In 2015, the School of Architecture relocated from its brutalist building near Engelbrektskyrkan to the KTH Campus on the opposite side of Valhallavägen. The property owner, Akademiska Hus, aimed to maintain the building as a hub for learning and innovation. Their vision was to create a prototype for the workplaces of the future – an experimental space designed for the needs of a changing world.

The project was entrusted to Richard Hammarskiöld and Johan Almquist. With extensive experience within the creative industries, they recognized the value of collaboration and networking. However, they also saw the need for a space that could naturally foster creativity and innovation – bringing together emerging talent and established companies. This vision led to the concept of a house dedicated to food, fashion, media, and music, where business, academia, and the city could intersect and contribute.

When A house took over the former School of Architecture, the building had remained largely untouched since the 1970s. As renovations began, the move-in was gradual, with the team occupying small sections of the building one at a time. To ensure the space met the needs of its future members, the team collaborated with them throughout the development process. Co-creation and iterative development have always been at the heart of A house, and this approach continues to guide us. For us, the journey is more important than the destination – being “finished” holds no intrinsic value.

The name A house pays homage to the history of our first location. The building, currently known as Ark, was affectionately called “A-huset” by the School of Architecture. By retaining its original identity while adding our own unique touch, we set out with the ambition of creating a model that could eventually expand internationally.

Our mission is to create inspiring spaces where both emerging talent and established companies feel at home. Functionality and ergonomics, while important, have never been our main focus. Instead, we aim to capture the essence of each location, crafting unconventional environments with curated vintage furniture and surprising material combinations. We prefer quirky over conventional – better bold than bland.

Today, A house spans four locations in Stockholm: Ark in Östermalm, Filmhuset at Gärdet, Börshuset in Slakthusområdet, and Katarinahuset in Slussen. Each destination has a rich history and a unique story to tell, which we highlight through its design. Every location is defined by its own theme – Brutalist living room (Ark), Cinematic elegance (Filmhuset), Meaty Art Nouveau (Börshuset), and Functionalist Avantgarde (Katarinahuset).

History of our destinations