Matthias is passionate urbanist and urban designer, and Founder and Director of Urban Initiatives Studio. Matthias studied Architecture and Urban Design in Germany and Holland, before moving to the UK, where he obtained a second Masters degree in Regional and Urban Planning from the London School of Economics. Matthias started his professional career at Maccreanor Lavington Architects in Rotterdam and London, before joining Urban Initiatives in 2004.
He has over 20 years experience in the industry and worked on regional strategies, regeneration projects, masterplans, visions and framework plans, capacity studies, planning policy and design guidance throughout the United Kingdom, Ireland and overseas. Matthias has directed and led well over 70 urban design projects in complex urban environments including town centres, small and large development sites and regeneration areas, working for both the private and the public sector. Matthias is experienced in preparing character studies, design guides and design codes, and regularly provides design advice to clients.
He leads the practice’s work on tall buildings and is an expert in preparing tall building studies and providing design advice on tall buildings. Matthias has acted as an Expert Witness in planning appeals and in Examinations in Public. He is an active member of the Urban Design Group and has sat on its Executive Committee. He is regularly invited to give guest lectures at universities, and is a long-standing tutor to Masters students at the Bartlett School of Planning.