Meet Negin Entezarjou

Negin is a trained civil engineer and interior designer and has run her own business as an interior designer and project manager for five years, but since 2022 she has been employed as an inspector, and construction manager at AFRY. Negin has always lived in an apartment in Malmö city. However, she has now relocated to the countryside to pursue her dream of living close to nature. She's transforming a gigantic old country shop into her dream house. Accompanying her on this adventure are her two dogs, Lilo and Leo.

In this interview, we explore her approach to challenges, what drives her career forward and the attitude behind her achievements.

You have made a name for yourself in Sweden's Television’s “Husdrömmar” with the phrase "how hard can it be?". Do you have the same approach to facing challenges and setbacks in your professional life?

Yes, that's how I feel about everything. Life is too short to hesitate and wonder. You must believe in yourself and go for it to win. I have always thought like that and that's why I have tried and achieved the goals I have had in life, but also in my career.

Reuse seems to be a recurring theme in your renovation. How important is sustainability to you?

This is very important. We humans live as if the earth's resources are infinite and forget how much we destroy the earth and, above all, all the consequences our choices have on the climate. I love recycling, not only because it is much more personal and unique, but also because it is more fun and saves money to do other fun things!

How do you balance the theoretical aspects of your role with the creative aspects when envisioning and designing new construction projects?

As an interior designer (which I also studied) you usually have quite crazy and odd ideas. But my knowledge of construction allows me to come down to earth and find solutions that are practical, but also stylish and unique! However, sometimes it can be hard to realise that you can't do every crazy thing you come up with.

Looking ahead, what are your goals or aspirations for your career in the coming years?

My long-term goal is to use my theoretical technical construction knowledge that I gained in my time at AFRY and continue to absorb that knowledge. But the long-term goal will also be to be able to use my creative side and somehow be able to get an outlet for my aesthetic vein in combination with project management. Business development and creating something is also what I am passionate about! Interior design in combination with project management would be my dream job!