The name GRUNER&FRIENDS is a statement about our office philosophy. FRIENDS stands for the people who shape our office every day: our core team in Basel of around 25 people, and the worldwide freelancers (approx. 10 people). For us, architecture is a collective journey. Ideas are stronger when shared, and projects grow through the contributions of many. We at GRUNER&FRIENDS embody this belief, making visible the values that define our culture: collaboration, trust, and the power of working together.
team


swiss core TEAM
Patrice Gruner
Founder, CEO & Creative Director

MSc ETH | SIA ARB
patrice@grunerfriends.com+41 78 642 07 28Patrice has successfully led our office of international creatives and realized projects ranging from small to large scale. 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.
Jose Gonzalez Menendez
Senior Project & Data Center Lead

MArch ETSAM | ARB
jose@grunerfriends.com+41 61 551 95 52With 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.
Sergi Egea
Project Leader

MA Arch. Dipl. Bauing.
sergi@grunerfriends.com+41 61 551 95 53With a dual background in architecture and building engineering, Sergi brings extensive professional experience in Switzerland, Germany, and Spain. Alongside leading complex architectural projects, he has contributed to academic discourse in sustainable design and construction as part of university-based teaching. His work bridges practice and research, combining technical precision, conceptual depth, and project management expertise to ensure every project realizes its fullest potential, from initial concept to final handover.
Giulia Vercelli
Project Leader

MArch POLITO
giulia@grunerfriends.com+41 61 551 95 78Giulia is an italian architect with a dual education in Italy (Politecnico di Torino) and Brazil (Unicamp). She combines several years of professional experience in Germany with a strong interest in the execution and detailing phases of projects, as well as in multidisciplinary coordination. Throughout her international career, she worked as a researcher in the fields of urban morphology and cultural heritage at the Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), before moving into architectural design and the refurbishment of large-scale residential and office complexes in Berlin. Her experience in two major cities, São Paulo and Berlin, has further shaped her interest in social issues, particularly in adaptive reuse and social housing.
Vivianne Rohner
Chief of Staff & Communications

Dipl. Executive Assistant, CAS Strategic Communications Mgmt.
vivianne@grunerfriends.com+41 61 551 95 51Born and raised in Basel, Vivianne holds a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Strategic Communications Management and a Federal Diploma as Executive Assistant. With several years of experience as CEO Assistant and Chief of Staff in Basel's architecture sector, she has developed a genuine understanding of architectural practice and the specific demands placed on leadership in this field. This insight, combined with her background in communication and operations, enables her to act as Patrice's right hand and trusted sparring partner — steering a range of strategic areas and projects while shaping the firm's strategic communications to help it reach its full potential.
Andreas Hell
Consultant

Dipl. Ing. Architekt TU | SIA
andreas@grunerfriends.comWith 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.
DANIELA LARBALESTIER
Architect

MArch GRE I MAS ETH
daniela@grunerfriends.com+41 61 551 95 62Passionate about innovation and sustainability in architecture, her work is shaped by an interest in how emerging technologies can support environmentally responsible design and construction. With a focus on computational design, she integrates digital processes into architectural practice with a strong sensitivity to materiality and spatial quality. She gained professional experience in Switzerland, contributing to residential projects of various scales and working across all design phases, from concept development to execution planning.
MIGUEL GARCÍA JIMÉNEZ
Architect

MArch UEV
miguel@grunerfriends.com+41 61 551 95 58Miguel is an architect from Spain with experience in project development, combining a creative vision with a strong technical foundation. He has worked on execution phases, coordination tasks, and the production of detailed documentation. His interest in rigorous design and attention to detail is reflected in the way he approaches each project, applying BIM methodologies with precision and a clear focus on buildability.
Candela Bonilla Moreno
Architect

MArch ETSAM
candela@grunerfriends.com+41 61 551 95 65Candela is an Spanish architect with experience designing and coordinating projects ranging from small to large scale across diverse typologies. She approaches architecture transversally, from conceptual creativity to technical detailing, integrating vision and precision throughout the process, always placing emphasis on society and sustainability, while remaining committed to upholding architectural quality.
Yaroslava Bielykh
Architect

M.A. BFH
yaroslava@grunerfriends.com+41 61 551 95 64Yaroslava is an architect from Ukraine holding a Master of Arts in Architecture from the Bern University of Applied Sciences, with a focus on regenerative architecture and wood. Her work combines design, strategy, and visual communication, spanning projects of various scales. Her approach is grounded in sustainability, clarity, and rational thinking, aiming to create thoughtful and enduring architectural solutions.
Claudia Melchor del Rio
Social Media Specialist & Content Creator

M.A. Architecture, TU Munich
claudia@grunerfriends.com+41 61 551 95 54Claudia is an architect and researcher working at the intersection of architecture, culture and critical spatial practice. Her interests range from architectural history and curatorial practice to participatory design, with a particular focus on how spaces shape social and cultural life. Alongside her work at GRUNER&FRIENDS, she co-runs an independent architectural practice focused on adaptive reuse and the transformation of historic buildings. She has also taught at university level and develops independent academic and cultural projects. At GRUNER&FRIENDS, she works across content and social media.
Sara Annala
Architect

MSc Arch TUNI
sara@grunerfriends.com+41 61 551 95 68Sara is a Finnish architect with versatile professional experience in architectural practice, teaching, and research. She is passionate about weaving storytelling into architecture and developing projects that are rooted in context, meaningful, holistic, and engaging.
Andrei Culinescu
Architect

MArch UAUIM
andrei@grunerfriends.com+41 61 551 95 75Andrei is an architect with professional experience in Romania and Germany, with a background in large-scale residential projects. His experience combines architectural design with a strong technical focus, including project development, detailed construction documentation, BIM coordination, and multidisciplinary collaboration across all project phases.
Fernando Lodares
Architect

MArch UEM
fernando@grunerfriends.com+41 61 551 95 69Spanish architect with experience across various phases, from early design stages through detailed execution and on-site coordination. Fernando’s approach to architecture seeks to combine clear architectural concepts and structural logic, exploring the relationship between program, form and construction, through coherent design solutions.
Mihaela Sologon
Architect

MArch UoG
mihaela@grunerfriends.com+41 61 551 95 73Originally from Romania, Mihaela is an internationally experienced architect who has overseen projects throughout the UK, the US, and Europe. Dedicated to design excellence, her expertise spans all project phases, from early concept proposals and masterplanning to developing technical packages and site coordination. Grounded in sensory awareness, her work shapes meaningful environments designed through human perception.
Oskar Czajkowski
Architect

MSc Arch. Dip. PolSl
oskar@grunerfriends.com+41 61 551 95 63Oskar gained experience as an Architect in Poland, Canada, and Switzerland. His work is shaped by the belief that design reflects its socio-economic context. Architecture is a dynamic, ever-evolving response to cultural, economic, and environmental forces, and he strives to create solutions that remain adaptive, responsible, and meaningful for the communities they serve.
Sean Pasquier
Architect

M.Sc. EPFL, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne
sean@grunerfriends.com+41 61 551 95 72coming soon.
Hélène Finazzo
Architect

Andrada Gaman
Architect

MArch UAUIM
andrada@grunerfriends.com+41 61 551 95 55Andrada earned her degree in architecture at Ion Mincu University in Bucharest, where she built a solid foundation in design and spatial thinking. During the Solar Decathlon 21/22, she was involved in the design and construction of an experimental housing prototype, gaining hands-on experience with interdisciplinary teamwork and sustainable planning. Her approach combines clear analysis with an intuitive sense of space, shaped by a desire to create architecture that is functional, meaningful and quietly expressive.
Nerijus Zulkus
Architect

Dipl. Ar. SUPSI
nerijus@grunerfriends.com+41 61 551 95 67Nerijus grew up between Italy, Switzerland and Norway, where he discovered his passion for architecture following an experience in the carpentry sector. He graduated from SUPSI in Mendrisio. During his professional experience, he has taken part in several public competition entries and contributed to the development and realization of projects in Ticino. The importance of the initial conceptual idea, combined with a strong attention to its transformation into precise final detailing, defines his approach and character as a designer.
Andreea Mocanu
Architect

MArch MSA
andreea@grunerfriends.com+41 61 551 95 79Andreea completed her degree in architecture at Manchester School of Architecture, developing a strong interest in residential design and materiality. She gained professional experience in Romania, where she held responsibilities for technical design, and BIM coordination. Her approach to architecture is driven by materiality, heritage and carefully detailed spaces that respond to people and place.
Nikola Andračić
Architect

MArch AF
nikola@grunerfriends.com+41 61 551 95 57Nikola is an architect educated at the University of Zagreb, with experience in Croatia and a background spanning projects of various scales, from small-scale interiors to large developments. He combines a strong design approach with attention to technical detail, construction processes, and the practical execution of projects from design through to completion.
Ajdin Sejfulahi
Zeichner EFZ

Swiss Federal VET Diploma in Architectural Drafting
ajdin@grunerfriends.com+41 61 551 95 59coming soon.
Teresa Maciel
Architect

MArch FAUP
teresa@grunerfriends.com+41 61 551 95 71Teresa is an architect with a background in communication design and a particular interest in the social dimension of architecture. She graduated from the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Porto, where her master’s research explored the relationship between architectural space, well being, and healthcare environments. Her approach is shaped by critical thinking, visual sensitivity, and attention to spatial experience, with interests centered on housing, healthcare-related environments, and visual representation.
Bohdan Konetsul
Architect

MArch KNUCA
bohdan@grunerfriends.comBohdan is a Ukrainian architect holding a Master's degree in Architecture from KNUCA. His academic and professional experience spans architectural design, research, and interdisciplinary projects of various scales. He has a particular interest in the relationship between architecture, well-being, and the healing potential of space. Guided by a clear design methodology and sustainable principles, he seeks to create thoughtful environments that respond to both people and place.
Pablo Otero
Architect

MArch UAH
pablo@grunerfriends.com+41 61 551 95 66Pablo is a Spanish architect with a curious mind and a passion for exploring new ideas, places, and perspectives. His experience across different areas of architecture has developed his interest in how people interact with spaces and how design can influence everyday life. He enjoys working in multicultural environments, exchanging ideas, and approaching each project as an opportunity to learn and explore new possibilities. His curiosity and enthusiasm for discovering different perspectives continually shape how he understands and approaches architecture.
Miguel Ángel López
Architect

B. A. UNIZAR
miguel-angel@grunerfriends.comMiguel Ángel is an architect from Spain with a multidisciplinary background spanning architecture, art collectives, and public storytelling. He has experience developing creative projects across multiple formats, from conceptual exhibitions to audiovisual narratives, and collaborating with artists, performers, and designers. Passionate about critical design, spatial thinking, and precise construction language, he uses architecture as a tool to convey social and poetic narratives. A fluent communicator in both public and editorial contexts, he brings a strong eye for composition and narrative clarity.
Louis Chaudouet
Architect

collaborators
Current and previous
Agnes Pap, Ajdin Sejfulahi, Andrada Gaman, Andrea Suardi, Andreas Hell, Andreea Mocanu, Andrei Culinescu, Anna Bijak, Bianca Arciero, Bohdan Konetsul, Calvin Sin, Candela Bonilla Moreno, Chiara Storino, Claudia Melchor, Daniel Christev, Daniela Larbalestier, Diego Martinez, Eleonora Lattanzi, Fernando Lodares, George Floroiu, Giada Prosperi, Giulia Vercelli, Jakub Tomaszczyk, Javier Saucedo, Jesus Ramirez, José Gonzalez Menendez, Julian Leuenberger, Julienne Zürn, Kamile Kesylyte, Kristina Schramm, Krzysztof Marciszewski
Leandro Waquim, Lewis Booth, Lisa Wyrwoll, Luca Genualdo, Marta Carrasco, Miguel Ángel López, Mihaela Sologon, Miguel García Jiménez, Nafe J. Nafe, Nerijus Zulkus, Neus Perez, Nicolas Hugentobler, Nikola Andračić, Noemie Reiwald, Oliver Bussmann, Oriol Jutglar, Oskar Czajkowski, Pablo Fernandez, Pablo Otero, Panos Dimakidis, Patrice Gruner, Patrick Biland
Rahul Girish, Raoul Skrein, Rosario Pastore, Sara Annala, Sara del Valle, Sarah Bass, Sebastian Merino, Sergi Egea, Shin Jinho, Simone Paro, Sofiia Rokhmaniiko, Sun Choi, Tahnee Rutter, Teresa Maciel de Oliveira, Tom Benson, Tosca Audouin, Viviana Di Nicola, Vivianne Rohner, Wissam Wahbeh, Wladimir Pulupa, Wojciech Karnowka, Yaroslava Bielykh