Ivar is an architect by training, but is engaged in many areas of study ranging from science and technology, through business and finance to the fine arts. Previously an Associate principal at HOK, he has a long range of experience working in the urban context and the conceptual underpinnings of various planning strategies. After his tenure at HOK, he moved to the UAE, eventually joining the firm of Burt Hill where he is a principal. A leader in the architectural community, Ivar is one of the founding members of the AAUAE and is the initiator of the AAUAE’s Urban Design Forum.  He moderated a series of discussions on urban design, with panels including internationally-renowned architects, planners and developers.   He works in both epic and intimate building scale and has been responsible for pushing the boundaries of design in many projects.

Ivar is the leader of several design technology initiatives the main focus of which has been the balance of Financial, Sociohistorical and Environmental sustainability. The latest of his programs, the WLS, is an international network of practitioners focusing on the application of tools in a conscious way with the goal of continually questioning the design process with an eye towards evolving culture.