Matthias Hollwich

Matthias Hollwich is the Founder and Principal of HWKN Architecture, a New York-based innovation firm that works at the intersection of architecture, technology and culture. As a keynote speaker, he brings a rare combination of design vision, business insight and thought leadership on the future of cities. Recognised as one of Fast Company’s Top 10 Most Innovative Architects and named among Business Insider’s Top Business Visionaries, Matthias is internationally celebrated for rethinking how we design and live in the modern world. His expertise extends beyond architecture into urban planning, real estate, AI-driven design and the future of ageing, making him an in-demand voice on some of the most pressing topics shaping society today.

Born and raised in Germany, Matthias studied architecture with a grounding in German precision and technical excellence, before moving to the United States where he immersed himself in a culture of bold experimentation. Early in his career he worked with world-renowned firms including OMA under Rem Koolhaas and Diller + Scofidio, experiences that instilled in him a respect for conceptual innovation and design rigour. He later co-founded HWKN in 2008, building a collective that combined architects, sculptors, social strategists and innovators to push the boundaries of architectural practice. Alongside practice, Matthias has also contributed to the academic world, lecturing widely and publishing influential books such as UmBauhaus - Updating Modernism in 2006 and New Aging: Live Smarter Now to Live Better Forever, a manifesto for designing with longevity in mind.

Over the course of his career, Matthias has delivered projects that have redefined the role of architecture in public life. Under his leadership, HWKN Architecture has expanded to New York, Munich, Miami, Berlin, Riyadh and London, working on landmark developments including the District 11 project in Sharjah and a series of AI-driven hotels in Dubai. His pioneering approach to integrating artificial intelligence into design has retrained entire teams, restructured workflows and opened new creative frontiers for the industry. This body of work has been recognised with multiple honours, including the LOOP Design Award (2024), the BLT Design Award (2024), and the Interior Design Best of Year Award (2023). His projects continue to attract global attention in publications such as Wired, The New York Times, Dezeen and Fast Company, reinforcing his status as one of the field’s most forward-thinking architects.

Audiences hire Matthias because he offers a compelling vision of where architecture and technology are heading. His keynote topics range from AI as a co-creator in architecture, to reshaping real estate development with generative tools, to designing for density, culture and climate in fast-growing urban centres. He also shares insights into breaking into new sectors like hospitality with emotionally resonant, AI-informed design. By blending technical expertise with human-centred thinking, Matthias shows organisations how to anticipate the future and use design as a driver of innovation and wellbeing. His talks are not only inspirational but also deeply practical, equipping leaders and teams with the mindset to embrace change and unlock new opportunities.