Meet Stefan

What do you enjoy most about working at Henning Larsen?

I really appreciate the varied multidisciplinary collaboration where people with different professional backgrounds - whether water experts, landscape architects, architects, urban planners, computational designers and the list goes on - all work together on projects for sustainable living spaces and healthy environments. This really inspires me. 

I truly enjoy being a part of a culture where there’s a shared drive and commitment to innovate. We thrive on the exchange of perspectives and the fusion of ideas, knowing that it's through this collaborative spirit that we can truly make a difference. 

What motivates you in your work?

I find great motivation in our philosophy, the team and its common understanding that water is essential - not only for humans but for a prosperaty of our green and productive landscape and for a balanced climate. Within this environment, I value the trust and support to work together on projects and with clients that align with our visions. Our projects are characterized by their long-term nature, often spanning two to five or more years. This duration allows for the establishment of long-term relationships with clients, nurtured from the outset through our inclusive culture and collaborative approach. 

We view ourselves as partners for our customers and all those involved. I always appreciate it when we are able to work on inspiring projects within a highly motivated team. And there is always a taste of a new adventure on blue and green, coupled with innovative discoveries, where the journey, or rather the transformation, from the initial concept to the tangible result, will end.

Which projects are you particularly proud of? 

Since I started in October 1995, we have been working on sponge city model projects in which innovative elements of the blue-green infrastructure have been applied on a small and large scale and which we have been able to develop into a standard for modern urban water management in projects worldwide to this day.

Our projects are milestones not just for our office. They are important destinations for authorities, experts, and builders and they serve as practical examples for research projects in which we were actively involved. It has already been proven here that climate-adapted building and improving biodiversity with the help of nature-based solutions in the form of blue-green infrastructure have been working for more than 20 years. 

For me, there are several personal milestones: the conversion of the former barracks area in Scharnhauser Park in Ostfildern near Stuttgart or the former industrial area in Arkadien Winnenden. There are a lot of places worth seeing, e.g. the urban water bodies with rainwater harvesting at Potsdamer Platz in Berlin and the Alnatura Campus in Darmstadt are highlights of integrated climate adaptation in architecture. They are places where an oasis now flourishes where the water previously disappeared.

Looking back on your time with Henning Larsen, how have you grown in your role and developed your skills?

As I took on more responsibility over the years, I’ve developed my skills through people development, teaching, and training – helping new colleagues learn and grow, as I continue to learn and grow. I’ve also been trained and am training others to be very agile in their work, so we’re equipped to effectively respond to project challenges such as design revisions, changes in budget or client wishes. It’s so rewarding to share what I know now, helping others realize their own potential and grow in their respective roles too.