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

The BambooU Okt 2023 alumni.

Bamboo is gaining a lot of attention around the world, we were 43 beautiful pepole attending