DKFS aims to develop existing models of contemporary infrastructure further and to create value through an intensive dialogue-based process. This involves interdisciplinary investigation, working in close collaboration with engineers and other experts internationally. For this we maintain close working relationships with key players in the industry.

DKFS also maintains close ties to the academic environment and lecture internationally about their work. They teach their own design classes at reputable Universities such as The Bartlett in London and use the research environment as a think tank to evolve their innovative approach to design.

A significant part of DKFS’ portfolio is made up of 1st Prize international competition wins for projects across Europe and Asia, evidence of our standing within the discourse about what infrastructure of the future should be.

Dirk studied architecture at the RWTH Aachen University Germany and the University of Washington USA, graduating with distinction. He received several international awards for his work including the Arch+, EAP, Springorum-Medal, Friedrich Wilhelm Prize and the ’40 under40′ awarded by the European Centre of Architecture and the Chicago Athenaeum.  He is a registered architect in the UK and Germany.

Dirk has extensive experience in working within highly multi-disciplinary environments and leading teams throughout design, development and delivery of complex bridge and infrastructure projects. He recently has led the team for Wengxin Bridge in Yongxin, China where DKFS won 1st prize out of more than 200 international submissions.

Dirk maintains a particular interest in the relationship between architecture and engineering in terms of achieving an interdisciplinary approach to design working in close collaboration with industry leaders like ARUP. He has a common and genuine interest in ‘architectural structures’ such as infrastructure projects and bridges with a highly interdisciplinary approach to design.

In addition to his work at DKFS Dirk holds a professorship at University College London, The Bartlett, School of Architecture and is also teaching together with Jakub Klaska his own design unit U14 in the reputed MArch programme. He lectures and publishes internationally about his research and the work of DKFS and spoke at universities such as The Bartlett, University College London, the AA School of Architecture, University Stuttgart and EE Madrid. He also is a regular speaker on conferences about BIM and digital fabrication.

Dirk has started his career working the Richard Rogers Partnership (now RSHP) and – later as an Associate for more than a decade- was involved with delivering many international projects. His key projects include the BBVA HQ Tower in Mexico City, Geneva Airport, The Port Authority Tower in New York, One Hyde Park and The Leadenhall Building right in the centre of the City of London.

Falko studied Architecture at the RWTH Aachen and the RMIT in Melbourne and has a wealth of experience in delivering high profile infrastructure jobs. He is a registered architect in the UK and Germany.
Falko maintains a vibrant interest in organisation of design teams and technology. He has great experience in working in international environments on international projects involving airport, bridges and in general infrastructure design for international clients working with equally international design teams. Amongst other projects he is leading the DKFS design teams for several pedestrian bridges in Germany that have been completed in the last three years.
He is interested in exploring the boundary between engineering and architecture with a holistic approach to design where he provides creative project team leadership.

Driven by his interdisciplinary approach, creativity and experience he has been involved in projects in the UK, Germany, Austria, Canada, Russia, China and Turkey. He started his career working for the structural engineering practice Expedition Engineering as well as working for architectural offices such as ARUP Associates and GRIMSHAW in London where he was involved in projects such as Wimbledon Court No.1 and London Bridge Station.