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  • 1.  Finding work in Germany or Swizerland

    Posted 03-07-2025 10:19 AM
    Hello,
    I'm reaching out to see what resources or guidance you all might have for an emerging professional who is looking to relocate to either Kiel, Germany or Lucerne, Switzerland in order to follow her partner's career.
    While I do have an accredited degree, I do not yet have my license and unfortunately do not currently speak German or French. If there are any resources available for assistance, or even if you could provide a general estimation of whether I would be able to find work given these limitations, I would greatly appreciate the assistance.
    Thank you!


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    Brooke C
    Assoc. AIA
    Raleigh NC
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  • 2.  RE: Finding work in Germany or Swizerland

    Posted 03-10-2025 09:10 AM

    I would recommend reaching out to AIA Europe.

    They will likely be able to respond in English

    Sara



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    Sara Beardsley FAIA
    SCB
    Chicago IL
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  • 3.  RE: Finding work in Germany or Swizerland

    Posted 03-10-2025 11:45 AM
    Thank you for sharing this request with AIACE. We have reached out and welcomed Brooke to connect with us.


    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Finding work in Germany or Swizerland

    Posted 03-10-2025 09:15 AM
    Hello Brooke,

    I am in Bayern, so I can only speak of the hoops jumped through from my experience in that state.

    There's a big difference between northern Germany and Switzerland.  Do you know which city you will move to?
    (I personally think it would be easier to integrate into Northern Germany than Switzerland...)

    #1 You've got to start learning German  https://www.leo.org/german-english
    #3  If you do not already have a graduate degree, that would be ideal
    #4  One of course does not have to be a licensed architect to work in an architect's office.  (You can even call yourself an Architektin without licensure, because you've completed the degree �� . That makes sense.)  
    I doubt there's much advantage to being an American architect (as opposed to being a graduate with work-experience) in Continental Europe.  https://www.aiaeurope.org/
    The test for licensure in the German-speaking world is difficult, and includes an oral examination (in German).  If you will not have your own practice (and the liability to go with stamping), you don't need a license.

    Kiel is in Schleswig-Holstein.  I got my job from a posting on the Architektenkammer website (arch and engineering chamber), on their Pinwand (pin wall).  
    I do not see a Pinwand on the S-H website.  But of course there is a list of regional architects.  https://www.aik-sh.de/

    I'm curious what other tips members might have for Americans looking for work in Europe...
    Best of luck!
    Amy Lett






  • 5.  RE: Finding work in Germany or Swizerland

    Posted 03-10-2025 11:42 AM

    Hello Brooke,

    I'm also a licensed German Architect and Engineer, and I can tell you that you need to be skilled in Net-Zero Energy and Carbon-Neutral design, as all the building permitting processes go along with the so-called Energieausweis (energy-water-GHG counting passport).

    If you have those credentials, then you will enjoy working in Germany and Switzerland.

    Best wishes

    Thomas



    ------------------------------
    Prof., Thomas Spiegelhalter, PhD
    Florida International University
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Finding work in Germany or Swizerland

    Posted 03-10-2025 10:03 AM

    Suggest you get in contact with AIA Continental Europe. They are having their next bi-annual conference in Cork, Ireland on 11-13 April. If you're able to attend it would be a good opportunity to discuss the issues face-to-face with many knowledgeable people. AIA CE will be a great resource for you when you're overseas. See https://www.aiaeurope.org/



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    Lester Korzilius FAIA
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  • 7.  RE: Finding work in Germany or Swizerland

    Posted 03-10-2025 10:14 AM

    Hello Brooke - please reach out to the folks at AIA Continental Europe Chapter and they should be able to provide you with some insight into many of your questions about working in Europe. 

    https://www.aiaeurope.org/

    Best of Luck,
    Jake
    Copenhagen, Denmark 



    ------------------------------
    Jacob Spruit AIA
    EFFEKT Architects
    Copenhagen S
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  • 8.  RE: Finding work in Germany or Swizerland

    Posted 03-10-2025 03:35 PM
    HI Brooke,
    I have a few suggestions for your search:

    1) Reach out to global Arch/AE firms that already have a presence in Europe to see if they have any job openings.  For example, both Gensler and AEC have multiple offices in Germany although I'm not sure whether they are hiring - but their HR team should provide great feedback.

    2) Look at local projects to find who's operating within your future location.  Do a google search for "cool office designs " insert city name"" which should turn up a list of office locations and the firms who did the work.  I've found this a useful tool when I was trying to identify companies to invite to tender projects around the world.  

    3) Consider looking at Design/Build companies.  Much of Europe has adopted a Design/Build delivery model and it would be worth looking at firms who have a EU presence as most of these companies work in both English and local language because their client base may be foreign.  Most US firms have not adopted this model so you will need to look at more regional companies.  You may have to modify your search engine location to make google think you are in Europe to enable more regional results.

    4) Reach out to International Brokers.  Many Design/Build companies already partner with brokerage firms OR operate as a turn key service.  Brokerage firms include C&W, Colliers, JLL, & CBRE - but there will also be more localized firms that may also offer these services.

    5)  Consider working as a sales rep for an allied profession such as furniture, flooring, etc.  This may require local language but some reps work region wide so although you might be based in central Europe - your region could include multiple countries where English would be the common language.

    6)  Consider an alternative career in facilities/project management for a brokerage or US company who have projects or offices where you will be located or in Europe. 

    Good luck!!!

    Ellen





  • 9.  RE: Finding work in Germany or Swizerland

    Posted 03-24-2025 11:31 AM
    Brooke,
    You can start with the local Architects organization, in Germany or Switzerland cities, they can guide you  how to contact Architectural firms in the area, maybe internship programs, etc.  They will also guide you regarding the local regulations to get the license and applicable codes. 
    I also recommend you to learn the local language, it is a way to respect and embrace your new community.



    Enjoy this amazing opportunity! Architecture communities in the majority of the countries are very friendly.

    Alejandra Molina-Jackson, AIA, NCARB, NCIDQ, LEED AP BD+C, GGP




    Original Message


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