KADK graduates get ideas, test new concepts and reinvent methods and processes. They create unique value, whether they start their own business, or work in the private sector or for the state and local municipalities. Meet Tobias Mürsch, who owns the design studio, WERKT. Read about how he ended up here.
I have my own studio … so I work a lot on concept development, client meetings and business development. We are about to merge two companies to become a turnkey contractor, capable of both designing and building a project.
Today I attended a development meeting … about a new project with other architects, engineers and developers. Then I visited a construction site, and now I’m back in the studio, where I have to write some emails and plan some of the things on my to-do list. There is a model that needs to be made, and then I have to speak to the other people in the studio about their tasks and offer a bit of feedback.
I love being able to work on all the different facets of the job. It is not just about designing and competition. It is more fun being able to get my fingers dirty on the construction site and speak to the workmen.
It can be a huge challenge… collaborating across disciplines. There are different traditions in all disciplines. But I also trained as a cabinetmaker, so I have a slightly different approach to “talking over the fence” from other architects. I also think it is an architect’s job to explain a project so that everyone understands it.
My interest in design started in my teens … and I thought I would be a designer. But I got the impression that everyone who was admitted showed up with a huge portfolio of designs. So I thought I would start somewhere, where I would learn about materials and manufacturing processes and about working in a workshop. So I trained as a cabinetmaker. But it was never my ultimate goal, and during my training my interest shifted from design to architecture. When I was admitted in the Architecture School, I was very focused and worked hard to do well and learn a lot.
The most important thing I learned was concept development … and how to present a project. Of course, the craftsmanship itself is the essential aspect, but you need to be able to stand up and describe to people why a project looks the way it does. I do it all the time.
In my company we try to hire people who also have a background other than architecture. This creates a more dynamic environment. So I would also advise students to try and get involved in things other than their studies ads early as possible.
Get a business partner from KADK
At KADK the business community is a close business partner. The School has a long tradition of partnerships with companies and institutions that benefit from the expertise of our students and graduates. There are countless opportunities for working together with a student from KADK.
