GRUNER&FRIENDS is an international practice specializing in architecture, urbanism, research and design, based in the city center of Basel, Switzerland.
Under the leadership of Patrice Gruner, the office operates worldwide and has established a strong national and international presence.
Through their roles as project leaders, Patrice and his team have successfully overseen numerous large-scale developments in Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East.
The brand GRUNER&FRIENDS represents Swiss quality, precision and innovation combined with a fine sense for the arts.
We believe that architecture has a major impact on society and everyone’s lives. We have with every project a great chance to improve our environment sustainably. We, together with our clients and teams have the power to make a significant difference. Our mission is to give our best every day and add the greatest possible value to every project. We achieve this by creating outstanding concepts with unique stories. We inspire and bring people together. We care.
We work with an ambitious, dynamic, and international core team in Basel. We additionally have an excellent network of talents around the globe which makes us flexible. We collaborate with freelancers, who are experts in their fields and also teach at renowned architecture institutions such as the MIT in Boston, UCLA in Los Angeles, or ETH in Zurich. Our international teamand network are the key forces for our challenging projects.
We unite high standards for the quality of our designs, sustainability, and contacts. We enjoy the exciting collaborations with our clients and guide them individually from the initial idea to completion. We always achieve the best result together with a strong bond and trust.
We‘re firm believers in new technologies. We‘re convinced that using the latest design software such as Revit and design support tools like BIM (Building Information Modeling), AI (Artificial Intelligence), 3D modeling and Virtual Reality (VR) will lead to the best possible design and energy-efficient options.
We highly respect the natural environment and perceive sustainability as a key factor in our current and future projects. Thus we constantly advance in the re-use of materials, the addition of green spaces and the integration of resource-saving elements in our projects.
We stand for an open-minded approach, think beyond architecture, and constantly explore new fields with the Creative Lab. We love designing from large to small-scale concepts for architecture and projects in other fields.
CONCEPT & DESIGN
REFURBISHMENT
BIM PLANNING
URBAN PLANNING
COMPETITIONS
RESEARCH
ART INSTALLATIONS
DESIGN
FILM MAKING
GENERATIVE DESIGN
COMPETENCIES
CONCEPT & DESIGN
LANDSCAPE
URBAN PLANNING
BIM PLANNING
STUDIES & COMPETITIONS
RESEARCH
ART INSTALLATIONS
PRODUCT DESIGN
FILM MAKING
GENERATIVE DESIGN
GRUNER&FRIENDS develops multi-scale projects within a network of international specialists and partners in close cooperation with our clients.
Through careful research, the office identifies the physical (site) and nonphysical (cultural, economical, social) CONTEXT in order to create unique CONCEPTS. The design process evolves into architecture with distinctive CONTENT, which adds value to contemporary life.
In the Creative Lab, the office is advancing beyond architecture. In multidisciplinary projects we‘re combining domains suchas arts, design, film, research and technology. To optimize our designs, we collect data from the site and its environment inorder to create, evaluate, and optimize our designs. This process is focused on the project views, surfaces, areas and cost. Through this method, we can create valuable spaces, smarter designs, and enjoyable atmospheres. GRUNER&FRIENDS moves further into unexplored fields to develop pioneering approaches.
The GRUNER&FRIENDS core team is based in Basel, from where the firm operates worldwide, leading our network of international FRIENDS and collaborators around the globe. FRIENDS stands for everyone in this key core team as well as those in ournetwork partners, experts and clients who are constantly committed to outstanding excellence. GRUNER&FRIENDS‘ team ethos allows for scalability depending on the particular design requirements. Our networked approach brings a new level ofefficiency, flexibility and dynamism to all our creative processes we are engaged in.
Founder & CEO | MSc ETH SIA ARB
Patrice, the founder and CEO of GRUNER&FRIENDS, established his innovative architectural practice in his hometown of Basel in 2017. Since the founding, he‘s successfully leading his company of international creatives and realized small to large-scale projects with the architecture office and creative lab. He gained valuable experiences at renowned offices such as Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) in Copenhagen, Ole Sheeren in Beijing, and Burckhardt Architecture in Basel. The forward-thinking design philosophies of these esteemed offices have profoundly influenced Patrice's architectural mindset and approach, fueling his commitment to innovation.
patrice@grunerfriends.com
0041 78 642 07 28
ANDREAS HELL
Partner, Dipl. Ing, Architekt TU | SIA
With profound experience spanning over 30 years, Andreas is an architect who has honed his expertise at renowned firms like Foster + Partners and Murphy / Jahn. His role within projects is vital, as he adeptly manages project requirements and balances the design intent with the practical considerations of execution. Andreas's extensive experience and project management knowledge make him an invaluable asset to our team.
andreas@grunerfriends.com
NAFE J. NAFE
Lead Architect, BSc Arch GJU | LEED GA | PMP
Nafe is an all-around-architect with more than 12 years of experience in the field. With an impressive background spanning across Jordan, the UK and Saudi Arabia, he has cultivated a rich expertise in architectural design. Since joining the team, he has proven to be an important asset, consistently delivering outstanding results on projects of varying scales and complexities.
nafe@grunerfriends.com
JOSE GONZALEZ MENENDEZ
Project Manager, MArch ETSAM | ARB
With a wealth of experience in the UK, Spain, and Switzerland, Jose is a highly experienced project manager renowned for successfully leading projects of varied scales. His expertise traverses all phases of design and construction. Jose's holistic understanding of the architectural process ensures the successful realization of projects under his guidance.
jose@grunerfriends.com
KAMILE KESYLYTE
Architect | MArch | MLA I ARB
Kamile brings a dual profile in architecture and landscape architecture, providing our team with a rich blend of expertise. Her experience at the Swiss landscape architecture office Studio Vulkan and at British architecture practices has fostered her passion for placemaking and sustainable design.
kamile@grunerfriends.com
KRISTINA SCHRAMM
Architect | MSc ITECH
Kristina brings a unique specialization in Computational Design and Integrative Technologies, acquired through her studies and work experience at the renowned Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). Her expertise lies in implementing digital tools to design more sustainable projects, pushing the boundaries of architectural innovation.
kristina@grunerfriends.com
LEANDRO WAQUIM
Architect | MSc Architect ETSAM | COAM
As a specialized BIM architect with experience in both Swiss and Spanish projects, Leandro applies the power of Building Information Modeling software to optimize design outcomes and prioritize energy efficiency. His proficient use of advanced technological tools enables us to achieve sustainable and energy-saving projects.
leandro@grunerfriends.com
SIMONE PARO
Architect | MArch
Simone's educational background in Architecture for Sustainable Design in Torino and expertise in sustainability concepts make him an invaluable team member. He firmly believes in the architect's responsibility to carefully select materials and building systems that meet the needs of today while ensuring a sustainable future.
simone@grunerfriends.com
Current & Previous
Andrea Suardi, Andreas Hell, Anna Bijak, Bianca Arciero, Booth Lewis, Calvin Sin, Chiara Storino, Daniel Christev, Diego Martinez, Jakub Tomaszczyk, José Gonzalez Menendez, Julian Leuenberger, Julienne Zürn
Kamile Kesylyte, Kristina Schramm, Krzysztof Marciszewski, Leandro Waquim, Nafe J. Nafe, Neus Perez, Nicolas Hugentobler, Noemie Reiwald, Oliver Bussmann, Pablo Fernandez, Panos Dimakidis, Patrice Gruner
Rahul Girish, Raoul Skrein, Rosario Pastore, Sara del Valle, Sarah Bass, Shin Jinho, Simone Paro, Sofiia Rokhmaniiko, Sun Choi, Tom Benson, Tosca Audouin, Viviana Di Nicola, Wissam Wahbeh, Wojciech Karnowka
Andrea Suardi, Andreas Hell, Anna Bijak, Bianca Arciero, Booth Lewis, Calvin Sin Chiara Storino, Daniel Christev, Diego Martinez, Jakub Tomaszczyk, José Gonzales Menendez, Julian Leuenberger, Julienne Zürn, Kamile Kesylyte, Kristina Schramm, Krzysztof Marciszewski, Leandro Waquim, Nafe J. Nafe, Neus Perez, Nicolas Hugentobler, Noemie Reiwald, Oliver Bussmann, Pablo Fernandez, Panos Dimakidis, Patrice Gruner, Rahul Girish, Raoul Skrein, Rosario Pastore, Sara del Valle, Sarah Bass, Shin Jinho, Simone Paro, Sofiia Rokhmaniiko, Sun Choi, Tom Benson, Tosca Audouin, Viviana Di Nicola, Wissam Wahbeh, Wojciech Karnowka
GET IN TOUCH!
GRUNER&FRIENDS International Ltd
Architecture and Creative Lab
Bäumleingasse 18 | 4051 Basel | Switzerland
0041 61 691 02 24
office@grunerfriends.com
