Last May 8th, at ARK Architects, we enjoyed a very special Team Building Day in one of the most unique natural and historical settings in southern Spain: La Almoraima, in Castellar de la Frontera.
Under the leadership of our founding partners, Manuel Ruiz, Santiago Ruiz and Diego Suárez, the studio continues to grow not only as an architecture firm, but also as a team. Moments like this allow us to pause, step away from our daily routines, and strengthen the connections that shape our shared culture.
The day began with breakfast at Hotel Convento La Almoraima, a former 17th-century convent surrounded by the extraordinary landscape of Los Alcornocales Natural Park. This area, historically known as the “desert of La Almoraima” due to its isolation and dense woodland, is home to cork oaks, wild olive trees, ash trees, strawberry trees and a rich natural environment that has defined the identity of the estate for centuries.
After breakfast, we set off on a guided hiking route through the La Almoraima estate. Along the way, we learned more about its history, its landscape and its traditional uses, including the role of the estate as a hunting reserve and the importance of its forests, once valued for resources such as cork, firewood, charcoal and timber.
We also had the opportunity to visit the chapel inside the former convent, a space full of character and history. With its simple rectangular plan, barrel-vaulted ceiling and references to the Mercedarian Order, the chapel preserves the spiritual legacy of a building that has evolved over centuries while maintaining its unique architectural identity.
The experience ended with lunch at Hotel Convento La Almoraima, where we continued sharing conversations in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere.
In a growing organization, not everyone has the chance to interact every day. That is why moments like these help us break down barriers, get to know each other better and continue moving forward as one united team.
Because behind every great project, there is a team that makes it possible.
