Andreas Signer

How long have you been working for Dobas AG?  

I’ve been part of the Dobas team since October 2016.

Where did your professional journey take you prior to your current position?

After my four-year apprenticeship to become a draftsman, I gained work experience in several architectural offices. Later I completed the higher vocational school-leaving certificate. And after graduating in 2016 I started working for Dobas.

What are the main tasks that make up your daily work routine?

I’m in charge of project planning and execution. First, that means I have to put the initial ideas of interior architects onto paper and then create the detailed site planning. Material procurement is a part of my day-to-day work as well. And I also take care of the project management in small-scale projects.

How do you stay informed and, more importantly, inspired?

On the one hand, I have my colleagues: during our coffee breaks, we usually have lively discussions. On the other, I use social media platforms such as Instagram or Pinterest. Technical ideas often emerge while working with carpenters and other artisans.

What materials make your senses tingle?

I really like wood with a sanded surface. I feel most comfortable barefoot on warm parquet flooring.

What’s lying around your desk that might seem unnecessary to others but is important to you and your motivation?

I try to keep my desk as clean as possible. I get my daily dose of inspiration from my desktop background image. It’s a photo I took of a bicycle in a beautiful autumnal scene. Both that photograph and the bicycle in it had a great impact on my life in 2019.

What building and/or space has left a particularly lasting impression on you and why?

Although I visited Sagrada Família in Barcelona some time ago, it made a lasting impression on me. With its giant, branch-like columns, you almost feel like you’re standing in a forest. There are elements from the natural world everywhere and the unique mood generated by the light makes the basilica even more mesmerising.

What fills you with joy and pride in your professional life?

When I see planned projects for the first time in real life or in pictures. It’s even more motivating when the project had gone through difficult phases and, eventually, the difficulties were successfully overcome!

What brings you joy in your personal life?

Riding my bicycle. I already get excited while planning a weekend tour. When I achieve my personal cycling goals, I’m the happiest person on earth. My daily ride to work makes me happy, too. For me cycling is meditation in motion.