Ulla Passoja Appointed as CEO of UKI Arkkitehdit
When Ulla Passoja started as CEO of UKI Arkkitehdit, Mikko Heikkinen (left) took over as chairman of the company’s board. Matti Heikkinen continues as a board member.
Ulla Passoja has been appointed CEO of UKI Arkkitehdit, effective August 16, 2024. Prior to this role, Passoja served as Deputy CEO and Area Manager at UKI Arkkitehdit. She holds a degree in architecture (SAFA) and a master’s degree in industrial management.
“Ulla Passoja is the right person to keep UKI Arkkitehdit in step with the times and to ensure continued success in the future,” says Mikko Heikkinen, the company’s principal owner and outgoing CEO.
“Ulla and I share many common views regarding the company’s values and culture, employee well-being, and client success. Her appointment is in line with the development plan we have previously established for the company,” Heikkinen continues.
Ulla Passoja states that she will assume the role of CEO after the summer with commitment, motivation, and confidence. She has extensive and diverse experience both as a designer and a leader and is well-acquainted with UKI as a company and its people.
“UKI and the people here have become close to me over the years, and we have built a mutual trust. I also have a deep understanding of the design business: I appreciate the multifaceted value of architecture, as well as the strong emotional connection that brings its own nuances to our field,” she describes.
What gives the new CEO confidence is the fact that UKI’s team includes both long-standing specialists and young, ambitious designers who bring fresh ideas to the table.
“One of the most interesting aspects of my job is building a combination of expertise that fits the client’s needs and delivers outstanding results. This not only motivates the team but also provides the best value to our clients,” Passoja explains.
Sustainable Design Solutions to Meet Industry Changes
Ulla Passoja takes on the CEO role at a time when the construction industry is in recession, and the market for design work is extremely competitive. According to her, UKI’s financial stability and proactive approach have allowed the company to utilize the quieter period for development and to secure future competitiveness.
The company has automated the manual stages of work from drawing production and has systematically developed its tool expertise.
“We have also prepared for the changes in the construction industry through sustainable design solutions, carbon footprint calculations, and expertise in building information modeling. I have a lot to contribute and offer insights in this area,” Passoja states.
A Collaborative Company Holds the Keys to Success
Founded in 1958, UKI Arkkitehdit has been led by the Heikkinen family for three generations. Professor Uki Heikkinen served as CEO until 1972, after which architect Matti Heikkinen took over. Mikko Heikkinen, who will now transition to the role of Chairman of the Board following Ulla Passoja’s appointment, began his tenure as CEO in January 2009.
“The CEO’s last name isn’t what matters; it’s the expertise and commitment that count. Under Ulla’s leadership, a large and collaborative firm like UKI has all the necessary conditions for success in a rapidly changing environment,” Matti Heikkinen affirms.
Long and successful history of UKI Arkkitehdit as a family business is unique in Finnish architecture. Employing around 100 design professionals in Helsinki, Oulu, Jyväskylä, and Rovaniemi, UKI has grown during Mikko Heikkinen’s tenure into a firm that stands at the forefront of the industry in both size and significance in Finland.
“I hope that we remain agile even in the midst of growth, I want to maintain trust in people and their abilities.”
Ulla Passoja, CEO
“I deeply respect the company culture that has evolved during Matti and Mikko’s leadership, where collaboration is strength, diversity is truly valued, and hierarchy is minimal. I intend to cherish this legacy of human-centeredness and empathy in my own leadership. In terms of the quality of architecture and client work, I set high standards and expect the entire team to uphold them,” says Passoja.
A Complementary Leadership for a Thriving Company
UKI Architects’ principal owner, Mikko Heikkinen, will transition from operational leadership as CEO to the role of Chairman of the Board. In his experience, a well-functioning board provides essential support and complements the CEO with its expertise. Mikko Heikkinen plans to draw from his experience in his new role as Chairman
“We have a good rapport, and I know I can count on Mikko for support, guidance, and shared responsibility whenever needed. Mikko has given me several valuable tips along the way, such as the importance of having fun at work and the wisdom of sleeping on difficult decisions,” Ulla Passoja says with a smile.
“Mikko is a bold strategic thinker and visionary, while I am an organizer and goal-oriented implementer. Our strengths complement each other perfectly.”
