In the spotlight: Carlos Aguirre Díez from OpenOrbi

This post features Carlos Aguirre Díez — an architect and co-founder of OpenOrbi, a rural coworking & coliving in Soria (Spain)⁣. We connected through The Break Fellowship program in spring 2023, where Open Orbi hosted our cohort. I was lucky enough to experience their space, excursions and kindness.

 

Our collaboration was born organically from our aligned values and the moments we shared and experienced in Spain. Check out our partnership here and support the local community in Spain with Venopi.

 

We are thrilled to get to know Carlos more from this interview and share it with you!

 

Altair dome

 

Hi Carlos, please briefly tell us about your background

I am Carlos, an architect and co-founder of OpenOrbi co-living. Throughout my career, I have excelled in project management and architectural design to bring my ideas to life.

 

I have received recognition several times, being shortlisted for the "International Wildlife Center in Africa" and receiving an honourable mention in the "Ephemeral Universe" competition. Additionally, I have been selected for the contest "New Spaces in Children's Hospitals."

 

Throughout my professional trajectory, I have worked independently as an architect, taking on challenging projects. As the founder of the architectural studio orbi·arquitectura, I have had the opportunity to be part of companies such as ARQUID S.L.P., Daw Office, and LOC Arquitectos, where I have gained valuable experience.

 

Currently, I am focused on my application for a doctoral program in architecture, consolidating my knowledge and seeking new professional challenges. During my education, I obtained a Bachelor's degree in Architecture and completed a Master's degree in Energy Efficiency and Sustainability, Design, and Environmental Architecture at the Universidad San Pablo-CEU.

 

If you wish to contact me, email me or visit my LinkedIn profile.

 

I would be delighted to share more details about my professional trajectory and explore potential collaboration opportunities.

 

Why did you decide to pursue "OpenOrbi"?

OpenOrbi is more than just a project to me. It arose from a deep need to undertake in our beloved town, El Burgo de Osma. I have always wanted to leave a significant mark and contribute to the development of our community in El Burgo de Osma and its surroundings. That's why we created OpenOrbi, a space where people can grow, thrive, and share experiences in a vibrant community environment.

 

At OpenOrbi, we focus on providing a place where individuals can efficiently work remotely and establish meaningful connections with other local professionals and entrepreneurs. We believe in the power of idea exchange and collaboration to drive personal and professional growth. We aim to be the meeting point for those seeking a space to develop and thrive in our beautiful region.

 

I am excited to be part of this journey to build something beyond physical space. OpenOrbi is a dream come true, where the community can flourish and thrive. Our project provides opportunities for individuals to grow, connect, and reach their full potential in El Burgo de Osma and its surroundings.

 

Polaris dome

 

What is the hardest part of the journey so far? 

I have faced significant challenges Throughout my experience in this venture. One of the most difficult obstacles has been dealing with bureaucracy, which, although necessary, has often delayed our construction and development plans. Overcoming administrative hurdles and navigating the required procedures has been challenging, but we have learned to persevere and find creative solutions to move forward.

 

Another area we have encountered is the need for more workforce in depopulated areas like Soria. Finding skilled and committed workers in these areas has been a constant challenge. However, we have focused on establishing local partnerships and training programs to attract and develop talent within our community. By investing in the professional growth of individuals in our region, we can overcome this challenge and strengthen our community.

 

Lastly, spreading the word about our teleworking community has been an exciting challenge. We have worked hard to promote our collaborative workspace's advantages and opportunities. We actively participate in local events and networks, sharing our success stories and highlighting how teleworking can improve quality of life and foster collaboration.

 

Through our outreach efforts, we hope to inspire more people to join our community and discover the potential of teleworking in places like El Burgo de Osma and its surroundings.

 

Another of the most challenging aspects of this project has been turning it into a sustainable endeavour. Installing all the necessary services for its operation, such as solar panels, waste management facilities, and electrical infrastructure, has been complex. However, we have committed to finding environmentally friendly solutions and promoting sustainability in every aspect of OpenOrbi.

 

We have worked closely with renewable energy and waste management experts to achieve this. We have invested in efficient and eco-friendly technologies, such as solar panels, to harness solar energy and reduce our carbon footprint. Additionally, we have implemented recycling and waste treatment systems to minimise environmental impact. Although it has been a challenge, we are proud of the progress we have made in our goal of making OpenOrbi a sustainable project. We firmly believe in preserving our environment and contributing to a greener future. We are committed to exploring new ways to improve the sustainability of our space and promote responsible practices within our community.

 

OpenOrbi excursion

 

How about the best part? 

The best part of this journey has been witnessing how the project becomes a reality. It is gratifying to see how it has grown and transformed into a complex that can now host a vibrant community of remote workers in a unique, green, and sustainable environment. It has been wonderful to witness how OpenOrbi has integrated into our local community, becoming a space where ideas flourish, projects come to life, and individuals experience significant personal growth.

 

I feel a deep sense of satisfaction whenever I see community members interacting and sharing their knowledge and experiences. Knowing that we have created a conducive space for developing innovative ideas, collaboration, and personal growth for each individual involved is truly inspiring.

 

Seeing how OpenOrbi has become a place where people can find support, inspiration, and the opportunity to thrive professionally and personally is one of the most significant rewards I could imagine. I am excited about the future of OpenOrbi and the positive impact we will continue to generate in our local community and the world of remote work.

 

Do you have any crazy, fun, nearly impossible milestones you wish to achieve in the coming years?

We want to create a recognisable space in the world. Setting the foundation that another way of working is possible through collaborations and synergies among people.

 

OpenOrbi excursion at La Fuentona

 

What advice would you give to someone just starting their own business?

If there's one thing I've learned on this entrepreneurial journey, you don't have to do it alone. I advise those starting their own business to seek partners, investors, or investment programs. Sometimes, the weight of an idea or project can seem overwhelming, but there are always alternatives and ways to find support.

 

Remember that entrepreneurship doesn't mean doing everything alone. Look for people who share your vision and can contribute their expertise and resources. Together, you can tackle obstacles and achieve goals that may have seemed unreachable individually.

 

So go ahead, seek support, build alliances, and consider the power of teamwork. The path to success can be challenging, but with determination, collaboration, and a belief in your dreams, you can turn them into reality.

 

What are some of your greatest learning experiences in running a business?

OpenOrbi has been a transformative experience for me. It has taught me to adapt and take on multiple roles and responsibilities alongside my partners. It has been a constant challenge and an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

 

Becoming an entrepreneur has required me to be willing to face new challenges and acquire skills in various areas. From project management to strategic decision-making, I have had to learn and evolve every day.

 

Working as a team with my partners has been crucial in overcoming these challenges. We have faced obstacles, made tough decisions, and found creative solutions. Through this process, we have strengthened our ability to adapt and demonstrated that we can face any challenge that comes our way.

 

Although it has been a challenging journey, I am proud of how OpenOrbi has transformed us and allowed us to grow together. I am excited about what the future holds for us and the opportunities we will continue to explore together.

 

Outdoor co-working at OpenOrbi

 

Closing thought

Thank you so much for sharing, Carlos! Your contribution to the local community by cultivating innovation and openness is inspiring! I am super grateful to be connected with you and your project.

 

My favourite part is when you encouraged other entrepreneurs to seek support and build alliances. The path to success doesn't have to be so lonely.

 

My favourite part is when you shared how being in drag is like slipping into another role and the beautiful interactions with people who open up to you like they never do when you are not in drag. I have never been in drag and would love to experience that one day!

 

As a closing, I want to share a quote that reminds me of Carlos: "One individual cannot possibly make a difference, alone. It is individual efforts, collectively, that makes a noticeable difference—all the difference in the world!" —Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, primatologist