Nöbetçi Eczaneler
Let’s start with your story. Where did you grow up, and how did your upbringing shape who you are today?
I was born in Lima, Peru, into a traditional middle-class Catholic family. Growing up in the 1980s meant living through a period of civil unrest caused by the terrorism our country had to endure. My sister and I often did our homework by candlelight due to power outages, yet my parents worked tirelessly to ensure we lived in a safe environment and received the best education possible. I was fortunate to attend a school run by French nuns, which not only gave me a strong academic foundation but also introduced me to the French language—opening the door to opportunities I never imagined at the time.
While studying architecture in Peru, I learned about an exchange program at the École d’Architecture in Paris. I applied, was accepted, and that decision changed the trajectory of my life. Moving to Paris, immersing myself in its diverse culture and intellectual energy, made me believe that anything was possible. I decided to stay, began an internship at Ateliers Jean Nouvel, and later worked at several renowned studios until I decided to open my own practice. Each experience shaped not only my professional identity as an architect but also my worldview—ultimately leading me to the moment that would redefine my career and purpose
What drew you to aviation? Was there a particular moment or influence that sparked your interest in the industry?
Actually, I think I decided it at the very first moment I landed in Paris in the famous CDG terminal 1, a brutalist UFO designed by Paul Andreu. I told myself: Who is the architect of this crazy building, and why is there so much concrete? I want to work there with that crazy architect!
Aside from the anecdote, I entered the aviation world in 2005, so 20 years ago, when I joined Aéroports de Paris (ADP). From the very beginning, I was immersed in a series of large-scale aviation projects and had the opportunity to learn from some of the most talented professionals in the industry. Very quickly, I realized that airports are fundamentally different from any other type of building.
What drew me in was the human dimension compared to the territorial implications. Designing an airport is not just an architectural challenge—it is about understanding the psychology, the need for movement, people’s emotions and needs when travelling, and how deeply they experience that event. The moment I truly understood that airport design begins with stepping into the shoes of the passenger, I knew this was more than a career; it was a calling to become an architect of movement. From then on, my goal has been to create spaces that transform travel into a seamless, inspiring, and, when we can, even an uplifting experience.
Have you had your “I made it” moment yet? If so, can you tell us what it looked or felt like?
Although I am incredibly proud of what we, therefore, I, have accomplished so far—building my own international company, leading major projects across the globe, and being able to give back a little something to my country not only through our work but also by actively promoting its culture on the world stage, those achievements have given me moments of deep fulfilment.
However, I see them not as a destination, but as milestones on a much larger journey. I don’t believe in a single “I made it” moment. For me, real success is a continuous process of growth, impact, and contribution. I am, of course, proud of the journey, but I am even more inspired by what lies ahead.
If there was one emotional moment, perhaps to be able to see the sunlight filtered by our facades in Velana’s new terminal. Or, maybe the light and drone show on the Maldives National Day at the opening ceremony. A small tear fell because it was very special.
Who is a woman in leadership who’s had a meaningful impact on you, and why?
Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to meet remarkable women—architects, professors, and business leaders—who have guided me, inspired me, and opened doors to new opportunities. In every country where I have worked, the support and solidarity among women have been essential.
But the earliest and most profound influence came from my own family. My mother and grandmother were fierce fighters. Their determination shaped my character from a young age. Their message was seldom spoken—but it was demonstrated through their actions. Without their strength and example, I simply wouldn’t be who I am today. As an adult, I have a special place in my heart for Chris Younes, philosopher and mentor and Arch. Odile Decq, who shook my brain and put me in orbit on more than one occasion, when it was needed to get out of the comfort zone.
What’s one piece of advice or motivation you would give to women who are balancing work, personal life, and striving to build a successful career, especially in a challenging industry like aviation?
In the aviation industry—where women are still underrepresented—developing a strong and confident voice is essential. But remember that strength is not something you are born with; it is something you build step by step through experience, resilience, and consistency. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow that strength. Anything is possible when you have a clear vision and the determination to pursue it. Hard work is essential—but so is working smart, surrounding yourself with people who elevate you and keep things positive, and protecting your most valuable asset: your health, ladies!!. Success is not a sprint; it’s a long-distance journey, and your well-being is what sustains you over time.
So my advice would be to be strategic, be resilient, be willing to learn, and dare to ask questions and never underestimate your own ability to shape the future, starting from yourself. Your seat at the table is not given—it is built, step by step, through courage, presence every day, and consistency.
What is your most unforgettable experience in the aviation sector, whether positive or negative?
Two events: To be hired for the Velana Airport as Lead Architect. I was asked to conduct an interview to convince our client of our firm’s capabilities. So, I came to this interview with a physical model of the Velana Airport Facade back in 2016, while the sun entered through the window of the meeting room, expressing in this way the concept we had for this building. Through waves, the Maldivian pattern filter created a specific atmosphere in that tiny model. The Client hired me after I explained the idea. I was 37 years old, much younger than the majority of experts on the project. I could not believe it.
And, a second one, when we literally infringed the aerial space over our Belgrade Airport Runway inside a helicopter so I could make an aerial photo of our project. Literally, the pilot called the tower and said: The architect of this airport is in my helicopter, asking permission to fly over the runway !!! That is what I called influence!
What changes would you like to see in today’s aviation or in its future?
I believe the future of aviation must put humans and our planet’s interests at its core. Airports should no longer be seen merely as infrastructure, but as human-centered environments designed to elevate the travel experience—spaces that reduce stress, inspire connection, bring awareness regarding the environment, and turn an ordinary journey into a meaningful experience.
At the same time, the aviation industry must fully commit to sustainability, innovation, and continuous learning. This means embracing new technologies and making them accessible to everyone, accelerating the transition to greener practices, even becoming clean energy sources, and fostering a culture of collaboration that allows the industry to evolve with speed and responsibility.
The future of aviation should be one where every journey is not only efficient, but also emotionally enriching—and where growth goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship. At 1PAX, we are working on a toolkit to help people and companies embrace electrical aviation. Who knows, maybe the future of the planet is already here, in the skies, so we can reinvent our cities through a clean aviation future.
We encourage you to follow Mabel Miranda and 1Pax on LinkedIn for more insights into their innovative work across the aviation world.