You chose the architecture program for your studies, how was university life and what did you like most about it?

I studied architecture at the Kaunas University of Technology, because I always balanced between an art and an engineer, i.e. I liked all kinds of arts, but I also did well in the exact sciences. In the studies, the coursework in which drawings had to be prepared was the most fascinating. Enjoyed the summer internships where we went to real sites, as well as the coursework supervised by practicing architects (i.e. not theoreticians).

How did your career develop after studies?

Basically, as I already mentioned, I discovered a field close to me very early, during my studies, in my first workplace. It can be said that I have dedicated my entire working experience to territorial planning (the field of urban planning) – about 15 years already. I manage the same area at UAB “Kelprojektas”: I am the manager of the project part, but I have all the qualifications to be a project manager.

What fascinates and motivates you the most in this job?

The most fascinating thing is that all projects are different. Every time we face different challenges that have to be solved creatively.

What are the most common challenges to be solved and what is most important for clients in territorial planning projects?

The most common challenge is the reconciliation of different interests. Public opinion also plays a very important role in such projects, and as a matter of fact, it is often controversial. Since these are documents with a long “validity” – the most important thing is to harmonize the needs of society with private interests and municipal strategies.

What do you think is the recipe for a successful project?

The recipe for a successful project: discussion and cooperation with the customer during the entire project development. The customer’s involvement in solving important issues is necessary.

What personal, character skills are needed in this job?

I think that diplomatic skills are very important, but stubbornness, persistence, belief in one’s ideas and the ability to convince of their goodness are also important. The ability to work in a team is also important, as these are usually very large-scale projects that require the work of specialists from various fields.

What projects are you currently working on? Which projects were the most memorable and why?

Now, I am working on my favorite projects – general plans, and I usually remember the most complex, difficult to “overcome” projects or completely “non-standard” ones, where I had to turn my head a lot in order to prepare them. There are also some of these – these are general plans. Among them is my very first general plan – in 2008 the general plan of the Jonava district has been prepared.