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Today, we learn about Daniel Michiels, who recently started working at S2 out of our Calgary studio.

What is your role with S2, how long have you been with the firm, and what is your favourite part of your job?
I started in September 2021 as a Senior Architectural Technologist and so far what I have really enjoyed about the firm is the culture. From the few companies I have been to prior you can see the pride each person has in their work.

What do you like most about design and architecture?
What I like most about design and architecture is that no two spaces can be seen the same. You can have multiple people standing in the same spot within a space and it will enlist different opinions, views, ownership. The space can be so much to so many people by simply being.

How did you get into the field?
I got into the field by first seeing a childhood friend’s father design and build his son a skateboard ramp on AutoCAD back in the 90’s when fashion tastes were questionable and music was amazing (Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Bad Religion, Pennywise). After seeing him run the program and design it, I knew I wanted to be a part of it.

What work are you most proud of thus far in your career?

What I am most proud of this far into my career is being able to drive around from Vancouver Island to Manitoba and be able to come across a project I worked directly on. When on road trips people really want to be in the car with me….

What or who inspires your work?
What inspires me to work is the knowledge that you are directly shaping the next chapter of the city, town, neighbourhood you are working on.

My favourite restaurant in Calgary is:
LuLu Bar on 17th Ave, or any place with good tacos.

What do you do in your spare time?
Snowboarding is big during the winter and camping in the summer. I’m becoming more handy working around the house each time I break something so that keeps me busy in the off time as well.

What do you like best about working at S2?
I’ll have to wait and see as I grow within the role here.