Sandra Hirschi, the Gstaad Palace Hotel’s in-house upholsterer, gave GstaadLife a behind-the-scenes look at the practical skills her job requires. From repairing and re-covering furniture to restoring antique trunks, her work combines care, precision, and tradition, continuing the Palace’s long-standing commitment to doing things properly.

What first brought you to upholstery and how do you feel about that choice now?
I did an apprenticeship in upholstery and finished last summer so this is actually my first job. At the time, I had some experience helping at an upholstery company, and when the apprenticeship came up, I went for it. It wasn’t the original plan. What I really wanted was to study interior design, drawing, or architecture. But looking back, it was a great decision. I’m starting a Bachelor’s in Architecture and Design this September and the hands-on experience I’ve gained here is amazing; it opens so many doors. Doing the physical work, not just the drawing, makes all the difference. I don’t know many people who do this kind of job. When I was learning, most of the girls only did sewing and the boys only did upholstery. I was really lucky - I got to learn everything: sewing, upholstery, re-covering. All of it!

Tell me about your experience working at the Gstaad Palace Hotel.
The most impressive part was seeing how much happens during the off-season! The day after the hotel closes, it turns into a whirlwind with so many construction projects underway. I watched a room go from bare walls to fully furnished and learned so much along the way.

I also have my own workshop here, which is great because I can do everything properly. My favourite project was re-covering a leather trunk. I was nervous at first because it’s a tricky job, but I am really proud of how it turned out.

Why do you think repair skills still matter today, and how do you see that reflected at the Gstaad Palace?
Traditional skills are disappearing, which makes them more important than ever. What I really appreciate about working at the Palace is how much they value quality and craftsmanship. Nothing is just thrown out. When something like a curtain or chair is no longer needed, it’s either sold or reused in some way. I’m learning how to repair things properly and give them a second life, and that feels meaningful.

There’s a real commitment here to preserving skills and keeping these roles alive. You can see that in my job.

If the Palace didn’t care about tradition and doing things well, a role like mine wouldn’t exist. It’s not just about how the place looks. It’s about how things are done behind the scenes, and that’s what gives the Palace its character.

What do you think is the future of craftsmanship and skills like yours?
I think they’re becoming more important, especially with the rise of AI. So much can be done on a computer now, but hands-on work like this can’t be replaced. Fewer people are doing apprenticeships or going into skilled trades, so it’s getting harder to find people with these abilities. Roles like this aren’t really in fashion anymore, which makes them even more valuable.

ANNA CHARLES

The Gstaad Palace is currently looking for  an upholsterer to join the team. If you're interested in the role, please contact dosm@palace.ch for more information or to apply.