Carsten Hilgendorf
Architect
'I believe in a holistic approach, in which urban planning, landscape architecture, materiality, detailing - as well as process, technology, and feasibility - are all in balance.'
My architectural journey began in Germany, where I completed my studies in Architecture in the late 1990s. I broadened my horizons in the Netherlands and Australia. In Australia, I was confronted with the challenges of buildings that were poorly insulated yet filled with air conditioning systems—this sparked my fascination with healthy, climate-adaptive architecture. Inspired by the sustainable approach I had already encountered in the Netherlands, I returned to Europe in 2003. Here, I co-founded HOH Architecten, focusing on timber construction, working with existing structures, and circular building methods. At the end of 2024, I joined Paul de Ruiter Architects, drawn by our shared vision of integrated architecture—where sustainability and refined detailing go hand in hand. I also truly value the synergy I experience here between young and seasoned talent; that’s essential for developing innovative and sustainable architecture.