Arlind Dervishaj

Arlind Dervishaj is an architect, researcher, and independent Principal Investigator (PI) at KTH. His work includes sustainable architecture, building technology, circular construction, and digitalization. He utilizes digital workflows—including computational design, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and simulations—to drive the transition of the built environment toward a circular and regenerative future.

Before joining KTH, Arlind accumulated several years of professional experience practicing as a licensed architect across Europe. He previously led Sustainable and Computational Design at Finland's largest architectural firm (ARCO Architecture Company), directing environmental design initiatives and digital workflows across master-planning and large-scale projects.

Research Interests

Arlind’s research is interdisciplinary, bridging architecture and engineering, and practice with research. His PhD studies were part of the ReCreate project, a 5-year EU Horizon 2020 initiative exploring the deconstruction and reuse of precast concrete elements. Alongside circular economy, he specializes in advanced daylighting and regenerative design, having developed innovative methodologies such as Sunlight Autonomy and the Solar Circularity Indicator.

His research and expertise include:

• Circular Construction & Component Reuse

• BIM, Parametric Design & digital workflows

• Façade Design & Engineering: Developing performance-based facade innovations and circularity strategies for high-performance, climate-resilient building envelopes.

• Advanced Daylighting & Building Performance: Human-centric daylighting, sustainable design, environmental simulations, and LCA.

Teaching experience

With over nine years of pedagogical engagement, Arlind has teaching experience across European institutions. He has also supervised Master's theses within building technology and lighting.

Affiliations & Leadership

• Invited Expert & Committee Member at the Swedish Institute for Standards (SIS/TK 191/AG 02) for the reuse of precast concrete products.
• Daylight Academy (Affiliate & PI for a proposed project)
• Academic Service: Board Member of the journal Architecture, Structures and Construction (Springer Nature); Member of the ABE PhD council at KTH (2025-2026).
• Credentials: Licensed Architect (EU/Italy), WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP).
• Alta Scuola Politecnica (Alumni, and Mentor in mentorship programs for 2025 and 2026)

Selected Awards & Honors

• Best Paper Award (2024):Resources, Conservation and Recycling (Elsevier).
• Best Poster Award (2023): by KTH Innovation, during KTH Industrial Transformation Day.
• BIM Token Award (2022): BIM Coordinators Summit, Dublin.