Lamia works for a Stockholm-based architecture and planning studio

Lamia Ahmed
Master's programme in Sustainable Urban Planning and Design

At what company and with what are you working at the moment?

I am an architect at Perrin och Medarbetare Arkitekter, a Stockholm-based architecture and planning studio. We work on a wide range of projects, from small-scale villas for private clients to detail planning for municipalities.

I joined the company soon after graduating and have been working here since. We are a small-scale design studio, so my job responsibility involves working on a diverse range of projects and handling a variety of tasks. A significant part of my role consists of producing drawings and visualizations for different project stages, from conceptual design to building permission and construction drawings. Additionally, my role requires execution and communication with clients and consultants.

Have you worked with anything else since you graduated?

Alongside my work, I volunteer with the organization Architecture Sans Frontières (ASF) Sweden, and I currently serve as the board's vice chair. ASF- Sweden is a non-profit, religiously unaffiliated, non-political organization dedicated to creating and improving access to architectural services and educational resources for vulnerable communities to increase their resilience and independence and to reduce discrimination and poverty. Our projects are worldwide, from placemaking in informal settlements to constructing schools and other necessary facilities in vulnerable communities.

In addition to my organizational responsibilities on the board of ASF-Sweden, I am actively involved with the Stockholm local chapter. We organize after-work events on various themes and invite built environment practitioners to present their work. These events help create a network, fostering meaningful discussions and the exchange of ideas and knowledge among like-minded individuals.

Immediately after graduation, I completed a short internship with LABLAB, a research—and design-based think tank. My research explored the impacts of climate change and energy challenges on Bangladesh's landscape, which I had the opportunity to present at the IFLA conference in 2022.

Why did you choose this programme at KTH?

When I applied for my master’s at KTH, I was working at an architecture and urban design office in Bangladesh. During that time, I was involved with several parks and large-scale urban design projects, which sparked my interest in gaining a global perspective and learning the theoretical approach to urban design.

One key factor behind choosing KTH was its high ranking in architecture. Additionally, the overall course layout and the multidisciplinary approach of the programme perfectly aligned with my interests. I believe I made the perfect choice by selecting KTH and specifically this programme, as it perfectly complimented my architecture degree and broadened and grounded my existing knowledge base. The programme gave me the flexibility I wanted in my career.

What were the best aspects of your studies at KTH?

The best aspect of my studies was studying at KTH with people from around the world. The programme allowed me to learn about the Swedish context and various cultures and pedagogical approaches to urban design globally. We used to have literature seminars as part of our design studios, which I enjoyed the most. These sessions taught us to be critical thinkers and enabled us to learn and appreciate different perspectives.

What is your best memory from your time at the universities?

I have numerous memories from my time at KTH, which I fondly cherish. Making friends from around the world, navigating the ways of a completely new country, the COVID-era Zoom fikas, and the graduation ceremony at the city hall are all I cherish so dearly. However, one memory stands out: the small, informal celebration after our final submission, where we finally met all our classmates and teachers in person after over a year. It was lovely when our teachers surprised us with roses for completing our thesis. It was also bittersweet, as it turned out to be the last day I saw many of my classmates. Studying at KTH was indeed an incredible journey.

What would you want to say to a student thinking of applying for this programme?

Sustainable Urban Planning and Design is a great programme that can give you much flexibility and in-depth knowledge for your career. This programme has been a perfect addition to my bachelor's degree in architecture and can be the same for you. The course enables students to be critical thinkers and encourages creativity. This could be your opportunity for that. Best of luck with the application!