Selja Flink, Construction Project Manager

Uniter of restauration and development

Old houses have fascinated me since my childhood. And so my entire career as an architect has been spent in one way or another working with historical buildings. For the past ten years, I have specialised in a rather rare combination in Finland, i.e. restoration and construction. In renovation projects, I want to guarantee that historic buildings are treated with respect. Accessibility began to feel important when I was responsible for castles and museums. Everyone must have access to projects that are managed using taxpayers’ money.

What does your job involve?

My main job is renovation projects of various magnitudes of buildings of cultural and historical value. In addition, I prepare various guidelines for the repair of valuable sites and building history surveys for Senate employees, and I try otherwise to promote these important matters.

The integration of conservation goals into the use, technologies and aesthetics of buildings is particularly interesting. For example, I find that accessibility issues related to historical buildings can always be resolved through willingness and planning.

What are the goals of your work?

I hope to be able to ensure that historic buildings are renovated with care and respect. These buildings were here before us and will be passed down to future generations. My dream is to establish Senate Properties’ own small team for valuable sites, as we have more than 700 protected buildings.

I seek to ensure that indoor air repairs in protected buildings are carried out analytically, i.e. by carefully examining them and avoiding unnecessary demolition.

What is the most significant future trend in your field?

In restoration, trendiness is not the number one goal, but rather respecting buildings that have stood the test of time. Fortunately, the importance of renovation construction is on the rise, rather than newbuild. It is always better to repair than to demolish.

Three principles that guide your work?

• Respect for the history and special features of valuable sites
• Equality and extensive cooperation between people
• Persistence to promote aspects that I consider important

About me

I studied to be an architect and hold a licentiate in technology. I’ve previously worked at architect’s offices and most recently for the Finnish Heritage Agency. I represented Senate in the steering group of the Governing Body of Suomenlinna, the Metropolia University of Applied Sciences’ conservation steering group and in various RT committees, among others. I play the flute and piccolo in several orchestras, and in the summer I can be found weeding our garden in Hanko.