Two worlds, same vision
The name Ark o Vals bridges my two passions. In Swedish, Ark means a sheet of paper (and hints at the architectural arch), while Vals is the roller used to ink a block.
Hi, my name is Savsan, and I am the architect and designer behind the studio. To some, I am an interior architect; to others, a printmaker. To me, these two worlds have always been closely intertwined.
The Interior Architect
I am shaped by two homes and cultures: Maldivian and Swedish. My professional background spans from exclusive resort projects in the Maldives to residences and workplaces here in Stockholm, where I completed my Master’s in Interior Architecture at Konstfack University of Arts, Crafts and Design.
This dual background shapes my expression. I unite the open flows and ecological harmony of Maldivian resort architecture with the clean, thoughtful design of Scandinavia. Combining my two areas of specialization; color psychology and how design influences human behavior, I focus on how a space actually feels to the person inhabiting it. It is always a natural balance between aesthetics and functionality.
The Artisan
I stumbled upon the world of printmaking unexpectedly after my Master’s program, when I began experimenting with leftover linoleum scraps from my degree project. What started as play quickly grew into a passion for analog craftsmanship.
I view the world through an architectural lens. Walking through Stockholm, my eye catches the odd, overlooked details. I also draw inspiration from a deeper place: my Maldivian roots, where I am drawn to the playfulness of idioms and traditional stories. Over time, that curiosity has spilled over into Swedish traditions, folklore, and everyday expressions. I often catch myself taking notes on words and phrases as a way to discover and be inspired by new traditions.
In my studio, I transform these observations into hand-carved linoleum prints and unique objects; where architectural details, cultural narratives, and the unexpected meet.