Kiira Halinen started as the CEO and owner of the architecture travel service Archtours
Archtours has established itself as an urban planning and architecture tour expert, producing high-quality program content for over two decades. The company has operated under the Ark-byroo architecture firm, led by founder Marianna Heikinheimo. The continuation of operations with a new owner and shareholder team is a great pleasure, especially after the hiatus caused by the pandemic.
The new shareholder team includes CEO and majority owner Kiira Halinen and two experienced architects. Noora Laak works primarily as a zoning planner for the city of Vantaa and as a part-time teacher at the Aalto University Department of Architecture. Kuutti Halinen is an architect and a partner in the award-winning AOR Architects company.
Kiira Halinen is familiar with Archtours’ operating field, as she previously worked as a producer for the company:
“The transition to CEO is natural. We had already planned reforms for Archtours’ operations before the pandemic, so the groundwork has been carefully laid. Our customers expect high-quality program content, expert guidance and customer service, which will remain at the core of our operations.”
Archtours founder Marianna Heikinheimo is pleased to see the business transition to new hands.
“We have overcome the challenges caused by the pandemic, and there is once again a demand for high-quality travel services. Archtours needs new perspectives and enthusiasm to continue to develop, which is why the change of ownership felt like a natural step to take now.
Kiira Halinen is an excellent choice as the new CEO. Her strengths lie in her international background and solid expertise in event production. I am proud of our achievements and look forward to new initiatives with Archtours. I am also ready to support the new team during this transition phase.”
Archtours is an urban planning and architecture tours expert, producing high-quality program content and guidance on architecture, construction, and urban planning. Our clients consist of urban planners, architects, developers, and municipal officials – both Finnish and international.
The contents of our travel services are developed in collaboration with the client and a local architectural guide, according to the wishes of the customer group. The programs consist of meetings with local professionals in the destination city and company and building visits, with expert guidance from the local architect.
Archtours’ guides are local architects who work in destination cities as designers and researchers, among other roles. Archtours’ network covers dozens of cities and architect guides in many guiding languages.
Kiira Halinen holds a Research Masters Degree in Cultural Analysis and has a solid international background in event production and marketing. She co-founded and ran the administration of the Fluidi Arts and Culture Association. She has managed cultural visits at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the City Hall of Helsinki, produced exhibitions, and worked as a communications expert in the finance and security sectors.
Text: Maaret Tiensuu & Salla Heijari/Ark-byroo, photos: Hijran Kiroran