Young And Visionary

At thirty-seven years of age, Italian-born architect, Peter Pichler has achieved incredible things from award-winning designs to speaker invites at global architecture events, as well founding his own firm.

Born in Bolzano, Italy in 1982, Peter Pichler studied Architecture at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna, where he graduated with distinction in the masterclass of Zaha Hadid, as well as in the United States at the University of California (UCLA). During his studies, Peter gained experience working alongside some of the best in the industry, including Zaha Hadid Architects in London, Delugan Meissl in Vienna, and OMA/Rem Koolhaas in Rotterdam. After gaining priceless industry experience, Peter founded Peter Pichler Architecture (PPA) in Milan together with his wife, Silvana Ordinas.

“After high school, I got inspired by the renowned artist, Walter Pichler (cousing of my dad) to study architecture in Vienna. He gave me a different vision of architecture and was a true inspiration,” says Peter.

Peter’s architectural philosophy is one that places a strong importance on the bond between a place and its culture and history. Peter is interested in the research and analysis on vernacular architecture, materials and elements that combine with technology, can express a contemporary interpretation of the past.

“We see PPA as a young, dynamic, experimental studio that tries to give answers to the problems and potentials of tomorrow,” says Peter.

Peter has a strong belief that radical change is need in the industry in terms of sustainability, and “it is needed fast”. Although he understands that not one man can change the climate situation, Peter suggests that architects be inspired by sustainable concepts and sustainably built buildings.

“For us, sustainability starts with a long-term view and intelligent collaborations and team work with motivated and excellent consultants and engineers. Just together we can do something meaningful and raise the attention of the client to think long term and give a contribution to spend less energy and save the climate,” says Peter.

Still only young, Peter was nominated as the young Italian talent by the National Chamber of Architects in Italy and was a finalist at the Gold Medal of Architecture Price of the Triennale di Milano. He’s also designed many award-winning buildings and was also a finalist at the Dezeen Awards for Emerging Architect of the Year. Peter is also an active part of the global architectural community and as such, was invited to speak at the 14^th International Alvar Aalto Symposium in Finland, the Venice Biennale of Architecture, and has conducted several workshops and lectures in Asia, including this year’s DATUM conference. Peter is a registered architect in Italy and a member of the Chamber of Architects of the autonomous Province of Bolzano.