In this interview, Albiona shares her inspiring journey, from a childhood passion for art and architecture to leading a team at Axians. Learn how her dedication, a love for problem-solving, and Axians’ supportive culture have shaped her career. Albiona offers insights into her work on innovative telecom infrastructure projects, the collaborative atmosphere in Gjakova, and her vision for a sustainable future in architecture.
Hello Albiona, could you please introduce yourself and tell us about your current position in the company?
My name is Albiona. I’m an architect and team leader at Axians. I’ve been with the company for two years and eight months. In my role, I oversee the design and development of projects, ensuring they meet our clients’ needs and align with our company’s standards. I lead a talented team of architects and engineers, and I’m excited to keep contributing to our projects and collaborating with my team.
Can you tell me how you got to your current position?
I’ve been passionate about architecture since I was a kid. I vividly remember being in the 5th or 6th grade, already deeply interested in art. My love for art naturally led me to architecture. I recall a specific moment when my father, who worked in construction, brought home a sketch of an eight-story hotel designed by a Swiss architect. The sketch was so perfectly drawn that I knew right then that I wanted to pursue my dream of becoming an architect.
From there, I went to an art high school in my city, where I studied architecture. After that, I continued my studies at university and worked on various projects as a freelancer. Eventually, a friend told me about an international company coming to Kosovo. We both applied for a job at Axians, got hired, and started working together.
When we first started, we underwent a six-month training period, which was essential because the job was in telecom infrastructure—something completely new to me. Part of the training took place in Gifhorn, Germany. Once the training was complete, we began working on projects with clients. Over time, our team grew, and I became the team leader.
How would you describe the culture at Axians? What makes it special for you?
From my experience, Axians truly values collaboration and innovation, which aligns perfectly with my work style. I thrive in environments where creativity is encouraged, and people are motivated to work together towards common goals. I’m really excited about the opportunity to grow and contribute within this kind of culture at Axians.
Here in Gjakova, our team has developed strong friendships. We have a great time working together and even enjoy playing billiards and ping-pong during breaks. It’s a wonderful atmosphere.
Can you describe a typical day at work?
My team has daily meetings where we discuss each other’s tasks and brainstorm solutions together. This keeps everyone in sync and helps us work more effectively.
Have you faced any particular challenges in your career?
The biggest challenge for me was stepping into the telecom infrastructure field, which was completely new territory. But luckily, the company had a solid plan for training young employees. From day one, I’ve had support in the form of collaborative guidance, professional development, and mentorship.
Can you share some success stories with us?
I believe that every day holds the potential for success. My focus is always on finding solutions to the tasks at hand. When you love what you do, every project becomes an opportunity to learn something new. In our line of work, no two projects are the same, and that’s something I really appreciate. I feel fortunate to be in a position where each project is a challenge, and with the support of a great team, we achieve success.
What are your career goals for the future?
As an architect, I aspire to lead large-scale projects, always with a focus on contributing to sustainable development. I’m also interested in advancing into more leadership roles as the company grows.
Could you tell us about a current project you’re working on?
Every project is unique, but I particularly enjoy working on complex ones. For example, last year, I completed a project that I’m still refining based on the client’s feedback. It’s a continuous process, with each step building on the last. I’m currently dealing with intricate construction details, which is challenging but also very rewarding.
Can you describe the project in more detail?
We work primarily in the telecom sector, focusing on infrastructure for 5G antennas. The project I’m working on involves designing the structure that will support these antennas. Before we start designing, our engineers analyze whether the structure can hold up under various conditions. In my last project, we had to make adjustments because the original design didn’t meet the static requirements. We’re now working on refining the construction drawings to ensure everything is stable and secure.
If you could offer advice to a new employee starting at Axians, what would it be?
I would say, first and foremost, take care of yourself. Starting a new job can be stressful, so it’s important to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Be open to learning as much as possible and build relationships with your colleagues. We spend a lot of time at work, and it’s important to enjoy that time.
Is there anything else you’d like to add that we haven’t discussed yet?
As I mentioned earlier, my passion for architecture started when I was very young, inspired by art and a beautifully drawn sketch I saw as a child. This passion led me to study architecture in high school, university, and then work as a freelancer before joining Axians. This journey has shaped who I am today, and I’m grateful to be part of a company where I can continue to grow and contribute.
“At Axians, I transformed my passion for art and architecture into designing mobile towers – where my creative roots meet cutting-edge technology.” – Albiona Krasniqi, Team Leader, Axians Kosovo Telecom Infrastructure