“From sketch to skyline”

Sarah Vafa talks about curiosity, courage, and the process of building, both literally and figuratively.

Anyone who meets Sarah instantly notices that she is someone who wants to move forward. Not in a hurried way, but with an open mind and an infectious drive. She has a unique combination of qualities: calmness, ambition, attention to detail and an eye for the bigger picture. “I love it when things get moving,” she says with a smile. 'Right from the start of a project, I want to be involved.'

Where vision takes shape

Born in Rotterdam, she became fascinated by the ever-changing city at an early age. “In Rotterdam, the towers couldn't be tall enough. The city changed every year, and I loved that." It was on a trip to Dubai that the spark was finally ignited. ‘The buildings were so impressive and iconic. I knew then that this is what I wanted to do: To build. To develop. To shape what will shine on the skyline.”

Her journey began in Delft, where she studied Civil Engineering. She quickly discovered that she was not cut out to be just a link in the construction process. “I wanted to understand how all the different facets came together, from idea to realisation. As an engineer, you are part of the whole, but I wanted to experience a project from start to finish and be fully involved in it. That realisation drew me towards development.”

She is a project developer at LMTD working on Mahler 1, the first building in the new Zudo district of Zuidas in Amsterdam. LMTD is developing this special part of the city on behalf of Victory Group, together with a team of consultants. ‘The best thing about development, in my opinion, is that you create a shared vision with so many different people. You see it grow from conversations and sketches into something that will soon become an integral part of the city – something that people will use every day.”

Doubts are part of the proces

Growth never follows a straight line,' Sarah emphasises. “One day you feel on top of the world; the next, you wonder how you ended up here,” she says with a laugh. “But that's what keeps you sharp.” Doubt means you're consciously engaged in what you're doing.”

The fact that she now feels completely at home does not mean that this has always been the case. ‘During my technical studies, I was regularly torn between two options,’ she says. ‘I realised that I learnt much more by participating in project groups than by just studying alone. In hindsight, those doubts turned out to be justified.” ‘The university provided me with the theory, but it was only through practical experience that I learned how to apply it effectively. That combination has proved invaluable.’

What advice would she give to young professionals? ‘Look back at everything you've already done. Studies, internships, work experience – you've achieved much more than you realise. Growth isn't linear, so take a moment to pause and be proud of what you've already achieved!"

Events, networking and the power of connection

Why WIRED? For Sarah, the answer is simple. “It's valuable to meet women who share the same passion for this profession,” she says. Her first WIRED event immediately felt right. “Everyone was interested, and there was a good energy.” For her, networking is mainly about building lasting relationships and maintaining a genuine curiosity. Go to events, lectures or after-work drinks that interest you, whether that's a Pakhuis de Zwijger lecture or a project presentation. The property world isn't that big, so you'll always bump into people again.'

The only woman at the table.

She is often the only woman in boardrooms. This is sometimes comical, but also telling. "You're sitting in a meeting, the project manager opens with 'Welcome, gentlemen', then sees me and quickly adds 'and lady'." Fortunately, that is changing.' Sarah praises initiatives such as WIRED. These initiatives bring women together. They also make them more visible. “The women you meet are often real powerhouses. They're driven and used to being able to take a punch.'

Leadership without control

How can a young professional lead teams with diverse interests and extensive experience? For Sarah, the answer is simple: trust. “I don't lead through control, but through collaboration. In stressful situations, it's important to be able to rely on your team. Check in with each other and jump in where necessary. That way, you're building not just a project, but a working culture too.”

A future forged in concrete and courage

Although Sarah can't see a clearly mapped-out path ahead, she does have a clear compass. She wants to continue growing in her profession, realising projects that matter, and enjoying what she does. "In five years' time, I hope to be able to look back on projects that have made a difference. Buildings that people walk through and say, 'This is right.' The energy, the atmosphere, the function — everything together.”

Ultimately, it's not just about what you build, but how you build it. With curiosity, courage and enjoyment. If you succeed, then maybe the sky isn't even the limit."