“It is by an economy of means and above all a forgetfulness of one’s self that one arrives at simplicity of expression”
-
Henri Cartier-Bresson
Atelier Switzer works at the intersection of architecture, material research and academia. Our work strives to balance refined simplicity with a distinct material, proportional and cultural presence.
Although international in their experience, the atelier approaches building culture at a localized level. Our work begins with the constructive, climatic and cultural realities of the given situation. And it is within these realities that we find the freedom to develop those ethereal qualities we call architecture.
With each project, there is the intention of creating healthy, lasting, meaningful places for people and our planet- a belief which extends beyond profit and ownership. For us, architecture is an act of conscious creativity.
Atelier Switzer was founded in 2011 by Karolina and Wayne Switzer. In 2012 the firm was listed as finalists in the BMW Guggenheim Lab. Their expertise in earth-based construction has led to collaborations with institutions such as EPF Lausanne and ETH Zürich, as well as numerous consultancies and lectures in Europe and the Middle East.
Since 2024 the practice is based in St. Gallen, Switzerland.
Karolina Switzer
MSc Architecture Politechnika Poznańska & TU Cottbus
Internship at Holodeck, Vienna
Architect at Smith-Miller Hawkinson, New York City
Architect at Elmslie Osler Architects, New York City
Architect at Buchner Bründler Architekten, Basel
Wayne Switzer
MSc Architecture Virginia Polytechnic Institute
Internship at Fasch & Fuchs, Vienna
Architect at Roman & Williams, New York City
Architect at Selldorf Architects, New York City
Earthen Builder at Martin Rauch/ Lehm Ton Erde Baukunst, Basel
Assistant with Guest Professorship Anna Heringer/ Martin Rauch at ETH Zürich
Assistant Professor for Architecture at German University of Technology Oman
ACADEMIC / RESEARCH
︎ EBI | Earthen Building Initiative | German University of Technology Oman
Circular Studio Oman | German University of Technology Oman
WRITINGS
"A Catalyst for Craft" | Penser–Faire / Thinking–Making
"Fever Dreams and Dust" | San Rocco issue 13: Pure Beauty
"Współczesny dom z ziemi" | ZA ed.50
"Real Myths" | Trans ed.28
CONTACT
Email: info@atelierswitzer.com
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