Interior architecture emerges at the intersection of function, identity and social responsibility. This makes it all the more significant when projects are recognised that bring this ethos to life in different ways and open up new perspectives on contemporary working and living environments.

brandherm + krumrey interior architecture (bki) is delighted that no fewer than three of its projects have been nominated for the German Interior Architecture Award (DIAP) 2026. From just under 250 entries, the independent jury selected a total of 35 projects that stand out for their design quality, conceptual strength and innovative solutions.

The projects nominated are the executive floor and foyer of the Bastei Lübbe headquarters in Cologne, led by Susanne Brandherm with Louise von Stromberg; the Havens Living residential project in Berlin, led by Sabine Krumrey with Melanie Leigers; and the 4flow headquarters in Berlin, led by Andreas Jacob and Susanne Brandherm.

These three projects exemplify the breadth of bki’s work – from future-oriented working environments and corporate spaces that foster a sense of identity to high-quality residential concepts. What they have in common is their commitment to creating spaces that combine functional requirements with atmosphere, sustainability and a clear design philosophy.

A nomination for the German Interior Architecture Award is one of the most prestigious honours in the industry. Organised by the Association of German Interior Architects (bdia), the award recognises projects that make a significant contribution to the further development of interior architecture and integrate social, cultural and environmental considerations into their design.

The winners of the 2026 German Interior Architecture Award will be announced on 14 November 2026 during the Interior Architecture Summit in Berlin.

As part of her professorship in Spatial Design and Design Methodology at the AMD Academy of Fashion & Design in Hamburg, Sabine Krumrey supported the “Nordic Masterpieces” exhibition project with a special semester-long project. Together with two other faculty members, she initiated the collaboration between the AMD and the exhibition team and enabled approximately 25 students to contribute their own work to the project. The collaboration was supported by the SUTOR Foundation.

Nordic Masterpieces is dedicated to the architectural legacy of Arne Jacobsen and Otto Weitling in Germany. The exhibition centers on six cinematic building portraits that bring the architecture of the 1960s and 1970s to life through space, materials, light, and function. Following its premiere in Berlin, the exhibition will be on view in June 2026 at the gärtner Showroom on Große Bleichen in Hamburg. There, the spotlight will be on two of the featured buildings: the Arne Jacobsen House in City Nord and the Christianeum.

The Hamburg exhibition was supplemented by works from AMD students, who explored architecture, interior design, and design in a semester-long project they developed themselves, adding a contemporary perspective to the exhibition.

Through her dedication, Sabine Krumrey combines teaching, practice, and cultural discourse, creating spaces where the promotion of emerging talent and dialogue about architecture and design naturally come together.

We are delighted that Susanne Brandherm has been appointed to the international jury for the Golden Pin Design Award 2026. The Golden Pin Design Award (GPDA) was established in Taiwan in 1981 and is now one of Asia’s most prestigious and influential design awards; it is organised by the Taiwan Design Research Institute in Taiwan.

As a member of a high-calibre jury of experts comprising over 120 specialists from more than 19 countries and regions, Susanne Brandherm brings her experience and perspective to the multi-stage evaluation process, which selects the best national and international design solutions. Entries are assessed across five disciplines: product design, interior design, architecture, branding and communication design, and service and system design.

The jury’s work centres on five criteria that highlight the interplay between idea, form, function, differentiation and sustainability – an approach that also aligns with b-k-i’s understanding of design.

Susanne Brandherm on her appointment:
“For me, the Golden Pin Design Award focuses not only on the design quality of a project, but also on its impact within a cultural and social context. The exchange with Asian design cultures is particularly valuable, as I view them from a European perspective, allowing different viewpoints to engage in dialogue.”

The official awards ceremony will take place in Taipei, Taiwan – a highlight of the Asian design scene.

INSIDE OUT – Going Solo: Stories of Starting a Business in Interior Design

How do you successfully take the step toward starting your own firm? What paths lead to becoming a partner or taking over an existing firm?

The bdia nrw is launching “𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗢𝗨𝗧.” The kickoff event “𝗔𝘂𝗳 𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝘂𝗻𝗴: 𝗚𝗿𝘂̈𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗴𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝘂𝘀 “𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗸𝘁𝘂𝗿” focuses on the topic of self-employment and brings together four female interior designers who will share their personal stories of starting their own businesses, their entrepreneurial decisions, and the opportunities and challenges of working as independent professionals. The moderated panel discussion will provide space for questions, discussion, and exchange.

The event is aimed not only at interior designers but also at interested individuals outside the field of interior design who are grappling with questions of self-employment, starting a business, and career prospects in the design industry.

The subsequent get-together in the Klöber Lounge at DesignPost also offers an opportunity for networking and personal exchange.

We look forward to an inspiring evening and the opportunity to connect in person!

Speakers:
Susanne Brandherm | brandherm + krumrey interior architecture
Angelika van Putten | Studio van Putten
Nadia Stanke | stanke interiordesign
Kristiane Brüns | UKW Innenarchitekten

Moderation:
Helen Häkli Kapelle

Interior architecture encompasses more than just design; it embodies a mindset, a sense of responsibility, and an active contribution to social development. This makes it all the more important for representatives of the profession to provide impetus at the association’s policy level and to help shape its strategic development.

Since February 2026, Susanne Brandherm, co-founder of brandherm + krumrey interior architecture (bki), has been Vice-President of the Association of German Interior Architects (bdia). Together with bdia President Carsten Wiewiorra, Gabriela Hauser, Johann Haidn and Andrea Rausch, she will shape the association’s strategic and substantive direction in future. The aim is to further strengthen the position of interior architecture within interdisciplinary discourse and highlight its social relevance.

Susanne Brandherm brings with her many years of practical experience from national and international projects, as well as perspectives from teaching and professional policy. Her aim is to clearly articulate the quality and ethos of interior architecture, to promote sustainable planning approaches, and to further sharpen the profession’s sense of responsibility with regard to resources, the built environment and social spaces. She views interior architecture as a connecting element between function, identity and cultural context.

By expanding its Executive Committee, the bdia is sending a clear signal in favour of forward-looking association work and the ongoing development of the profession. The new structure crreates opportunities for fresh impetus and a nuanced engagement with the industry’s current challenges.

brandherm + krumrey interior architecture congratulates Susanne Brandherm on her new role and looks forward to the opportunity it brings to actively shape the discussion on quality, sustainability and social responsibility in interior design.