Meet Sandra: Studio Vlock
As a Theatre Artist myself, I am always thankful to come across entrepreneurs fully immersed in their creative expertise! My interview with Sandra, owner and founder of Studio Vlock is nothing short of intricate and intentional- her focus on community is evident in the way she runs her business. Every element of her work is focused on empowerment through her art. She gives her clients nothing but selflessness. Sandra is creating a better world through the attentiveness she gives to each intricate aspect of her business, and I only hope to make everyone feel as special as she does. Read on to find out how she has set apart her business in the architecture industry! Plus don’t miss her story about what happened in a room full of a Board of Trustees!
1. Tell us about who you are and your journey to where you are now!
As an architect in practice for nearly 30 years with my partner and husband, I have navigated the challenges of playing a highly visible and principal role as a woman. This reality has shaped my professional life.
Many clients have assigned my skill sets—active listener, inclusive designer, adept communicator and generous collaborator—as gender-specific attributes. I view this simply as "good practice”. I often say architecture is the 'Art of Engagement' and we, as architects, must engage with individuals and the community to align with and reflect the unique values, cultures, and aspirations of every project—both public and private.
The sudden death of my husband and partner in 2013 prompted me to make a choice: continue to run a well-established practice of 28 years or redirect my creative focus on my own terms. It was, I now realize, a natural evolution of all the things that mattered to me as an architect.
2. What is the mission of your brand/business? How does it empower women?
Authenticity. Elevating ‘function’ as worthy of Fine Art.
I want to bring my passion as an architect to design 'Functional Fine Art' as integral to the experience of the built environment. Giving meaning to form through placemaking and the choreography of human activity, my sculpture seeks to shape the space around us and create a sense of community. I use evocative imagery that connects people to nature and culture; creating a strong sense of place and community in a shared experience for celebration, social gathering, and contemplation. Discovering the human element is what, I hope, imbues my work with symbolic and iconic value.
3. How do you collaborate with women working towards a better world?
For me, “collaboration” should include good mentoring. Valuing my own inherent skills, and setting a positive example to my daughter and other women with talent and ambition. No question that this will make for a better world.
4. What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to press through as a female entrepreneur and what are the steps you’ve taken to overcome it?
My work now as an artist is not a hobby; it is a business and I intend to be financially successful in this new venture. That doesn’t necessarily mean commercial success but rather to see my creativity as something of value.
5. What advice would you give to a female entrepreneur in the beginning stages of launching her brand or business?
When I think of advice I would like to share with a female entrepreneur starting out, an anecdote immediately comes racing to mind:
At the culmination of a two-week long architectural charette for a new art museum at Hamline University in St. Paul, my partners and I were to present the final design to the Board of Trustees.
The event was held in the President’s wood-paneled dining room on campus. As we made our way to the far end of the room, we were greeted by a sea of white haired men. The dean of the college made a few remarks about the project and introduced the firm.
I stood up and proceeded to run the meeting and present our design. It became instantly clear that this was very unusual. Not only was I an architect, but the youngest partner—and a woman!
The collective look of surprise on their faces challenged me to stand tall (I am 5‘-2 1/2”) and not to blink.
I loved it.
I never felt nervous about public speaking again. From that moment on, my role in the firm would be as leading principal at interviews, presentations and national conferences.
Never second guess yourself, your strength and your abilities.
6. What sets your brand/business apart from others?
Authenticity. This is me; it’s my “hand” and unique signature unlike anyone else. My work is an act of discovery; personal and unfiltered. I have always been interested in the power of storytelling to create a sense of place, opportunities for personal reflection and social gathering. My sketches frequently bring image and narrative together. Hand-crafted and unique pieces that connect people to one another and create a strong sense of place.
As an architect, sketching is my way to actively listen. The simple act of drawing opens the door for a collaborative experience. Sketching has always been the well-spring for creating an authentic sense of place and a shared narrative; giving context and meaning to the architectural environment imagined.
Whereas architecture is a language of precision and refinement, I now have the freedom to explore the narrative in a more evocative way. The immediacy of a sketch—being in the moment, has taken on a deeper and richer purpose.
As an architect, ‘Placemaking' is a major part of my background and training. In my architectural practice, I have worked on a wide range of public and private commissions including museums and galleries, libraries and student centers, private homes and retreats. Every project begins and ends with the aspiration to create meaningful spaces and memorable places.
More than the artful arrangement of forms, architecture at the highest level is about giving meaning to form through placemaking and the choreography of human activity. My sculpture seeks to shape the space around us and create a sense of community. Because it is dynamic and dimensional, I choose steel as my canvas to tell a visual narrative.
“As an art historian and curator, I’ve admired Sandra’s work as an architect and artist. I have been especially interested in her sense of the importance of art in the life of an individual or community; finding in places and nature, the authentic human connection.”
– Helen A. Cooper, Curator Emeritus of American Paintings and Sculpture,
Yale University Art Gallery
“Ms. Vlock’s status as an architect is a natural evolution of her life-long engagement with the arts and as an art-maker. She has the intellectual and aesthetic skills to create a landmark sculpture that will promote and reflect and enhance the public realm…like no one else.”
– Linda Friedlaender, Senior Curator of Education, Yale Center for British Art