Father and son engaged in joint learning sessions

Father and Son Carpentry Journey: Building More Than Just Houses

In Iceland's evening school, father-son duo Sigurður Brynjar Pálsson and Sölvi Steinn Sigurðsson, are honing their carpentry skills together. Their goal? To construct a guesthouse at their summerhouse in the upcoming summer.

Father Doubles Down: From CEO to Carpenter

As the CEO of BYKO, Sigurður has always found solace in doing hands-on work. His interest in working with his hands dates back to his high school years, when he began working for a construction contractor. However, life took a different turn, and he found himself in a different profession altogether. Now, he's back to his roots, learning the art of carpentry. "I rarely take off my 'carpenter's vest' when we're at the summerhouse. It's soothing to take on another role than I do every day at work," he says.

The Young Businessman with a Crafty Side

Sölvi, a 21-year-old student at the University of Iceland, is also studying business. His interest in carpentry, however, stems from an intuitive desire to work with his hands. Despite not initially planning on becoming a carpenter, he jumped at the opportunity when his father invited him to join the evening school classes. "I still saw it as a good time with my dad," he says, emphasizing the value of education.

A Balancing Act: Carpentry and Business Administration

Combining business administration and carpentry studies might seem unusual, but Sölvi finds it to be a perfect fit. "It's good to get away from the books and do something more physical. It can be a little stressful to find the time to do both, but you just need to be organized and look at it in a positive way," he adds.

The Joy of Learning Together

From studying together in school to working on projects as co-students, this father-son duo cherishes their shared experience. "We are in this together as co-students and on the same level. We scrutinize the assignments, exchange opinions, and figure out a mutual conclusion. That process has been very rewarding," says Sigurður.

The father-son duo finds joy in tackling the challenges that come with carpentry, both practically and theoretically. "What has been most challenging is to get a grip on the three-dimensional thinking. But equally, it's very useful and it really has opened up a new way of thinking for me when it comes to buildings," adds Sigurður.

The Surprise Package: Unexpected Benefits

"How varied it is, and it's a study that suits everyone. No strength, knowledge, or experience is required. At least I came in with minimal knowledge, but I was able to build a summer house with a good team that winter," says Sölvi.

Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Mutual Benefits

With graduation scheduled for the fall of 2023, both Sigurður and Sölvi are excited about their future projects. The father aims to complete his bachelor's degree and potentially pursue a Master's program. The carpentry education will not only enhance his construction work at BYKO but also help him understand the challenges faced by clients better.

For Sölvi, the carpentry skills he's learning will be beneficial in his future endeavors, whether it's working in the industry or constructing his own home. "Fathers on tour" might even become a reality someday, he jokes.

The Power of Lifelong Learning

"Every education, no matter what it is, is beneficial to people. I have always advocated that people should continually be learning new things and learning from others. It can only strengthen them and give them a wider perspective which is always an asset. Without a doubt, the carpentry will be of use to me in my work. BYKO customers are faced with a construction project every day, and this education will further enhance my understanding of the challenges they face," says Sigurður.

For Sölvi, "this knowledge will definitely be useful in the future." Despite not planning on a career in carpentry at this point, he remains open to possibilities. "The father-son carpentry journey has been a rewarding experience that's taught me valuable skills and given me a unique perspective."

Sigurður Brynjar Pálsson, despite being the CEO of BYKO, finds joy in his role as a carpenter and views it as a relaxing escape from his daily work.
While Sölvi Steinn Sigurðsson is a student at the University of Iceland, studying business, he has found a unique balance in combining his carpentry studies with his academic work.
The father-son duo values the shared learning experience they gain from their carpentry classes, sharing opinions and working together as co-students.
Upon graduation in the fall of 2023, Sigurður plans to continue his education with a Master's program, and believes that his carpentry skills will enhance his understanding of construction challenges faced by BYKO customers.
Sölvi believes that the carpentry education will be beneficial in his future endeavors, whether he chooses to work in the industry or construct his own home, and views the father-son carpentry journey as a rewarding experience that has taught him valuable skills and given him a unique perspective.