Planning of the interior of Aurora Botnia

Let’s meet Markus Backlund, Project Manager, Interior for the newbuilding of the ferry Aurora Botnia.

Markus is a Bachelor of Restaurant Management. He started his career in the Hotel and Restaurant business over 20 years ago. Before starting at Wasaline in January 2013, when the company started its operations, he worked at restaurants in both Vaasa and Helsinki. Today he is coordinating all the interior for the new vessel Aurora Botnia.

Read more about Markus’ work

The planning of the interior includes the furnishing of all the spaces, meaning the furniture, materials, and designs. It also includes planning of the restaurants, bar and kitchen. “In my daily work I need to approve drawings, materials and equipment”, he says. “I am also looking for suppliers for all the equipment that we need to purchase.”

Together with the Intendent and Restaurant Managers of the existing vessel Wasa Express, Markus is also developing new concepts for Aurora Botnia. “We are looking into new concepts for the different restaurants and bar, as well as the conference concept”, he says.

The interior work is challenging, but at the same time interesting. There are a lot of regulations and rules on what to use and where, how things are to be built etc. “I learn things every day and try to imagine what the travel and restaurant business will look like in 10 years”, says Markus

Markus has two sons, 6- and 9-years old. They are active in different sports, so most of Markus’ spare time he spends with them, either driving them to a practice or game or otherwise supporting them. When time permits, wintertime he is skiing, either downhill or cross country. Summer times he takes a ride on his bicycle. Of course, as the cook in the family, he also takes care of preparing the dinner at home.

“I am quite organized and I like things to be in good order. For example, I think I am the best at mangling laundry”, he says laughing. Seems that we can be confident that all the details of the interior of Aurora Botnia are in good hands.