With a focus on both people and expertise
For Kjerstina Særsten, development is first and foremost about the people who shape the professional environment. After nearly ten years as an urban planner at Omega 365, she has taken on the role of Department Manager at Omega 365 Protek in Ølensvåg.
Published: 12. December 2025
With experience from both the private and public sectors, Kjerstina Særsten combines broad professional expertise with strong knowledge of the organization.
She describes the move into leadership as both motivating and rewarding.
“I value being closer to the team in the day-to-day work and taking a more holistic approach to how we make use of our expertise,” she says.
From technical expertise to management
Kjerstina holds a master’s degree in urban development and urban design from the University of Stavanger, Norway, and brings several years of experience from the Urban Planning Department in Stavanger municipality. In 2016, she moved back to Vikedal with her family and joined Omega 365 Areal in Ølensvåg. The combination of local involvement, professional challenges, and close collaboration with colleagues is still something she values highly in her working life.
Over the years, she has taken part in a wide range of development processes and continues to gain insight into new areas of expertise.
“I’m still learning a great deal, especially through discussions across disciplines and projects. It helps build understanding and offers new perspectives,” she says.
Openness, dialogue, and professional growth
In her work with clients, she wants Omega 365 Protek to be a partner that listens, understands their challenges, and delivers solutions that are practical and aligned with regulatory requirements. In her view, open and constructive dialogue is essential to achieving good outcomes.
Internally, she places strong emphasis on a working environment marked by openness, respect, and knowledge sharing.
“It matters that people feel their contributions are valued and that there is space to ask questions and learn from one another,” she says.
She also highlights the importance of welcoming new colleagues into the department. Fresh perspectives and experience bring valuable input, and she wants these to be met with curiosity and professional interest.
The Ølensvåg team is made up of people with broad and complementary expertise, enabling short decision-making paths and constructive discussions within projects. At the same time, the team works closely with colleagues across the other offices.
“There is always someone to spar with, whether locally or across the organization,” Kjerstina says.
Over the years, Kjerstina has taken part in a wide range of development processes.