Name: Aran Villar
Title: Associate architect, Leslie Jones
What I do: I’m an associate architect at Leslie Jones where I’ve been working for over eight years now. I lead on a variety of projects from mixed-use developments, retail destinations, and aviation projects. Another key part of my role is supporting business development, meeting with a variety of stakeholders to understand how we can help them.
Why I got into the property industry: I knew I wanted to get into architecture from around eight years old when someone read me an article in the newspaper about architecture and how the industry was very male dominated. As a child, I remember thinking – I want to change that. I was also really interested in art, sketching and design and once I learned more about architecture I realised I could channel my interest in art and design into the architecture world.
How I did it: Since I was set on becoming an architect from a very young age, I went straight to university to study it. I completed my first master’s in architecture in Spain, and my second in the UK since one just wasn’t enough! It was interesting to see the different ways architecture is taught with Spanish courses often taking a more holistic approach to the subject and a key focus on the engineering side of architecture which has been helpful in opening more doors in the professional world.
My first proper job: Since I knew I wanted to get into architecture from a young age – so did my parents. They just so happened to meet an architect when visiting the Maspalomas Dunes who mentioned their practice needed another architect to work on this and some other exciting projects. Shortly after, I was invited to an interview over breakfast and by the time I finished my orange juice I was brought into a meeting with an engineer and immediately got to work. It was a pretty special first project working with the team on the sand dunes in Gran Canaria – my home island.
My inspiration(s): For me, inspiration is everywhere, I feel I am quite poetic in my approach. Natural elements have always inspired me, particularly as I grew up surrounded by stunning landscapes full of character. Sometimes I find the most random things give me inspiration from rocks on the beach to the sun and the shadows it casts. I tend to say I’m an architect all the time, beyond the 9-5, and that impacts the way I view the world and allows me to find inspiration everywhere. I always say everyone shapes the world in different ways based on the things and people that inspire them – and although they are technically not architects, they can equally contribute to our job.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: I’ve had many proud moments throughout my career, but the ones that really stand out are the times when I’ve been an influential voice in the room or made a positive impact on a project. Those moments don’t always resonate immediately, but when I step back and realise I’m achieving what I dreamed of doing when I was eight years old, I feel incredibly proud.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: I’m sure many architects will agree with me on this one – my biggest bugbear about the industry is the admin and red tape that often dampens design and the exploration of innovative ideas. If only we could let go of these constraints and give ourselves the freedom to create more inspirational designs that are functional but also aesthetically pleasing which have the potential to impact positively on people’s lives.
Where I’d like to be five years career wise: In five years’ time, I want to be in a position where I can focus most of my time on designing sustainable projects that reflect the social values I care about. I want to continue being part of a team that makes a difference by creating spaces that truly listen and respond to people’s needs – spaces that help communities feel motivated, develop their skills, and contribute to a healthy lifestyle. I also want to keep championing my belief that architects should be approachable people who really listen to what people want and need – then decipher and unlock opportunities in a holistic way. That is something I feel we do really well at Leslie Jones and want to continue advocating for across the industry.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: I’d invite Rafa Nadal and Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill. Nadal’s mental resilience and Ennis’ pioneering work in the ‘FemTech’ industry and her enduring legacy as an athlete fascinate me. Both are perfect examples of competitive athletes at the top of their game who can perform brilliantly whilst remaining grounded and balancing their work and personal life. I also find Rafa hilarious so I think we would have a fine time with no drinks involved.
What I do in my downtime: I run everywhere, my commutes, grocery shopping, meeting friends – you name it – covering distances all the way up to ultramarathons. I am a running coach and one of my favourite hobbies is travelling around the world to complete the running challenges I’ve set myself – I actually can’t remember a holiday where I haven’t done a race.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: I think I would be a professional runner or a psychologist. The reasons behind being a professional runner are probably obvious, but I think a psychologist since I am always trying to understand how people’s brains are wired and why they make certain decisions – like why did that architect decide to design a circular window? There must be a reason behind that.
