As Chief City Architect,
The role of the City Architect is a professional management role, which requires an ability to navigate in stormy weather, requires one to be clear in one’s argumentation, and requires an ability to quickly create overview and prioritise what is important. Furthermore, it is a position that requires one to be able to work with everyone; both with players on the political level, with one’s employees and manager colleagues, with the many players working within the building-sector as well as, and not least, with the citizens.
As politically specialised,
I have been active in the Academic Architectural association, in think thanks, in industry organisations, etc., where I have acquired knowledge of the political and societal agendas, both globally and nationally, which plays an important role in developing the built environment in a way that creates quality of life for the individual, as well as a robust and sustainable starting point for the society as a whole.
As guest professor, censor, lecturer and chairman,
I have worked with the recruitment panel at the School of Architecture. Through my position as a member of the Advisory board for Helsinki University and government, I have acquired a knowledge and understanding of the relationship between theory and practice. I have gained insight to the fact that knowledge plays a key role in the development and innovation of construction, and that an understanding of practice plays a key role in the future of education.
As partner and designer of places,
During my time in WITRAZ architects + landscape, I strengthened the company’s architectural profile, and held a key role in creating a holistic image surrounding the projects we were involved in. The company’s focus was to contribute with a position to society and a broad image of the fact that the built environment should have focus on both buildings, urban spaces as well as citizens. WITRAZ architects was a company with 30-40 employees, with many projects in the common and public sector, often with a social focus. My time with WITRAZ architects has given me a large-scaled knowledge regarding all the different phases and processes surrounding construction.
Education
2009 Degree in Management of Creative Knowledge Businesses.
2006 Single subject in project management at the Copenhagen Business School.
1997 Architect maa from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, School of Architecture, Cph.
1994/95 Guest student at the University of Cambridge, UK
1990-1993 Studies at the Aarhus School of Architecture.
Employment
2023 - Director of The Danish Town Planning Institute
2019 - Owner of Tina Saaby Copenhagen
2020-2023 Cityarchitect, Gladsaxe, a part of greater Copenhagen
2019-2020 Urban expert at Gehl
2010-2019 City Architect, the City of Copenhagen
2009-2010 Lecturer at Art Academic Architecture, department 10
2007-2010 Partner, WITRAZ arkitekter + landskab
2003-2007 Project manager and ass. partner at WITRAZ arkitekter
2000-2003 Architect, Hou & partnere
1998-2000 Architect, Skaarup og Jespersen 1995-1998 Architect, Hou & partnere
Recognition
2021 Nominated for best Civic Servant, The Academy of Urbanism, UK
2019 Honorary member of The Association of German Architects, BDA
2018 Honorary member of The Academy of Urbanism, UK
Current positions of trust
2022- Board member at CAFx. Read more here
2021- Board member at LOA, Lokale- og anlægsfonden, appointed by Ministry of Culture. Read more here
2021- Board member at Holbæk Kunsthøjskole
2019- Board member at Tegnestuen Mejeriet. Read more here
2017- Advisory board for Urban Academy, Helsinki. Read more here
2013- Board member of the International Theater of Copenhagen. KIT
2010- Member of the Society of Artists, The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts
Former positions of trust
2013-2020 Chairman for the recruitment panel at The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation
2010-2019 Committee of representatives for The Danish Town Planning Institute
2016 Part of an international appointments committee for the new City Architect in BRNO
2013-2014 Member of the Ministry of Housing, Urban and Rural Affairs’ think tank regarding BYEN2025, with focus on communities.
2009-2010 Member of the negotiation committee in Danske ARK
2004-2005 Vice chairman in the Academic Architectural society
2000-2002 Chairman for the local division Copenhagen, Academic Architecture Assessment committee for the building awards in Slangerup and Slagelse. Volunteer work in DUGNAD (substance abuser in Vesterbro), The Trampoline House, a cultural center for asylum seekers and CAFE EXIT, a drop-in center for former inmates
Teaching
2017- Educator with +2, professionalization of young architects, The Danish Association of Architects, on urban planning, regulatory matters and communication
2014- External examiner at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation, Copenhagen.
2011- External examiner at RUC, Plan, by og Proces
2010- External examiner at RUC, Humtek, Sambas
2011-2018 External examiner at the Faculty of Science, KU
2010- 2015 Guest lecturer at Sheffield University
2007-2009 Educator at DTU’s masterclass in user-driven innovation Lecturer and guest critic with, among others, Munich University, Aalto University in Helsinki, DIS Copenhagen, Strassburg University, Newcastle University, Birmingham University, Gøteborg and Umeå architectural schools etc.
Positions as architectural judge
2022 Vltava Philharmonic Hall, Pragh
2021 Europan 16 Sweden
2021 New Gate Olbrachtova, Pragh
2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 Det bæredygtige element, INNOBYG
2020 Nachod, Czech republic, international jurymember. A industrial site next to historical city center will be transformed into a mixed neighbourhood.
2020 Gadehavegaard, Denmark. A masterplan for a deprived area in the suburbs of Copenhagen.
2019 Riga Landscape Award
2019 Europan 15 Holland
2019, 2018 Ukraine Urban Awards
2019, 2018 Copenhagen Architecture Festival, nomination of the best films.
2010-2018 Jurymember + advisor as Chief Architect in competitions in the municipality of Copenhagen.
2018 Betonelementprisen, Sweden
2017 Alvar Aalto medal. Medalwinner was chinese architect Zjang Ke
2017 Europan 14 Helsinki
2016 Neues Bauen in Tirol
2016 Chairman for the judges comitee regarding the Nordic Built Cities, Oslo
2016, 2013, 2011 Tyndpladeprisen
2015 Europan 13 Østrig
2015 Barbara Cappochin Prize, Padua, Barbara Cappochin Foundation
2012 Helios, Movies- and cultural centre in Faaborg
2009 Better, cheeper housing, arranged by the United Real-estate Companies
Publishing and communication
2021 Landskab 08. Let us keep walking - together with the tourists. Article together with Stine Jacobi
2021 Bedingt Planbar. Article about urban planning. Order here
2020 Byplan Nyt, 01/2020, The tourists are coming – let's make a plan, Article together with Stine Jacobi
2020 Cantonal architects - assignments and role models BSA-FAS, Publications FAS
Interview with Caspar Schärer about architecture Policy
2020 KLAXON, Artist creates urbanity. Conversation with Pascal Le Brun-Cordier
2020 BYLYD, Niels Bjørn and I in a conversation about the role and value of cityarchitects in Denmark.
2019 Elevator Pitch, exhibition in Munich. Female architects and their way of doing architecture
2019 Swim City, Christoph Merian and I have a conversation about Copenhagen Harbour
2019 Arkitekten 04/19. Importance of architecture policy. Interview about the role of architects, cityarchitects and reflections on my period as cityarchitect in Copenhagen 2010-2019.
2019 Critical City, a debate book that, through essays, pictures and interviews with leading architects and city researchers, discusses the Danish welfare city in 2019. The book is curated by Kristoffer Weiss
2019 Architecture and Resilience - interdisciplinary dialogues. Contributor with a chapter on "Scales of resilience concerning the city, the region and globalisation". From city policy to neighbourhood, an interview with Irena Bauman
2019 Interview in the German journal IzR about "How Copenhagen is setting the framework for integrated urban development"
2010-2018 A number of lectures and presentations on subjects such as urban planning, social sustainability, temporality, strategic urban management, urban nature, climate adaptation, architectural policies, urban life, cities for people, renovations, cultural inheritance, the potentials of a specific place, circular economy, public involvement, value creation in projects and processes, housing and co-housing, tower blocks and high-rise buildings, condensation, the active city, cities for children, cities for the elderly, etc.
2010-2018 Articles and interviews in international and national newspapers, magazines and specialist journals.
2018 Om at bygge højt, Byplannyt 02
2014 Chronic in Politikken regarding communities, with Ellen Højgaard og Claus Bech-Danielsen
2012 Temporary Urbanism/Urban life for everyone - temporary measures as a planning method, Urban design #122, Spring
2009 Co-writer, ‘Better Building Processes’, in Danish: ‘Bedre Byggeprocesser’, Lean Construction.
2008 Writer of ‘A model for value creation in the construction’, in Danish: ‘Model til værdiskabelse i byggeriet’, Boligfonden KUBEN.
2008 Co-writer of ‘Great Housing’, in Danish: ‘Alle tiders boliger’, Ældresagen.
2008 Co-writer of ‘The involvement of Children’, in Danish ‘Børneinddragelse’, Velfærdsministeriet.
2007 Co-writer of ‘Instruction to a democratic process for residents’, in Danish: ‘Vejledning i beboerdemokratisk proces’, Almennet.
2006 Co-writer of ‘User involvement and architectonic quality’, in Danish: ‘Brugerinddragelse og arkitektonisk kvalitet’, CINARK.
The role of the City Architect is a professional management role, which requires an ability to navigate in stormy weather, requires one to be clear in one’s argumentation, and requires an ability to quickly create overview and prioritise what is important. Furthermore, it is a position that requires one to be able to work with everyone; both with players on the political level, with one’s employees and manager colleagues, with the many players working within the building-sector as well as, and not least, with the citizens.
As politically specialised,
I have been active in the Academic Architectural association, in think thanks, in industry organisations, etc., where I have acquired knowledge of the political and societal agendas, both globally and nationally, which plays an important role in developing the built environment in a way that creates quality of life for the individual, as well as a robust and sustainable starting point for the society as a whole.
As guest professor, censor, lecturer and chairman,
I have worked with the recruitment panel at the School of Architecture. Through my position as a member of the Advisory board for Helsinki University and government, I have acquired a knowledge and understanding of the relationship between theory and practice. I have gained insight to the fact that knowledge plays a key role in the development and innovation of construction, and that an understanding of practice plays a key role in the future of education.
As partner and designer of places,
During my time in WITRAZ architects + landscape, I strengthened the company’s architectural profile, and held a key role in creating a holistic image surrounding the projects we were involved in. The company’s focus was to contribute with a position to society and a broad image of the fact that the built environment should have focus on both buildings, urban spaces as well as citizens. WITRAZ architects was a company with 30-40 employees, with many projects in the common and public sector, often with a social focus. My time with WITRAZ architects has given me a large-scaled knowledge regarding all the different phases and processes surrounding construction.
Education
2009 Degree in Management of Creative Knowledge Businesses.
2006 Single subject in project management at the Copenhagen Business School.
1997 Architect maa from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, School of Architecture, Cph.
1994/95 Guest student at the University of Cambridge, UK
1990-1993 Studies at the Aarhus School of Architecture.
Employment
2023 - Director of The Danish Town Planning Institute
2019 - Owner of Tina Saaby Copenhagen
2020-2023 Cityarchitect, Gladsaxe, a part of greater Copenhagen
2019-2020 Urban expert at Gehl
2010-2019 City Architect, the City of Copenhagen
2009-2010 Lecturer at Art Academic Architecture, department 10
2007-2010 Partner, WITRAZ arkitekter + landskab
2003-2007 Project manager and ass. partner at WITRAZ arkitekter
2000-2003 Architect, Hou & partnere
1998-2000 Architect, Skaarup og Jespersen 1995-1998 Architect, Hou & partnere
Recognition
2021 Nominated for best Civic Servant, The Academy of Urbanism, UK
2019 Honorary member of The Association of German Architects, BDA
2018 Honorary member of The Academy of Urbanism, UK
Current positions of trust
2022- Board member at CAFx. Read more here
2021- Board member at LOA, Lokale- og anlægsfonden, appointed by Ministry of Culture. Read more here
2021- Board member at Holbæk Kunsthøjskole
2019- Board member at Tegnestuen Mejeriet. Read more here
2017- Advisory board for Urban Academy, Helsinki. Read more here
2013- Board member of the International Theater of Copenhagen. KIT
2010- Member of the Society of Artists, The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts
Former positions of trust
2013-2020 Chairman for the recruitment panel at The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation
2010-2019 Committee of representatives for The Danish Town Planning Institute
2016 Part of an international appointments committee for the new City Architect in BRNO
2013-2014 Member of the Ministry of Housing, Urban and Rural Affairs’ think tank regarding BYEN2025, with focus on communities.
2009-2010 Member of the negotiation committee in Danske ARK
2004-2005 Vice chairman in the Academic Architectural society
2000-2002 Chairman for the local division Copenhagen, Academic Architecture Assessment committee for the building awards in Slangerup and Slagelse. Volunteer work in DUGNAD (substance abuser in Vesterbro), The Trampoline House, a cultural center for asylum seekers and CAFE EXIT, a drop-in center for former inmates
Teaching
2017- Educator with +2, professionalization of young architects, The Danish Association of Architects, on urban planning, regulatory matters and communication
2014- External examiner at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation, Copenhagen.
2011- External examiner at RUC, Plan, by og Proces
2010- External examiner at RUC, Humtek, Sambas
2011-2018 External examiner at the Faculty of Science, KU
2010- 2015 Guest lecturer at Sheffield University
2007-2009 Educator at DTU’s masterclass in user-driven innovation Lecturer and guest critic with, among others, Munich University, Aalto University in Helsinki, DIS Copenhagen, Strassburg University, Newcastle University, Birmingham University, Gøteborg and Umeå architectural schools etc.
Positions as architectural judge
2022 Vltava Philharmonic Hall, Pragh
2021 Europan 16 Sweden
2021 New Gate Olbrachtova, Pragh
2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 Det bæredygtige element, INNOBYG
2020 Nachod, Czech republic, international jurymember. A industrial site next to historical city center will be transformed into a mixed neighbourhood.
2020 Gadehavegaard, Denmark. A masterplan for a deprived area in the suburbs of Copenhagen.
2019 Riga Landscape Award
2019 Europan 15 Holland
2019, 2018 Ukraine Urban Awards
2019, 2018 Copenhagen Architecture Festival, nomination of the best films.
2010-2018 Jurymember + advisor as Chief Architect in competitions in the municipality of Copenhagen.
2018 Betonelementprisen, Sweden
2017 Alvar Aalto medal. Medalwinner was chinese architect Zjang Ke
2017 Europan 14 Helsinki
2016 Neues Bauen in Tirol
2016 Chairman for the judges comitee regarding the Nordic Built Cities, Oslo
2016, 2013, 2011 Tyndpladeprisen
2015 Europan 13 Østrig
2015 Barbara Cappochin Prize, Padua, Barbara Cappochin Foundation
2012 Helios, Movies- and cultural centre in Faaborg
2009 Better, cheeper housing, arranged by the United Real-estate Companies
Publishing and communication
2021 Landskab 08. Let us keep walking - together with the tourists. Article together with Stine Jacobi
2021 Bedingt Planbar. Article about urban planning. Order here
2020 Byplan Nyt, 01/2020, The tourists are coming – let's make a plan, Article together with Stine Jacobi
2020 Cantonal architects - assignments and role models BSA-FAS, Publications FAS
Interview with Caspar Schärer about architecture Policy
2020 KLAXON, Artist creates urbanity. Conversation with Pascal Le Brun-Cordier
2020 BYLYD, Niels Bjørn and I in a conversation about the role and value of cityarchitects in Denmark.
2019 Elevator Pitch, exhibition in Munich. Female architects and their way of doing architecture
2019 Swim City, Christoph Merian and I have a conversation about Copenhagen Harbour
2019 Arkitekten 04/19. Importance of architecture policy. Interview about the role of architects, cityarchitects and reflections on my period as cityarchitect in Copenhagen 2010-2019.
2019 Critical City, a debate book that, through essays, pictures and interviews with leading architects and city researchers, discusses the Danish welfare city in 2019. The book is curated by Kristoffer Weiss
2019 Architecture and Resilience - interdisciplinary dialogues. Contributor with a chapter on "Scales of resilience concerning the city, the region and globalisation". From city policy to neighbourhood, an interview with Irena Bauman
2019 Interview in the German journal IzR about "How Copenhagen is setting the framework for integrated urban development"
2010-2018 A number of lectures and presentations on subjects such as urban planning, social sustainability, temporality, strategic urban management, urban nature, climate adaptation, architectural policies, urban life, cities for people, renovations, cultural inheritance, the potentials of a specific place, circular economy, public involvement, value creation in projects and processes, housing and co-housing, tower blocks and high-rise buildings, condensation, the active city, cities for children, cities for the elderly, etc.
2010-2018 Articles and interviews in international and national newspapers, magazines and specialist journals.
2018 Om at bygge højt, Byplannyt 02
2014 Chronic in Politikken regarding communities, with Ellen Højgaard og Claus Bech-Danielsen
2012 Temporary Urbanism/Urban life for everyone - temporary measures as a planning method, Urban design #122, Spring
2009 Co-writer, ‘Better Building Processes’, in Danish: ‘Bedre Byggeprocesser’, Lean Construction.
2008 Writer of ‘A model for value creation in the construction’, in Danish: ‘Model til værdiskabelse i byggeriet’, Boligfonden KUBEN.
2008 Co-writer of ‘Great Housing’, in Danish: ‘Alle tiders boliger’, Ældresagen.
2008 Co-writer of ‘The involvement of Children’, in Danish ‘Børneinddragelse’, Velfærdsministeriet.
2007 Co-writer of ‘Instruction to a democratic process for residents’, in Danish: ‘Vejledning i beboerdemokratisk proces’, Almennet.
2006 Co-writer of ‘User involvement and architectonic quality’, in Danish: ‘Brugerinddragelse og arkitektonisk kvalitet’, CINARK.