In the Spotlight…with Sarah Scully

In this series called ‘In the Spotlight’ we’ll be talking to our employees and asking them questions about everything from their current role to their most unusual job and what they’d take on a desert island. Today we spoke to Sarah Scully, our Head of design.

1. Before working at ISO Spaces, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

I worked for a tack shop for a few years while at college, which was owned by a neighbour. She hired me to help out at weekends minding the shop and occasionally helping to mend the horse rugs, often people would bring their horses to the dressage arena out the front so I’d get to see them practicing.

2. How do you balance your career at ISO Spaces with your home life?

I tend to wind down after work by going out for a run or a cycle when I can. 

3. What does a typical day look like for you?

Now that my team are working from home, we always start the day with a group call to catch up socially and also to plan the day ahead, following this I make any phone calls to other colleagues which are needed and then I’ll jump into the tasks for the day. This could include working on drawings for a particular project, sitting in on client calls, reviewing work from a member of my team or pricing up designs for an estimate.

4. How has ISO Spaces helped you in your career development?

Before working at ISO Spaces managing my own team of designers wasn’t something I’d considered but working here gave me the opportunity to take on that responsibility. I’ve always been encouraged to take part in training for managerial roles and to be open about ways I think we could improve as a company.

5. What advice do you have for prospective ISO Spaces candidates?

Be proactive!

6. What are 3 words to describe ISO Spaces?

Innovative, engaging and creative.

7. How has ISO Spaces changed since you started working for them?

There’s been a huge change since I first started at the company nearly seven years ago, back then there were only five employees and now we’re up to 20. The size of our projects has also increased from small single container conversions to much larger modular developments.

8. What has been your favourite project at ISO Spaces?

I think my favourite has to be the Eis Haus because it’s probably the most unusual build I’ve been involved with. I was also able to visit the bar on the opening night and it was great to see the finished product full of ice sculptures.

9. What have you gained from working at ISO Spaces?

I’ve gained confidence in my ability to lead a small team and I’ve also gained a lot of knowledge on the manufacturing processes used on our builds.

10.  What are three lessons you’ve learned across your entire career?

You’re never done learning, communication is key and that working in an open and friendly environment makes for happier employees.

11.  If you could do any other job for the one day, what would it be?

It would have to be something with animals, working at a sanctuary or being a keeper for a day would be great.

12.  If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

100% Teleportation.

13.  What was the name of the last book you read?

Cannery Row by John Steinbeck.

14.  If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring with you?

Well I would have to take my partner, my paints/sketchbook (that counts as one…) and a hammock.

15.  Do you have a motto or personal mantra?

I wouldn’t say I do but if I had to pick one it would probably be ‘Life is a journey, not a destination’.