling trust.

“In architecture, people don’t choose someone to create or transform their home overnight. That decision is built on trust, trust in your ideas, your vision and your ability to understandwhat a place could become. That means networking has become just as important as designing. It’s about building relationships over time, so that when the moment comes, you are the person they choose.”

Why WIRED matters

For Sophie, the value of WIRED isn’t measured in immediate business opportunities.

It’s something much more sustainable.

“I don’t expect to leave every event with a new client. What I love is meeting other women who are at a similar stage in their careers. You see each other grow, you build long-term relationships and you genuinely understand each other’s challenges.”

In an industry where women are still underrepresented, those connections matter. “I know very few women in real estate. At WIRED, you immediately have people who understand the conversations you’re having every day at work.”

Being a young woman in architecture

Although the industry is changing, Sophie still notices assumptions being made. Sometimes suppliers assume she’s the interior designer rather than the architect. Sometimes people simply underestimate her because she’s young.

“You do occasionally feel like you have to prove yourself. But I’ve learned that you don’t have to fight every battle. Sometimes it’s better to stay focused on the work and let your knowledge speak for itself.”

She believes confidence comes with experience. "The more experience I gain, the more I realise that you can never know everything. The real strength lies in staying curious, asking the right questions and continuing to learn with every project." It’s a feeling many young professionals, especially women, will recognise.

Looking ahead

Although Sander + Sander is a young practice, it builds on decades of experience while looking ahead with a fresh perspective.

She wants to create architecture that looks beyond aesthetics. Projects where design, collaboration and feasibility come together. And while she once swore she’d never follow in her mother’s footsteps, she’s now grateful she did. Because sometimes the path you never planned turns out to be exactly where you’re meant to be.

Fotografie: Susanne Zaal