Counting 330 registered architecture businesses (of which 215 are sole practitioners) and 492 registered businesses operating within a broad spectrum of graphic-, interior-, product- and communication design etc., Aarhus has the highest level of specialisation within architecture and design in Denmark.
Aarhus is the home of two of the world’s largest architecture businesses (2011) and three of the largest in Scandinavia. In addition to this, there is an undergrowth of smaller and medium sized businesses, which create a solid base for growth with a strong potential.
Grand design
With a group of nationally and internationally recognised design businesses, Aarhus stands strong within the area of design. The city comprises everything from a bubbling environment of creative freelancers to Scandinavia’s largest integrated design house, DesignIt. The design businesses in Aarhus especially draws attention within the areas of interior- and product design.
Aarhus listens to the business community
“There is a great responsiveness to our input, and a lot of initiatives are set in motion,” says Bente Damgaard, Chief Executive Officer at schmidt hammer lassen architects.
Research and education
Aarhus School of Architecture is the focal point in educating competent employees for studios and design businesses. The school has five research institutes and annually educates around 150 architects and designers. The Engineering College of Aarhus is also a major source of employees for businesses involved with architecture, design and construction.
“Aarhus is a fantastic recruitment platform. Both because of Aarhus School of Architecture providing strong candidates, but also because of the strengths of the city’s educational institutions,” says Bente Damgaard of Schmidt hammer lassen architects.