PEOPLE

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.

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.

With 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.

Born and raised in Basel, Vivianne holds a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Strategic Communication Management and a Federal Diploma as Executive Assistant. With four 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 administration, enables her to lead the CEO Office with precision and purpose; streamlining operations and strengthening strategic communication to help the firm reach its full potential.

Patrick has experience as a project leader in user experience, user interface, and marketing. His background as a certified photographer has shaped his keen eye for aesthetics and visual storytelling.

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.

Marta is an architect from Spain with experience in international and private design practices. Her work spans projects of different scales, from public-use buildings to housing, with a particular focus on residential architecture. Within this field, she has coordinated different project stages, including concept design, planning approvals, and the development of execution documentation and cost management. Her approach is defined by clarity and a sensitive understanding of space.

Passionate 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.

Having shaped large-scale projects from Barcelona, New York and Switzerland, Oriol’s vision sits at the intersection of urban planning, culture, and design. His work balances professional rigor with creative thinking, informed by a hands-on, results-driven approach and strong engagement in art and cultural initiatives. He values clarity, collaboration, and ideas that translate into lasting urban and social impact.

Miguel 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.

Yaroslava 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.

Wladimir is a multidisciplinary architect and researcher specializing in the integration of architectural design and academic inquiry. He has international experience across Switzerland, Spain, and Portugal, focusing on urban design, housing, and sustainable development. His work encompasses large-scale urban and master planning projects, managing all stages from concept to execution, with an interdisciplinary approach that blends technical rigor and critical analysis.

Candela 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.

Oskar 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.

Agnes holds a strong foundation in Architecture and Urban Design from the University of Innsbruck, Austria. Passionate about meaningful design, she aims to create high-quality solutions that positively impact lives. With a strong interest in architecture, urban design, and the public realm, she is eager to engage in real-world projects, grow with a talented team, and contribute to innovative work that addresses today’s societal needs.

Andrada 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 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.

Lisa earned her architectural degree at HTWG Konstanz and combines creative vision with precision down to detail. With experience in architectural practice and research, she works on projects of various scales, blending conceptual creativity with technical understanding. Her work creates spaces where design and functionality reinforce each other, generating lasting value for people and their environments.

Italian architect with professional experience in international studios across Europe and Mexico, contributing to projects from early concept stages through design development and detailing. His interests lie in the relationship between design, architecture and collective processes.

Sara 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.

Spanish 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.