Aksel is a researcher with the knowledge cluster Smart Sustainable Cities and the EU-initiative New European Bauhaus at NTNU. He has previously taught as a part-time lecturer in the architecture program.

Aksel is an architect with a master's degree from NTNU and École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris-Belleville, and he also holds a bachelor's degree in economics. In recent years, he has run his own practice, including urban and rural design projects in Norwegian cities and towns. In 2021, he won the Newcomer Award from Design and Architecture Norway.