2_1_DiscoverGermany_August2014_Issue17:Scan Magazine 1
31/7/14
14:27
Page 16
© Erika Koch
EHRICHarchitekten
Architect of the Month Germany
Unique buildings as a rule of thumb At EHRICHarchitekten, unusual challenges are not simply welcomed; they’re a prerequisite to make architecture a fun, rewarding business to work in. By listening closely to clients' wishes and gaining their respect by delivering high-quality projects, the Düsseldorf-based architecture firm has made a name for itself throughout Germany. TEXT: JULIKA HÜTHER | PHOTOS: EHRICH ARCHITEKTEN
The company was founded in 2009 by Thorsten Ehrich, who studied architecture at RWTH Aachen University. After training to be a carpenter, Ehrich subsequently worked at and co-owned other architectural offices before launching his own company. After only five years in business, EHRICHarchitekten now counts ten architects and is steadily growing. The diverse pool of talent enables the company to plan and realise projects in their entirety from an urban planning context to architecture and interior design. Services offered include project development, location studies and analysis of usage and fea-
16 | Issue 17 | August 2014
sibility as well as area and structural assessments. Classical architectural planning tasks stretch from planning and building offices, shops and private properties to refurbishment, revitalisations and exclusive interior design. Based on this holistic approach, projects are tackled to ensure every little detail matches the respective concept in full. “Our aim is to develop a harmonic ensemble together with the client, drawing on the original task, the draft and the architectural stance,” says management assistant Antje Baumeister. “Regardless of the task, we always implement the given and ensure that
everything adds up to create an integral, custom-made building.” A symbiotic work ethic EHRICHarchitekten believe in what they do best – tackling unique projects. Their building sites can be found in several places in Germany, although most of them are in and around Düsseldorf. Proximity enables them to work more intensely and therefore more economically. Most of their clients are mid-sized businesses, which they call the most important pillar of the German economy and a guarantor for quality. Ehrich himself draws a direct connection between the project and the customer: “The quality of my work is reflected in the quality of my clients.” By delivering outstanding projects, EHRICHarchitekten constantly gain the respect and trust of new clients, who in turn repay the favour by recommending the architectural firm to other