ARB architect, AA & Bartlett graduate, offering tutoring for architecture students of all levels. Work smart, not hard!

Find out more about Sabina

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I have been a private tutor to architecture and design students and professionals for 7 enjoyable years. My interest stems from my journey studying and practicing architecture, as well as from my passion for supporting others to achieve their creative potential, and in turn play their part in improving our built environment. I am particularly motivated to work with students who have a passion for architecture and/or design-related industries and are committed to their growth and development professionally and personally. Tutoring allows me to blend my architectural knowledge from professional practice with my interest in personal development, supporting ambitious students to achieve their academic and professional goals.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I provide tutoring for undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as young professionals, on a variety of topics, including concept and ideation, technical design, portfolio and CV preparation, as well as interview practice. I infuse my mentoring with tips for effectiveness and efficiency, which are key to achieving a good work-life balance (which is quite challenging in architecture school, I know). My strengths lie in concept design and narrative formulation, helping students streamline their thought process and present their work with confidence and clarity. My heart beats less for detailed technical drawings, although I can suggest tools, resources and a structured methodology on how to work through these.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  My academic years were marked by several inspiring teachers, however one of them profoundly impacted my thinking and shaped my drawing style as an architect. Our visiting weekly studio tutor taught me the art of translating highly refined abstract/conceptual ideas into tangible spaces. He was also a good listener with a great sense of observation of students' unique talents, who helped me formulate a graphic style that reflected my strengths, vision, and personality. He remained kind and patient with me when I was experiencing some health issues, encouraging me to prioritise the most important tasks in order to deliver my project in a short period. We have remained in touch up to this day, which proves the strong connection that he fostered with his students.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  Someone approachable, inspiring, and committed to making a difference. A good tutor is a great listener, a sharp communicator, and a skilled professional. Ideally, someone who is connected to professional practice and continues their development professionally and personally. Also, they should have a passion for their subject and for mentoring others, as this will provide the fuel for continuous learning and growth. A good tutor is someone who can adapt their teaching style to each student, spotting individual strengths and encouraging students in a direction that is suitable and productive. Ultimately, a good tutor understands psychology and human behaviour, demonstrates empathy for his students, and has a versatile approach to different personalities, helping each one to maximise their potential.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  This anecdote could stretch as far back as my early primary school years, way before architecture was on my CV. I was always that (possibly annoying) student who was always ahead with their homework, never missed a deadline, and came prepared for exams. Despite being so disciplined and hard-working, I often struggled with confidence and never fully understood my potential. My best friend from school (and to this day) tells me that I've been her mentor ever since then, without me being aware of it. She was finding inspiration in my 'iron will' (as she called it), determination, and growth mindset, which kept me going through difficult times and always restored me to the shore safely. From maths and languages to sport and self-discipline, my friend attests to having been motivated across the whole spectrum, without me intentionally mentoring her. The key message is that the power of the personal example is unquestionably the most successful teaching method I know, which proved consistently beneficial during my university years when I started tutoring. As mentors, we need to 'walk the talk', in order to be credible to those who seek our guidance and support.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  Like most architecture students, I have found it difficult to organise my numerous ideas and concepts for my design projects and come up with a clear narrative, that translated into a strong proposal and a clear presentation. At times, I also struggled to be original, especially after finding inspiration from great architects who seemed to have imagined unsurpassable constructs. With time, and with the right support, I learned to synthesise the information extracted from various sources and re-package it into something unique and directly relatable to my initial concept. I am still facing some difficulty in resolving specific detail drawings, but I've learned that product manufacturers can provide specific CAD drawings which can be easily incorporated into architectural drawings. I have also expanded my knowledge of various construction methods from practical experience, especially through on-site attendance.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  Outside of architecture and mentoring, I am a passionate advocate of well-being and achieving a sustainable work-life balance. Whilst it may appear separate, I believe it is an integral part of achieving results and fulfillment in any field, whether academic or professional. My tutoring style is permeated by this mindset, and my mission is two-fold - on one hand, to inspire my students to achieve their best work, and on the other, to do it whilst preserving a rich, meaningful, and healthy lifestyle. Within architecture itself, I am particularly passionate about sustainability in an integral sense, and not merely through the addition of ecological/technological devices. I like to challenge the status quo (where necessary) and ask questions that provoke, trigger good change, and inspire action.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P) ?

  My long-standing presence in the 'market' as a private architecture and design tutor is a testimony to my commitment and motivation to be of service to others in this way. I can proudly say that my confidence comes from the results of my students, the consistent top-rated feedback I receive, and the feeling of reward and fulfilment I feel every single time my students achieve their goals. My students have described me as knowledgeable, smart, strategic, and above all, approachable and down to earth. They mention how I've helped them get clarity over their concepts, improve their drawing technique, gain self-confidence and ultimately prepare to join the exciting professional world. I love what I do and I do what I love. Your results are my reward.