Christiane Ern

Christiane Ern is a Professor of Design and Construction with a focus on structural interior design at the Peter Behrens School of Arts, Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences. She has been in this role since 2011, contributing to architectural education through teaching design, construction fundamentals, and interior detailing. Her professional experience includes leadership in municipal construction and academic roles at RWTH Aachen and Bauhaus-Universität Weimar.

• Professor, HSD Peter Behrens School of Arts (2011–present)
• Head of Hochbauamt, Solothurn, Switzerland (2009–2011)
• Visiting Professor, RWTH Aachen (2007–2008)
• Co-founder, ern + heinzl Architekten (2000–present)
• Research Assistant, Bauhaus-Universität Weimar (1999–2001)

Her research and teaching emphasize the integration of architectural design and construction, particularly in interior spatial development. She focuses on construction detailing, material application, and the interplay between structural systems and spatial quality. Her work bridges theoretical education and practical architectural solutions, especially in educational and residential buildings.

The publications and projects highlighted reflect a consistent engagement with architectural detailing, material innovation, and spatial quality in both residential and institutional contexts. Trends include sustainable wood construction, award-winning school designs, and thoughtful interventions in urban and natural landscapes. Her work often appears in specialized architectural journals and award publications, emphasizing technical precision and aesthetic refinement.

• AIT International Luxury Living Application Award (2012)
• Murjahn-Medaille (2008)
• Multiple 1st prizes in Swiss architectural competitions (2013–2017)
• Häuser des Jahres 2013
• Nominations for Swiss Art Award and Farbe-Struktur-Oberfläche

Christiane Ern supervises bachelor’s and master’s thesis projects and leads design seminars and compulsory lectures in construction and interior design. While specific grants are not listed, her firm's competition successes and award-winning projects suggest active engagement in funded architectural development. She also contributes to architectural discourse through publications and participation in design juries and professional organizations like the BDA.

She leads the Building Construction and Design / Structural Interior Design department at HSD, offering foundational courses and electives. Her firm, ern + heinzl, operates in Solothurn, Switzerland, realizing built projects that inform her academic work. The integration of practice and pedagogy defines her professional identity.