Building Dreams in the Mountains: An Interview with Andrejs, Our Interior Crew Leader
When you talk to Andrejs, leader of KM Building’s interior crew, you quickly sense that for him, building cabins in the mountains is more than a job – it’s a calling. With years of experience shaping homes in some of Scandinavia’s most breathtaking landscapes, his stories reveal both the challenges and quiet joys behind every handcrafted timber wall.
“Every place has its own soul.”
You’ve built homes in some of the most spectacular places in Scandinavia. When you arrive at a new site in the mountains, what’s the first thing you notice – and how does it set the tone for your work?
“First of all, it’s the place itself,” Andrejs begins, his eyes lighting up. “Every location has a different character – the mountains, the lakes, the rivers. And then, the house. Each cabin we build has its own signature style – a distinctive design that stands out from everything around it. Even the smallest visual details, the finishes and the craftsmanship carry our own handwriting.”
Pride in the finishing touches
Each home has its own personality, shaped by the landscape and the client’s vision. Tell us about a moment when you felt especially proud of your work.
“For me, it’s when the interior starts to come alive,” he says. “When the painting is done, when we’re fitting the window and door trims, when the sauna benches are ready and the stove is in place. That final stage brings real satisfaction – that’s when you can step back and say, yes, this feels like home.”
Battling snowstorms and steep slopes
Working in Norway and Sweden often means facing extreme conditions – snow, wind, and steep terrain. What’s been the most challenging situation your team has faced?
Andrejs laughs, remembering.
“There was a night in the mountains when the van and trailer started sliding backward on an icy road. Everyone was ready to jump out and try to hold it from going off the slope! Another time in Sälen, a snowstorm hit so hard that the roads couldn’t be cleared all day – so we got an unexpected day off,” he smiles. “Once, it snowed so much overnight that we had to climb out through the window in the morning, just to shovel a path to open the door. These things make great stories later – though not so funny at the time,” he grins.
The beauty of natural materials
Clients dream of cozy evenings by the fireplace, but you see every joint and beam up close. Which part of the process gives you the most satisfaction – the detail that makes a home truly strong and lasting?
“For me, it’s the use of natural materials,” he answers thoughtfully. “Wood and green roofs – they bring both safety and longevity. A house built from ecological materials simply feels solid. It’s not just beautiful, it’s alive.”
The human side of craftsmanship
After building so many homes, is there a story that’s stayed with you – maybe a client’s reaction or a moment that reminded you why your work matters?
“Definitely the emotions of the clients,” Andrejs says with a quiet smile. “When they see the finished home and say thank you – that feeling is incredible. It gives meaning to everything we do. That gratitude is what drives us to keep doing our best.”
Life beyond the mountains
And how do you spend your free time outside of work?
“I love carp fishing back home in Latvia,” he says. “I’ve also gone pike fishing in Norway. My other passion is hard enduro – riding motorcycles through forest trails. It’s a great way to clear your mind after a long project.”
As our conversation wraps up, it’s clear that for Andrejs, craftsmanship is as much about heart as it is about skill. His pride in every finished cabin – and every memory tied to it – reflects the spirit that defines KM Building: dedication, resilience and a deep respect for nature’s beauty.
