I recently had the opportunity to take a real vacation. And when I say a real vacation, I mean two full weeks away with no real plans other than visiting a place I have always wanted to see! 

Now, I went on this vacation with my spouse, parents and sister, so there was still some work to ensure everyone’s needs were met and the trip was enjoyable for all, but really, it was a true vacation.

I know that this is unbelievable, but we often get carried away in our work and commitments and feel like we can’t take time away. Or we feel guilty for leaving, wanting to be superheroes for our jobs, clients and colleagues. This real vacation was an incredible reminder that taking time off, stepping away and taking a breath is essential. And the exciting revelation for me was that you don’t have to quit your job or take a sabbatical to have this moment. You need to plan to go on a vacation — ideally a two-week-long vacation so you can have time to decompress from your responsibilities, be present and give yourself time to get ready to return to your responsibilities.

Now, to the most important takeaway from this vacation … Drum roll … I had time and space to remember why what we do as architects is vital. Spending time in a new place is an incredible reminder of how much our communities, neighborhoods, streets and buildings shape us and our daily experiences. I often find myself cruising through my daily experiences, known places and regular commutes, and I forget to consider how the places I am experiencing impact me. 

Enter: Stockholm, Sweden, Midsommer (summer solstice), 2025. Now I know you are thinking, ‘Wow, you went all the way to Scandinavia and spent your entire two weeks in Stockholm?’ I know, I thought it was wild too. I have not had such a leisurely vacation in my life! We ended up spending our time in Stockholm and really getting to know the city, seeing the sights leisurely, and spending time just being. It helped that I was traveling with my parents, as it was a bit more challenging to travel outside of the city with folks who require time to get up and moving, do not move quickly and have about five hours of sightseeing and engagement energy per day. 

As a result, I was able to take in the traditions of Sweden, have an incredible Scandinavian breakfast every day at a leisurely pace, take a moment to get ready and travel to one area of the city each day. There was also a lot of taking breaks, grabbing coffee or pastries, and chatting. 

During these two weeks, I had the following moments of appreciation.

A functioning bus system is revolutionary. 

It is incredible how easy it is to live in, move around and experience a city with a well-connected rail network, but adding a comfortable, reliable and inexpensive bus system is what makes transit work. We stayed just outside of downtown and could get most anywhere we wanted by taking the No. 2 bus, which had a stop just outside our hotel. 

Public spaces that are comfortable for everyone are rare and a delight. 

Stockholm has parks, public squares and wide sidewalks with shade trees and structures, a place to grab a drink, fresh produce and flower vendors, benches in the shade and the sun, beautiful gardens and play features for kids. There was a place for my dad to sit and people watch, my mom to admire the gardens, me to gaze at beautiful buildings and for my sister and husband to get a drink and relax. It is incredible how a comfortable and engaging place for everyone seems to be a rarity for us, but it is available in each neighborhood in Stockholm. 

Dense places can be more livable than traditional neighborhoods — and having a grocery store next door is the best thing in the world!

Nestled into a mid-rise community with multi-family housing catering to all ages and family stages, our hotel was part of a complete community. We had a grocery store on the hotel’s ground floor, a school across the courtyard and street (different ages), a soccer pitch in our backyard, six restaurants within two blocks and three bus stops within a five-minute walk. There was also a daycare with the cutest little tikes walking around the neighborhood every morning for their “field trips.” I have never experienced a community that catered to as many people in different stages of their lives as this small neighborhood northeast of downtown Stockholm. 

We felt safe and comfortable in all areas of the city, and it was not because there was no litter or homelessness. Stockholm is a real city with challenges similar to those of other cities, but because everyone is outside, walking, taking transit and engaging with the businesses, you feel safe, connected and like a part of the community. 

Shopping for daily needs can be a delight. 

It is always so delightful to walk into a local shop, find what you need, connect with the person who owns or runs the store and know that you contribute to the local economy. My interactions felt meaningful, and my support felt valued. It was a friendly reminder that small businesses can thrive, even in 2025!

Good architecture lasts the test of time, and just because we live in a relatively young society doesn’t mean we shouldn’t design for a lasting one. 

Stockholm is no different from other cities that have stood for thousands of years. Visiting these cities reminds us that while our lifespans are short, our buildings’ lifespans should not be. We should actively work to design buildings that will outlive us by generations, continuing to provide beauty, contribute to a comfortable experience and endure beyond the trends of today to be loved in the future. 

Going to Sweden for Midsommer does not mean that you will join a cult and die. 

My friends were genuinely worried about me, but I bucked the trend and survived a thriving and joyful public holiday. (This is a reference from “Midsommar,” a 2019 horror flick I still have not watched.)

We should all embrace Fika!

According to visitsweden.com, “While fika may seem like just a coffee and cake break, it holds a much deeper cultural significance in Sweden. It’s a moment to pause, connect and recharge — often more about the company and conversation than the coffee itself.”

“Fika can happen any time of day, and it usually involves freshly brewed coffee served with something sweet; cinnamon buns (‘kanelbullar’) are the most popular choice. It’s also a popular and more relaxed choice for a date than going out for dinner. While some might enjoy a quiet coffee break solo, fika is widely seen as a social ritual — best shared with others.”

I will say that taking a true break during the day to disconnect from your tasks and reconnect with someone is necessary. I am still working to make this a daily routine: leaving the office, having a break and connecting. It is hard and will take time, but we are in a place and time in history where we need to work hard to go slow.

We should bring a bit of gold gilding back — a bit of sparkle sparks joy!

Finally, after visiting two palaces, a royal armory, a historic parliament building and Stockholm’s City Hall, not to mention some beautiful old hotels and department stores, I can confidently say that gold leaf makes me smile. Something about a thoughtful glimmer and strategically placed detail makes you pause and appreciate a place. We should all take a moment in our work to find opportunities that make us smile and know that we can also pass that joy along to others. 

So, go, take a vacation, take a moment and re-engage with the world. It’s necessary!