Business Details
18 Years
experience
Innovative Architectural Design Solutions
Founded in 2008, HWKN is an international architectural innovation firm headquartered in New York City. Led by Founding Principal Matthias Hollwich and partners Jessica Knobloch, Dorin Baul, Robert May, and Olga Snowden, we specialize in creating future-forward architecture that transcends traditional logic. Our approach merges AI's fearless creativity with our curatorial expertise to design buildings, neighborhoods, and installations that inspire and endure. With collaborating offices in Munich, Miami, Berlin, Riyadh, and London, we address contemporary challenges through forward-thinking typologies that deliver unforgettable experiences. Recognized in Fast Company's ranking of the world's top 10 most innovative architects, we prioritize human-centric design, ensuring our work resonates with people, communities, and investors alike.Our portfolio spans residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors, emphasizing distinction through unconventional solutions. We believe architecture should evoke emotion, blending historical context with modern innovation to create spaces with soul. Our team's expertise in navigating regulated environments enables us to maximize design potential while maintaining practical functionality. By mapping new opportunities and establishing progressive architectural models, we craft environments that adapt to evolving needs. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in every project, from conceptualization to realization, ensuring each space we design leaves a lasting impact.
Services
Architectural Design
AI-Driven Concepts
Residential Condos
Hotel Architecture
Office Spaces
Neighborhood Development
Innovative Typologies
Future-Forward Solutions
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We have over 17 years of experience in future-forward architectural innovation.
- Our team merges AI creativity with expert curatorial vision for unique solutions.
- We maintain collaborating offices across six global cities for localized insights.
- Recognized in Fast Company's top 10 most innovative architectural firms worldwide.
- Our work balances unconventional design with practical functionality and soul.
Services
Architectural Design
We create innovative architectural solutions that merge AI-driven creativity with human expertise. Our designs prioritize functionality while evoking emotional connections through unique forms and materials. Each project balances futuristic vision with practical considerations, ensuring spaces adapt to evolving needs while maintaining timeless appeal.
AI-Driven Concepts
Our AI-assisted design process generates unconventional solutions that challenge traditional architecture. By leveraging algorithmic creativity, we explore new typologies and spatial configurations that optimize efficiency while maintaining artistic integrity across residential and commercial projects.
Residential Condos
We design branded residential condominiums that reflect personalization and modern living standards. Our approach combines market trends with distinctive aesthetics, creating communities that offer both luxury and functional spaces tailored to contemporary lifestyles.
Hotel Architecture
Our hotel projects create immersive hospitality experiences through innovative spatial planning and thematic storytelling. We design environments that balance guest comfort with operational efficiency, establishing memorable brand identities through architectural expression and AI-enhanced conceptualization.
Neighborhood Development
We develop holistic neighborhood plans that integrate mixed-use spaces with sustainable infrastructure. Our approach prioritizes community engagement, creating walkable environments that combine residential, commercial, and recreational areas to foster vibrant, future-ready urban ecosystems.
People
Matthias Hollwich
Founding Principal
Architect and co-founder of HWKN, Matthias Hollwich pioneers AI-integrated design solutions with 17 years of experience in future-forward architecture. His work focuses on creating emotionally resonant spaces that balance innovation with practicality.
Jessica Knobloch
Partner
Partner Jessica Knobloch leads HWKN's European projects, bridging cultural contexts with technological innovation. She specializes in transforming regulatory challenges into design opportunities for mixed-use developments across three continents.
Dorin Baul
Partner
Partner Dorin Baul directs HWKN's Middle Eastern operations, focusing on sustainable urban development. His expertise lies in merging traditional architectural elements with AI-generated forms to create climate-responsive structures in high-growth regions.
Robert May
Partner
Partner Robert May specializes in AI-assisted typology development, creating adaptable building systems that address evolving urban needs. He leads HWKN's research initiatives on future-ready architectural frameworks for commercial applications.
Olga Snowden
Partner
Partner Olga Snowden oversees HWKN's hospitality sector projects, combining data-driven design with sensory experiences. Her work focuses on creating memorable guest environments through algorithmically optimized spatial narratives in hotel architecture.
Questions
What makes HWKN's architectural approach unique?
We combine AI's fearless creativity with human curatorial expertise to create buildings that balance innovation with emotional resonance, addressing both functional needs and soulful design.
In which regions does HWKN operate?
We maintain collaborating offices in New York City, Munich, Miami, Berlin, Riyadh, and London, serving clients across North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
What building typologies does HWKN specialize in?
We develop forward-thinking solutions for residential condos, hospitality projects, office spaces, and mixed-use neighborhoods that adapt to evolving urban requirements.
How does HWKN integrate AI into architectural design?
Our AI-assisted process generates unconventional spatial configurations and material applications while maintaining practical functionality, creating distinctive structures that challenge traditional norms.
What recognition has HWKN received?
Fast Company ranked us among the world's top 10 most innovative architectural firms for our pioneering work in AI-integrated design and future-ready building typologies.
How does HWKN address sustainability?
We incorporate climate-responsive design principles and optimize material efficiency through AI analysis, creating environmentally conscious structures that maintain aesthetic innovation.