Sigurdsson grew up in Iceland and graduated as an architect from Finland in 1966. He pursued an international career that took him to the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and the U.S. His assignments ranged from construction of the palace and harem of the ruler of Abu Dhabi to building schools in developing countries in Africa and elsewhere. He has worked for several aid agencies, including UNESCO and the World Bank. Viking Voyager: An Icelandic Memoir is his memoir, which he co-wrote with his wife, Veronica Li. She's the author of three published books.