What is and does an Architectural Office?

The main task of an architectural office is the design, technical and economic planning of buildings, e.g. sustainable high-rise buildings. The architectural laws of the federal states define the professional task, although these may differ in certain aspects. Likewise, certain specializations within general architecture differ. For example, it is possible to specialize in landscape architecture or interior design.

The profession is represented and supervised by the state chambers of architects. Likewise, admission to the Chamber of Architects is only permitted through a recognized course of study. Such courses are usually found at universities or universities of applied sciences.

If a construction project is intended, the addition of an architect is not required by law. There are also construction projects that can be carried out without an architect, depending on their size and complexity. However, architects are indispensable if a building is subject to approval. This is the case when a building application has to be submitted to the authorities and approved in order to obtain a building permit.

The tasks of an architect depend very much on the respective building project. In this context, he represents the interests of the builder, which can be public or private. Depending on this, the activity of the architect can take shape. It is important that there is a high degree of trust between the client and the architect’s office. Accordingly, a client must choose an architectural office with great care.

In Frankfurt am Main alone, there are countless architectural firms, such as Mäckler, Albert Speer or KSP Engel. Furthermore, Stefan Forster, CYRUS or Moser Assoziierte are part of the well-known Frankfurt architectural scene. In Germany in 2020, there were over 38,000 firms, among which are well-known German architects such as Jürgen Mayer-Hermann, Max Dudler, Finckh Architekten as well as Graft Lab. Also to be mentioned here are the offices of Schneider+Schumacher or Hadi Teherani. Due to the large number, competitions and tenders are highly sought after and larger projects are fought over.

Frankfurt is home to a large number of the tallest and largest buildings in which renowned architectural firms are or were involved. For example, Ferdinand Heide prevailed with his design of the Millenium Tower at the end of 2021. For the ONE Tower, the MEURER architectural firm won the competition. The Frankfurt-based architectural firm Meixner Schlüter Wendt is responsible for the tower at police headquarters.

The SKYLINE ATLAS spoke with important architects from Frankfurt about, among other things, the challenges of modern architecture, the demands on successful public spaces, and the future of the Rhine-Main area.

Stefan Forster (Architect für residental construction)

Prof. Christoph Mäckler (Architect and Urban Designer)