Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Kuisma Kyyhkynen, the newest addition to our Helsinki office.

Last year, Kuisma graduated with a master’s degree in landscape architecture from Aalto University and has also studied at The Technical University of Munich.

“Combining my experiences from different learning environments, I decided to write my thesis on the processes of green regeneration in public areas by conducting thematic interviews with a multidisciplinary group of experts. Based on my analysis of the data collected, I identified the most common challenges in the different stages of the process. As a solution to these findings, I established general guidelines for blue-green infrastructure measures,” Kuisma explains about his master’s thesis.

Kuisma believes that the landscape architecture profession plays a central role in addressing the cultural, social, economic, and environmental challenges we face today.

“While overarching strategies guide our actions, many of the most pressing challenges – such as habitat loss and flood management – are inherently local and require solutions carefully adapted to their specific geography and context. These solutions are not generic, repeatable models, but carefully balanced compromises influenced by different values and priorities,” he says.

“Time and again, landscape architects have a key responsibility to bring forward alternative, often ‘softer’ values in the design process, and to give voice to those who are frequently unheard—namely, non-human species. By embracing holistic design, we can work with nature’s intelligent systems rather than against them. Nature-based solutions that respond to local ecological conditions not only help reduce the strain on built environments, but also create healthier, more inclusive, and more resilient public spaces.”

Asked why he chose to apply for a position at MASU Planning, Kuisma answers:

“Immediately after graduation, I moved from theory to practice when I joined the City of Helsinki as a regional representative landscape architect. While working for the municipality, I oversaw several projects in which MASU was the consulting designer. The seamless collaboration and inspiring projects fueled my passion for high-quality urban spaces and deepened my interest in detailed planning. With my identity as a designer still taking shape, I decided to join MASU, and I’m now excited to contribute my ideas to upcoming projects.”

In his spare time, Kuisma enjoys spending time in nature – regardless of season or location – and has developed his own way to make the most of outdoor experiences.

“Over the past year, I got into bikepacking, and I think I may have solved a long-standing dilemma in the process. With a bicycle, it’s both possible and easy to stop and enjoy beautiful landscapes or fascinating natural formations that might otherwise be difficult to reach,” Kuisma concludes.

We’re eager to draw on Kuisma’s contributions in our ongoing and future projects.