Q+A with our Project Design Manager Amanda Galvão
29 September, 2025
Whenever you reach out to ASPA about a project, there’s a good chance you’ll be chatting with our brilliant Amanda. We caught up with her for a quick Q&A to get a peek behind the scenes at how she works her magic.
What first sparked your passion for architecture, and how does that influence your work today?
In my childhood, I often watched my grandfather draw beautiful building facades by hand as a technical drafter. Though we didn’t have a great relationship, he became my model for the relentless pursuit of knowledge, a trait essential in a field as vast as architecture. An architect's knowledge stretches from the technicalities of topography, mathematics, and materials to the nuances of history, art, sociology, and psychology. We have to be well-versed in everything from old construction techniques and restoration to modern software and social skills, because virtually every facet of human history is, in some way, related to architecture. It's about understanding the whole picture. And The Sims! (it's an architect joke ????)
When you begin a new project, where do you draw your inspiration from — the site, the client, or something else entirely?
The first priority is to fully understand the client's needs, and only then translate them into our architectural specialty. During the concept design phase, my goal is not just to draw lines and blocks, but to begin the rational planning of how everything will function. This proactive approach minimises future changes and errors as the project advances.
How do you balance timeless design with contemporary innovation?
It's a delicate balance. The wellness industry is deeply rooted in its traditions. Our approach is to thoughtfully integrate technology where it adds value, always striving to enhance the user experience and achieve a new standard of excellence.
What does your creative process look like when working closely with clients who may not have a design background?
It takes time to truly understand a client's vision. A thorough briefing and a close working relationship are essential. Most clients are less interested in technical details and more focused on the final result. Because of this, I find it most effective to communicate using images, mood boards, and real-world references, guiding them through presentations with a strong, clear narrative.
How do you ensure that a client’s personality and vision are truly reflected in the final design?
A successful briefing is fundamental. Whether the project is commercial, residential, private, or public, the communication in this phase must be exceptionally clear to ensure the final design not only meets client expectations but also aligns perfectly with brand standards.
What role does storytelling play in your architectural process?
The architectural concept and parti are the core of any project. It's one of the first things we learn in architecture school: the concept is your idea translated into the drawings, while the parti is what your project stands for. For both, the narrative is fundamental.
What design trends do you see shaping the future of wellness and hospitality spaces?
While ideas that merge wellness with sustainability will be crucial for the future, there is also a growing demand for designs that promote well-being without relying on technology. As people increasingly seek to disconnect from digital devices, it will be essential for new buildings and projects to translate this desire for an 'offline' experience into an architecture that resonates—fostering a positive impact on physical, mental, and emotional health.
Sustainability is on everyone’s lips — how do you integrate environmental responsibility into your projects?
Sustainability extends beyond water reuse, energy efficiency, or LEED certification. It's equally about the human experience—a building must be designed to be good for both the planet and its people. To successfully intertwine these subjects, I believe a strong technical foundation is absolutely crucial.
What’s the biggest challenge you face as an architect today, and how do you turn that challenge into an opportunity?
The biggest challenge is the market pressure to quantify artistic performance. While 'thinking' and 'creativity' are the core of our profession, modern technology fosters a belief that art can be neatly packaged into a timeline of deliverables. I try to use tech to handle the boring stuff faster, which buys me time to actually think and be creative. That way, I can prove that good design isn't a delay—it's what makes the project better and more valuable for the client.
What’s the most rewarding project you’ve worked on so far, and why?
Verdala. First, due to the learning curve as I was new in the company and in the wellness world. Secondly the design timeframe that was very short. Thirdly the awesome work that our construction team made bring our drawings to life.
If you could redesign any iconic building in the world, which would it be and how would you approach it?
If I could, I wouldn't pick a single building, but rather change the post-WWII approach to architecture. The push for fast, practical, and standardised construction was necessary then, but it often resulted in buildings that feel sterile and lack character. While contemporary architecture is now correcting this, I would have preferred a path that never sacrificed aesthetic richness and human connection for pure efficiency in the first place.
What advice would you give to someone dreaming of creating their own wellness or hospitality space?
User experience and technical knowledge must form the foundation of any project. Creating an exceptional guest journey requires alignment with skilled professionals who provide comprehensive support through every stage—from the initial concept design to the final building phases.
Curious about our consulting and design process? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team today!