What can architects learn from a Swedish coffee break?

Turns out, quite a lot. In this episode, we explore how cultural rituals, minimalist values, and thoughtful leadership can shape not only great design, but also a resilient and balanced architecture practice.

I sit down with Johan Sundberg, founder of Johan Sundberg Arkitektur, to explore what it takes to build a thoughtful, sustainable architecture practice. From his early days as a student to leading one of Sweden’s most respected residential architecture firms, Johan shares how culture, design, and business intersect in his work.

We talk about how Fika, the Swedish tradition of taking intentional breaks, shapes the studio culture and creates space for connection. Johan shares how he approaches every project as a balance of interior design, landscape, and architecture, with a strong emphasis on minimalism and livability. We also discuss how AI is impacting the profession, why strong client relationships matter more than ever, and the kind of mindset young architects need to thrive in today’s industry.

Whether you're running your own practice or still finding your place in the field, this conversation is full of insights you won’t want to miss.

Key Takeaways:

• Building a sustainable architecture firm takes clarity, creativity, and consistency.
• Fika is more than a coffee break — it's a cultural practice that encourages team bonding and mental resets.
• Successful projects balance interiors, landscape design, and the home as one unified experience.
• The Ingso House reflects Swedish minimalism and thoughtful residential design.
• Interior and landscape design are not add-ons — they’re integral to creating livable homes.
• The viral Laudan Shed shows how even small structures can make a big architectural impact.
• Strong client relationships drive long-term firm success.
• Leading a firm means constantly navigating expectations and evolving workflows.
• Prioritizing work-life balance is key to avoiding burnout.
• AI has potential in architecture, but its effectiveness depends on how it's integrated.

About the Guest:

Johan Sundberg's architectural work started in Lund almost 20 years ago. He grew up interested in art, architecture, and graphic design. At 19, he found his way to architecture, a suitable mix of art and technology. Johan studied architecture at Lund University and had a breakthrough with his first significant house, Villa Bergman-Werntoft, designed during his final year at school and built in Ljunghusen in southern Sweden.

After this first success, Johan received commissions for several more houses. The office can now showcase an impressive portfolio, with most homes in Skåne and southern Sweden built close to nature and driven by a distinct architectural language. The office has also designed apartments and office environments and created Andrum, a peaceful, elegant spa facility in the town of Höör. The office’s approach always starts from the experience;

“We work from a total effect of the architectural tools, an emotional response, not an artificial order,” says Johan. “It’s about human needs and atmospheres.”

Check out his website: www.johansundberg.com/
Instagram: @johansundbergarkitektur

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