FEATURE STORIES

Shaping One's Hometown

Skellefteå is a city undergoing constant change, and Moa Öst plays a very literal part in that change. As an architect, deputy CEO, and co-owner of Nordmark & Nordmark, she is helping to shape the city's skyline.

In her work as an architect, she constantly works at the intersection of what many would perceive as two extremes – technical precision and creative freedom. The idea of becoming an architect was a dream she had from a young age, as soon as ten-year-old Moa realized that such a job existed. After a bunch of years and lots of notebooks filled with floor plans, she headed off to Lund to study.

– During my education, I came to understand the breadth of the profession. It involves more than just designing buildings – it is interdisciplinary and encompasses the entire process of building society. It is precisely this broader perspective that I appreciate most about my job – being able to influence the world around us in a very concrete way.

After graduating, both Moa and her husband, who is also from Skellefteå, had job offers in their old hometown:

– I was born and raised in Skellefteå, so even though it felt completely natural to move back home, it actually felt like a whole new city to me. I saw it in a different way. Many of my friends had moved away, and I found new friends.

With a local touch

Moving back as an architect also meant that she would be heavily involved in shaping the city. For Moa, it is important that her work is valuable to the region. At Nordmark & Nordmark, she found her match—an architectural firm that values the process and proximity to its projects, what is being built, and focuses on architectural expertise.

– Working in Skellefteå is exciting, especially now that the city is growing so much. It feels great to be part of this social transformation. As architects, we influence how people move, how they meet, and how they experience their everyday lives. It's a responsibility, but also a fantastic opportunity. I like the idea that our architecture becomes part of the city's identity and has a positive impact on people's lives, she says.

Nordmark & Nordmark has offices in Skellefteå, Umeå, and Luleå. This reflects the company's desire to be close to the projects it is involved in.

­– We are passionate about working locally here in northern Norrland. We want to be close to the projects we work on, both geographically and in terms of relationships. To be involved in site visits and follow the entire construction process. To understand the local culture and design for our climate. Sustainability permeates everything we do – finding solutions that combine sustainability, economy, and quality is our philosophy, and local roots are important for achieving these parameters.

A concrete example of this is Eljest. A company founded as a side project to Nordmark & Nordmark with the goal of building sustainable housing on its own. It functions as an innovation lab where new ideas and methods are tested to create “a lot of architecture for the money” and streamline the construction process with a focus on sustainability without compromising on quality.

– It's a balancing act, but it's also where the most interesting solutions are born, says Moa.

A meeting place for generations to come

When it comes to Moa's favorite project, Skellefteå's new travel center must be mentioned. For her, it was a project that sparked both creativity and reflection.

– A travel center is a place where architecture can really make a difference. It's not just about creating a functional building, but also about thinking about how people will use and experience it. It's a hub and meeting place that is a big part of people's everyday lives, she says.

But such an extensive project comes with a lot of responsibility. For Moa, it was very much about both the sustainability aspect and being part of something influential that will be part of countless people's lives for a long time to come.

It's impossible not to think about what it leaves behind. Both for the environment and for the people who will use it for generations to come. It's the kind of project where you really want it to feel right in both your heart and your mind.

For Moa, the work was a reminder of the power of architecture to influence. But can you take a break from being an architect, or is it a constant process? The role of architect really invites you to sneak into everyday life.

– Haha, yes, it's difficult not to have an architect's eye for everything. I see lines everywhere, how things are built, how drainpipes are laid, or whether a glass balcony railing fits in with the rest of the house. Sometimes it's frustrating, but most of the time it's just inspiring. I get ideas from everything I see – you could call it constant training, she states.

Text: Jimmy Hovrén

Photo: Jonas Westling