Sustainable Bamboo Solutions in Siem Reap, Cambodia

A short story about me

Christian Ølsted

Founder and CEO, IKIGAI Bamboo

Age: 39 | Nationality: Danish |

Languages: Fluent English and Danish

Learning khmer

Bamboo Innovator | Carpenter | Sustainable Construction Advocate Biography Christian Ølsted, a seasoned carpenter and pioneer in sustainable construction, brings over two decades of hands-on expertise and leadership from wood construction to the bamboo industry.

As the Founder and CEO of IKIGAI Bamboo, Christian’s mission is to redefine eco-friendly building practices and drive innovation in Cambodia's emerging bamboo construction sector. His deep commitment to sustainability is grounded in a lifelong passion for crafting high-quality, functional, and environmentally responsible structures.

Christian's journey began with a rigorous 4-year carpentry apprenticeship in Denmark, where he developed the foundational skills of the trade. Since 2002, he has honed his craft through a blend of domestic and international projects, including renovations, new builds, and large-scale commercial construction. Over the years, he has worked on diverse projects across Greenland, Australia, Gibraltar, Nicaragua, and the USA, where he gained valuable exposure to varying architectural styles and construction challenges.

His career highlights include serving as a Site Foreman, on a build in Nicaragur designe by architect by Wyly brown a role that demanded full oversight of complex construction projects. Christian managed teams, sourced materials and ensured that every detail aligned with project specifications. This experience nurtured his exceptional problem-solving and engineering mindset, enabling him to tackle challenges with innovation and precision.

Most recently, Christian achieved certification from Bamboo U/Ibuku, marking a pivotal transition in his career. This certification represents his dedication to integrating bamboo as a sustainable and versatile material in construction. It has inspired a bold new vision for eco-friendly building, addressing both the environmental and social needs of communities in Cambodia.

Key Skills & Expertise Comprehensive Carpentry Expertise: Two decades of experience in residential and commercial construction, encompassing everything from structural design to fine finishing.

Project Leadership: Proven ability to oversee large-scale projects, manage multidisciplinary teams, and deliver results within budget and timelines. Materials Management: Expertise in sourcing and negotiating materials, ensuring cost e ciency without compromising quality.

Global Experience: Worked across five countries, adapting to diverse building environments, regulations, and client expectations.

Innovative Problem Solving: Combines engineering principles with creativity to design and implement sustainable solutions.

Bamboo Construction Certification: Bamboo U/Ibuku certification underpins Christian’s drive to lead the bamboo industry in Cambodia.

Vision for IKIGAI Bamboo As the CEO of IKIGAI Bamboo, Christian aims to spearhead a bamboo construction renaissance in Cambodia. By leveraging his expertise, leadership, and qualifications, he envisions a future where bamboo becomes a cornerstone of sustainable building practices.

His efforts will contribute to environmental conservation, provide employment opportunities, and in time transform Cambodia into a hub for eco-friendly innovation.

Christian Ølsted

Michael Wolfsden

Project Developer, IKIGAI Bamboo

Age: 39 | Nationality: British

Operations | Strategist | Team Builder Biography Michael Wolfsden is a multidisciplinary professional with a rich and diverse career spanning mass production, hospitality, military service, and leadership development. Currently serving as a key Project Developer at IKIGAI Bamboo, Michael is committed to advancing the project’s goals while gaining hands-on expertise in bamboo construction under the mentorship of Christian Ølsted. His unique combination of skills in synergy management, mindset coaching, and team leadership has become instrumental in shaping the future of IKIGAI Bamboo.

Michael’s career began in hospitality and entertainment (2004–2008), where he developed exceptional communication and team-building skills while managing high-pressure environments. Following this, he transitioned to mass production and production line joinery (2009–2015), where he honed his abilities in process optimization and operational e ciency, gaining valuable insights into large-scale production dynamics.

From 2016 to 2020, Michael served in the Royal Signals branch of the British military, an experience that defined his strategic thinking and leadership acumen. In this role, he excelled in game theory and planning, synergy management, and mentorship, training recruits and managing communications under challenging conditions. This period reinforced his disciplined approach to problem-solving and his ability to inspire and guide teams toward achieving common goals.

Key Skills & Attributes: Synergy Management, expertise in fostering collaboration and aligning diverse teams for optimal performance. Communication: Exceptional ability to convey complex ideas e ectively across all organizational levels. Game Theory & Planning: Strategic thinker with a focus on maximizing outcomes in dynamic and competitive environments.

Tutoring & Mentoring: Passion for guiding others in their personal and professional growth. Mindset Coaching: Skilled in cultivating resilience and self-discipline in individuals and teams. Team Building & Management: Proven track record of forming and leading cohesive, high-functioning teams.

Current Role at IKIGAI Bamboo: Michael is currently focused on the development and operational planning of IKIGAI Bamboo’s infrastructure and initiatives. As part of his role, he collaborates closely with Christian Ølsted to integrate bamboo construction techniques into the project’s broader sustainability goals.

Michael’s military discipline and production experience provide a unique perspective on project execution, ensuring processes are streamlined and e ective.

His leadership in project development includes overseeing the establishment of workflows for bamboo processing and construction, supporting community outreach and team training programs, strategizing on long-term growth opportunities and partnerships for IKIGAI Bamboo.

Vision for the Future: As an emerging leader in advocating for sustainable construction, Michael is dedicated to making a lasting impact in Cambodia’s bamboo industry. By leveraging his background in logistics, leadership, and mindset coaching, he aims to contribute significantly to IKIGAI Bamboo’s mission of creating eco friendly solutions that drive economic and social progress.