It’s the creative entrepreneurial spirit that makes me enjoy working at Fabege.
The morning frost is still in the grass outside his house in Nacka, south-west of Stockholm. Henrik Nyberg kisses his two-year old son Linus on the forehead and steps out into the cold morning air. The car journey to Fabege’s office takes approximately 20 minutes and just before 7:00 a.m. the car glides down Dalvägen in Solna. Fabege’s emblem, a key symbolising welcome and warmth, is displayed on the facades of building after building along the street. Inside, at his desk, Henrik starts his computer to browse through his e-mails before 8:00 a.m., when it will be time for the first meeting of the day.
“In my work, I have overall responsibility for implementing various building projects. This could involve anything from planning what must be done with an empty lot, renovating an old building or customising existing properties.”
One example is the item on the meeting agenda this very morning. Henrik is responsible for one of Fabege’s largest ongoing projects in Arenastaden, where Vattenfall’s Nordic organisation will be a tenant. Henrik sits down with Vattenfall’s representative to discuss the client’s requests concerning the design of the office.
“It’s all about trying to satisfy their needs. There must be space for 2,000 people there and the planning process includes designing the most creative environment possible.”
The next item on the agenda is also about a property in Arenastaden, the head offices of the Adidas Group. Construction is in progress and Henrik puts on his protective helmet and enters the construction site.
“Since I’m in charge of this project, it’s important for me to visit the site. Here, I can monitor the project and see whether there are any problems. Sometimes, tenants want to change something during the course of the project and I have to make sure that we comply with such requests in the best possible manner.”
After a well-deserved lunch, it is time for the second meeting of the day. Henrik sits down with a colleague, the Lease Manager for a property portfolio in Hammarby Sjöstad. Henrik has just received the authority’s approval of the zoning plans for the Hammarby Gård area. Together, they will now decide which tenants they want to attract.
“We will demolish some of the buildings and refurbish others. We will now decide on the right portion of residences and offices for the area. It’s about creating the most interesting balance possible to make the area attractive for future tenants.”
It was precisely the opportunity to work with entire projects that attracted Henrik to Fabege. Previously, during his years as a consultant, he regretted not being involved in all phases of a project.
“At Fabege, I’m more like a self-employed person. I start a company every time I get a new project. And, it’s this creative entrepreneur’s spirit that makes me enjoy working here.”