For Hollmén Reuter Sandman Architects, sensitivity towards users, materials, and site-specific interventions are the means of architecture. The focus is on both environmental and aesthetic sustainability. Environmental sustainability is achieved by using local, recycled, and renewable materials as much as possible and designing site-specifically according to the local climate. Aesthetic sustainability is born from functionality, culture, how the building fits into the environment, and how the plan follows the local spatial hierarchy. Their projects have been honoured with both national and international awards and have been published and exhibited widely.

Architects Saija Hollmén, Jenni Reuter, and Helena Sandman began their collaboration in 1995 with the Women’s Centre project in Senegal. Their last joint project is the Lyra Hostels in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. In 2007, they founded Ukumbi, the Finnish chapter of Architecture Sans Frontieres, to provide architectural services to communities in need. The work of Ukumbi continues.