Martin Klein-Wiele

Martin Klein-Wiele serves as Professor of Furniture Construction at the Peter Behrens School of Arts, University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf, a position held since 2013. Concurrently, he co-founded UKW Innenarchitekten in 2006, merging academic expertise with professional practice. Previously, he lectured at the same institution from 2006-2012 and worked as a project manager at Petzinka Pink Architekten (2000-2006).

His academic foundation includes:

• Carpentry apprenticeship (1989-1991)
• Bachelor of Engineering in Interior Architecture (1999, University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf)
• Student assistant for Design Fundamentals under Prof. Wagner (1994-1996)

Klein-Wiele specializes in Furniture Construction and Adaptive Reuse of Buildings, directing student projects on converting spaces like children's hospitals, farmhouses, and retail areas into functional environments. His work emphasizes practical construction techniques and spatial innovation for corporate, public, and community settings, bridging theoretical instruction with real-world application through workshops like the 2009 Adaptive Design session.

His design excellence is documented through 17 major awards spanning two decades, with recent highlights including the 2017 St. Augustinus Church conversion into a library/sacred space and the 2016 Cologne City Library Central Library project. These accolades demonstrate consistent leadership in transforming existing structures through interior architecture.

• 2017: 1. Preis Umnutzung der katholischen Kirche St. Augustinus in eine Bücherei und Gottesraum
• 2016: 1. Preis Zentralbibliothek der Stadtbibliothdek Köln
• 2015: Triple 2. Preis for Sterkrade Station, L'Oréal HQ, and Samtweberei Café
• 2012: 2. Preis Bauliches Corporate Design im Humboldt-Forum Berlin
• 2010: 1. Preis Innenarchitektur Stadtbibliothek Garbsen
• 2009: Dual 1. Preis for Bert-Brecht-Haus and ManuFactum Exhibitions
• 2008: BDIA Deutscher Innenarchitektur Preis for Mediothek Krefeld
• 2005: KFW-Award „Umbauen statt neu Bauen“
• 1996-2001: Early career recognition including Bochum Design Prize and Helsinki Innovation Award

He maintains an active academic team with Research Assistant Philip Behrend and Student Assistant Miriam Straka, while continuing professional collaborations through UKW Innenarchitekten. His ongoing projects reflect sustained engagement in both educational and architectural practice communities.