Healthcare is a particular passion, and Sandra’s vision for the “hospital of the future” incorporates therapeutic landscapes, healing gardens, and decentralised care models that reduce building, carbon, energy, and waste footprints while transforming patient experience. These projects demonstrate how design excellence can merge with clinical innovation and exact technological requirements to deliver environments that are sustainable, patient- centric and genuinely heal.

FROM START TO SUCCESS

After leaving school, Sandra Woodall studied and worked in engineering on the regeneration of Liverpool’s historic Albert Dock, contributing to its transformation into the Tate Gallery—a landmark modern art museum and adaptive reuse project in her hometown. This experience led her to study at the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture in Aberdeen, where a formative visit to Rem Koolhaas’ OMA studio in Rotterdam—observing diverse teams collaborating on large regional projects— inspired her ambition to work within globally engaged, multidisciplinary design environments.

THE ROAD AHEAD

Currently, Tangram, under Sandra’s leadership, is spearheading a regional “Waste to Wellness” ecosystem delivery programme, undertaking projects that enhance city resilience across Abu Dhabi, and developing masterplan proposals for sector placemaking in the localised delivery of the Dubai 2040 Urban Plan. This work reflects Sandra’s belief in design as a catalyst for positive change— demonstrating how architecture can deliver functional infrastructure while addressing climate and urban stakeholder challenges, and positioning the built environment as a driver of health, sustainability, innovation, and equity.

Leading with Impact

At Tangram, Sandra fosters a culture of mentorship and lifelong learning, guiding emerging architects and engineers to integrate sustainability and social responsibility into practice. Through regional lectures, workshops, and teaching, she inspires the next generation shaping future cities. As a published architect and respected industry voice, she is a sought-after speaker and facilitator at global forums, championing sustainable, inclusive, and innovative design delivered to CPD level for institutions to peers worldwide.

PROJECTS

That Define Excellence Arriving in the UAE over 30 years ago to lead a five- year analytical review of the Al Ain City masterplan sparked Sandra’s lifelong commitment to understanding desert urbanism and climate- responsive design. This passion evolved through her regeneration work in Sharjah’s historic Arts and Heritage Area, including the Sharjah Arts Museum, where she employed traditional materials and methods. Her introduction to skyscraper delivery came as project architect for the new Etisalat Tower in Dubai. Later, with Tangram, she delivered community projects across Dubai that integrated passive sustainability, contextual design, and innovation—culminating in Dubai’s first green-roofed government building.