STERLING PRESSER ARCHITECTSENGINEERS is an international studio for architectural planning and structural concept design, based in Berlin.
The practice, co-founded in 2018 by French Engineer-Architect Nicolas Sterling and German Architect Elke Sterling-Presser, is based on 35 years of combined experience, in the respective fields of Architecture and Structural engineering.
We deliver aesthetic and sustainable projects that combine the quality of life and environmental protection.
The studio brings the disciplines of architecture and engineering together, it integrates them from the beginning of the design process.
We design buildings, infrastructures, masterplans and interiors with the common aim to achieve a sustainable built environment. We design with the future in mind. Our team works on the questions of our time: How can we change the way we currently live, work and circulate?
Elke Sterling-Presser + Nicolas Sterling Photo: Jannike Stelling
Elke Sterling-Presser
CO-FOUNDER, DIRECTOR
ARCHITECT, DIPL. ING. MA AAD, ARB
Elke Sterling-Presser is a licensed German Architect and Entrepreneur. Elke is Director of STERLING PRESSER since 2018, co-founded in Berlin with engineer-architect Nicolas Sterling.
Elke Sterling-Presser holds an advanced Master of Architecture degree from the SAC-Städelschule at the “Staatliche Hochschule für Bildene Künste, Städelschule”, Frankfurt am Main, Germany, under the supervision of Prof. Ben Van Berkel, Prof. Johan Bettum and Prof. Mark Wigley. She completed her degree in architecture in Heidelberg, Germany in 2001. Prior to that, she worked for several years in architectural offices in Germany. She is registered with the ARB and the German Chamber of Architecture Baden-Württenberg.
Between 2006 and 2015, she worked at Zaha Hadid Architects in London. Her completed projects include the Riverside Museum project, Museum of Transport in Glasgow, the Sackler Gallery Serpentine in Hyde Park, London and the Neil Barrett stores in Tokyo, Seoul, Daegu, Osaka, Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Hong Kong and London. She is the project architect for all Neil Barrett stores and for private residences in San Diego and Brussels. She currently teaches at the UdK in Berlin, and has taught at the University of Greenwich in London between 2013 and 2015. She has been invited for reviews at various schools of architecture, including the AA Architectural Association, UCL Bartlett, Metropolitan University MET, University of Greenwich, London, Städelschule, Frankfurt and the University of Applied Sciences, Heidelberg.
Elke Sterling-Presser Photo: Jannike Stelling
EXPERIENCE
2018 – present: STERLING PRESSER, Berlin, Germany.
Co-founder and Director
2016 – 2017: Aukett & Heese, Berlin, Germany.
Associate architect
2015 – 2016: Gerber Architekten International, Berlin, Germany.
Associate architect
2006 – 2015 : ZAHA HADID ARCHITECTS, London, United Kingdom.
Lead architect, Project architect
2001 – 2004: AG NUMEROBIS, Schwetzingen, Germany.
Architect
SELECTED DELIVERED PROJECTS
Hotel Barcelo MK1, Berlin, Germany
Aukett & Heese
Olaya Metro Station, Riyad, Saudi Arabia
Gerber Architekten
Riverside Museum Project, Museum of Transport, Glasgow, UK
Zaha Hadid Architects
Serpentine Sackler Gallery, Hyde Park, London, UK
Zaha Hadid Architects
Milad Complex, Teheran, Iran
Zaha Hadid Architects
Neil Barrett Shop in Shop, Locations worldwide
Zaha Hadid Architects
California Villa, Private residence, San Diego, USA
Zaha Hadid Architects
SKILLS
Project management
Architectural design and delivery
3D Digital design and modelling, parametric design
Design and graphics
Integration and translation of complex programs
EDUCATION
2004 – 2006: STÄDELSCHULE, Frankfurt,Germany.
Post Diploma “Master of Arts” – “Advanced Architectural Design” Professor and Dean: Ben van Berkel / UN STUDIO
Diploma: MA AAD
1998 – 2001: University of Applied Sciences, Heidelberg.
Architectural Studies Diploma: DIPL. ING. Diplom of Architecture
Professional Associations AND MEMBERSHIP
ARB London, United Kingdom
Registration Number: 074938I
Architektenkammer Berlin, Germany
Registration Number: 16145
LANGUAGES
German (Native)
English (Current)
French (Basic)
TEACHINGS / REVIEWS / CONFERENCES
2018 – present: Universität der Künste, UdK, Berlin, Germany
Class of Spatial Design and Exhibition Design, Raumbezogenes Entwerfen und Ausstellungsgestaltung, Institute for transmedia design Lecturer, Workshops
2013 – 2015: University of Greenwich, London, GB
Design Unit Tutor 2009: NB Tokyo for Zaha Hadid Architects Lectures
2009: Metropolitan University MET, London, GB
Review guest critics
2006: Städelschule, Frankfurt, Germany
Studio Ben van Berkel
Post-graduate Master Review guest critics
1999 – 2001: University of Applied Sciences, Heidelberg, Germany
CAD Tutor
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
Private residence, Zehlendorf:
FAZ magazine, “im Farbigen Licht Baden”
100 Deutsche Häuser, Lichtspiel
California Villa, San Diego, USA:
GA Houses 2010
Neil Barrett Flagship store, Tokyo:
Interior Design USA, April 2009, Architectural Record, USA/Canada, Sept 2009, Frame Netherlands / Global, Feb 2009, Interni Italy, Dez/Jan 2009, L‘Uomo Vogue, Italy, Jan 2009, Frame 2009, Design week 2009, View on Fashion 2009, Home Review 2009, Durrah Qatar/ Middle East, March 2009, GQ 2008, Vogue Japan 2008, JC Report 2008, Brutus 2008, Wallpaper 2008, Casa Brutus 2008, Pen 2008 GA 2008, Mrs. 2008, Esquire 2008, High Fashion 2008, Shitenkochiku 2008 Shotenkochihu 2008, AD Russia 2008
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS / ARTICLES
“STERLING PRESSER – Everything Flows – Alles fliesst”, Galerie subject Object Schoneberg, Berlin, 2017.
“Exhibition keleloko”, London, 2012 / 2013.
“Exhibition GA Houses”, Tokyo, Japan, 2010.
“Pre-tectonic Constructs / Exhibition”, Krings-Ernst Gallery, Cologne, Germany, 2006
“Exposition annuelle”, DAM, Frankfurt, Germany, 2006
“Rundgang Städelschule ‘Columner Field’ ”, Studio Ben van Berkel, Frankfurt, Germany, 2006
"Theory paper ‘Trautes Heim, Glückallein’ ”, supervised by Mark Wigley, Columbia University, New York, 2006
"Rundgang Städelschule", Frankfurt, Germany, 2005
Nicolas Sterling
CO-FOUNDER, DIRECTOR
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER CNAM, EURO ING, CENG, MICE
ARCHITECT DPLG
Nicolas Sterling is a structural engineer and architect, qualified and chartered. He is a graduate of the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers in Paris and the Paris La Villette School of Architecture.
He founded STERLING PRESSER in 2018, a consulting firm in architecture and engineering, based in Berlin. He was previously Associate Director of AKTII Adams Kara Taylor, managing a group delivering buildings and special structures. He joined ARUP AGU’s Advanced Geometry Unit in 2005, a team of specialists within ARUP led by Cecil Balmond, and was part of the ARUP Building Engineering Group in London until 2011. His design-oriented approach and interest in innovative forms and structures has enabled him to work on cutting-edge design projects with leading architectural and design firms such as Zaha Hadid, Shigeru Ban, Ron Arad and Anish Kapoor, and has been involved in a wide range of programmes such as sculptures, canopies, buildings and walkways in a design approach.
Nicolas is passionate about emerging technologies and the process of creativity in design, and motivated by the connection between architecture, design and engineering, by experimentation and cross-fertilization between disciplines. Prior to 2005, Nicolas worked with Hugh Dutton in the HDA office in Paris on lightweight structures, long span walkways and facades, developing technical concepts and details as a key point in the architectural process. Nicolas regularly gives lectures and reviews in architecture and engineering schools.
Nicolas SterlingPhoto: Jannike Stelling
Experience
2018 – present: STERLING PRESSER
Architecture and Engineering office. Co-founder and Director.
2011 – 2017: AKTII Adams Kara Taylor, London
Structural and Civil Engineering Consultant. Associate Director. In charge of the design and delivery of complex structures and iconic architectural buildings. In charge of a team of Structure and Technicians.
2009 – 2011: OVE ARUP BEL6, London
Structural Engineering Consultant. Senior Engineer.
2005 – 2009: ARUP AGU Advanced Geometry Units, London
Consultant structural engineering and complex geometries, group led by Cecil Balmond. Structural engineer.
1999 – 2005: HDA Hugh Dutton Associates, Paris
Steel and facade design consultant, specialist architectural office.
2002 – 2005: Structural Engineer – Architect.
1999 – 2002: Student Engineer Architect, part time.
1994 – 1999: Internships and Training
in various engineering and architecture offices, Paris.
SELECTION OF PROJECTS DELIVERED AS STRUCTURAL DESIGNER
Grand Theatre de Rabat, Morocco
Architects ZHA
Presidential Palace, Algiers, Algeria
Architects ZHA
Coca Cola Pavilion, London, UK
Designer Asif Khan
KASC Stadium, Saudi Arabia
Arup associates
Danish Pavilion, Shanghai, China
Architect BIG
QFIS, Qatar
Architect MYAA Ali Mangera
The Morning Line, Sevilla, Spain
Artist Matthew Richie
Reuil 2000 footbridge, Rueil, France
Architect ANMA
Torino footbridge, Italy
Architect Engineer HDA
Ashmount community centre
Architects Peynore & Prasad
SELECTION OF PROJECTS DELIVERED AS ARCHITECT ENGINEER
Taiyuan Theatre Entrance Bridge, Taiyuan Park, China
Pedestrian and cycle bridge, Heidelberg, Germany
Outdoor Theatre, Taiyuan Park, China
Lion Bridge requalification, Saint Genis, France
SKILLS
Management and leadership Technical supervision
Innovative Concepts & Realistic Feasibility
Design & delivery of complex architectural forms
Interface with other disciplines and coordination interface
EDUCATION
1997 – 2004: Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers, Paris
“Master Degree” in Civil Construction, 2004
1994 – 2002 : School of Architecture Paris La Villette, Paris
Architect DPLG, 2002
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIP
Institution of Civil Engineers ICE and Euro Engineer
Baukammer Berlin – Chamber of Engineers in Berlin
Member of the French Association of Civil Engineering and AAIIA
LANGUAGES
French (Native)
English (Current)
German (B2)
TEACHINGS / REVIEWS
KP Konstruktiv Projekts, TU Universität, Braunschweig, Germany, 2016 – 2017.
Continuing Education, Equipment of footbridges cycle “design and build pedestrian footbridges”, Ecole des Ponts et Chaussées, Paris, France, 2005 – 2014.
“Prototype facade” workshop, EiABC University, Addis Ababa Ethiopia, 2014.
KTH Stockholm, AKTII workshop, 2013.
Bartlett, London, Naja de Ostos unit, 2010, 1012.
MET, London, 2009, 2010.
Akademie der Bildenden Kunste, Vienna, Austria 2009, 2010.
“Parametric prototypes”, exhibitions and workshop, Xian University, China, 2009.
Design and Make course, Unit 3, Architectural Association, London, 2006.
SELECTED CONFERENCES
“Brücken in Deutschland”, TU Berlin, Germany 2019.
“Work in progress”, Rhino lectures, Berlin, Germany, 2017.
“Brommy New Footbridge”, Footbridge 2017 conferences, Berlin, Germany, 2017.
“Brommy New Footbridge – The Flowing Bridge”, WAF, Berlin, Germany, 2017.
“Grand Theatre de Rabat...”, IASS2017 conferences, Hamburg, Germany, 2017.
“Facades concepts and prototypes”, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2014.
“Grand Theatre de Rabat design”, AKT technical lecture serie, 2014.
“Bridging”, Parametric Prototypes lecture and exhibition, Xian, China, 2009.
“The Morning Line”, Akademie der Bildenden Kunste, Vienna, Austria, 2008.
“Work in progress”, Architectural Association, Summer school, London, UK, 2007.
“The Egyptian Museum”, Sofistik Seminar, Munich, Germany, 2007.
“Work in progress”, EPF School, Sceaux, France, 2002, 2003.
“Orleans footbridge design”, APK awards, Grand Palais, Paris, France, 2002.
SELECTED PUBLICATION
The “Grand Théatre de Rabat”, IASS 2017.
“Footbridge for Berlin” 2017, Jovis. 2017.
“Coca Cola pavilion”, Detail Magazine, 2012.
“The Morning Line”, TBA21, Matthew Ritchie with Aranda / Lasch and Arup AGU, 2010.
OTUA Ouvrages métalliques 6, 2010,
“The Danish Pavilion”, Shanghai Expo. The ARUP Journal, 2010 ISSUE 2,
“The Denmark Pavilion Expo 2010 Shanghai, China”.
Arkitepo, number 45, August 2010, Expo 2010.
OTUA Ouvrages métalliques 4, 2005, “Equipements des passerelles”.
SELECTED RESEARCH
Engineering degree: “Footbridge to the 2006 Winter Olympic Games, Turin, Italy”.
Pre-degree: “The use of glass as a structural material in construction”.
Architect’s diploma: “Footbridge over the Loire River, Orleans, France”.
Footbridge equipment / Footbridge equipment.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
“STERLING PRESSER – Everything Flows – Alles fliesst”, Gallerie subject Object Schoneberg Berlin, 2017.
Exhibition “Parametric Prototypes”, Danish Pavilion, China, 2008.
SELECTED AWARDS
Crouch Hill Community Centre, BREEAM High Score Award, Education Sector, 2012.
Danish Pavilion, Detail magazine, Special Mention, Steel 2011.
Passerelle d’Orléans, Arcelor Architecture and Steel Award 2002, 3rd prize.
Passerelle d’Orléans, APK 1st Prize 2002, Engineer
FOUNDING PARTNERS
Nicolas Sterling
Elke Sterling-Presser
TEAM
Hannah Dalston, architect
Artemis Koumparelou, architect
Jao Wan Jing, architect
Seraphin Bouchard, architect
Yuki Hamaue, architect
Sevki Yapici , architect
Jessica Kong, architect intern
Matteo Montesi, architect
Ghaith Tish, 3D parametric design BIM
EXTERNAL TEAM
Yannis Efstathiou, consultant rendering, visualizations
Joachim Lézie-Cobert, rendering vizualisation
Designin.Berlin films, 3D models and prints
Render Art, Malgorzata Widaj, rendering vizualisation
SOL China
CLIENTS
Adao Da Fonseca, engenheiros consultores
Conseil departemental du Loire et cher
Cinemateca Bologna
Emaar Properties
HB Reavis
Lamborghini Automobili
Magistrat der Stadt Wien
Mairie Saint-Genis Pouilly
Millenium building Quartertower
Qianyuan Kultur Kommunikation LTD
Stadt Bedburg
Stadt Heidelberg
Städtisches Klinikum Karlsruhe GmbH
Stadt Mönchengladbach
Stadt Tübingen
SOL
Weishaupt GmBH
WH Arena Holding
PARTNERS
Adao Da Fonseca, engenheiros consultores
ADATT
AEPE GINGKO
AHA Atelier Herbez Architects
AIA Ingénierie
AIA Life Designers
Albert Wimmer ZT GmbH
ANTEA Group
Les ateliers de l'éclairage
BM Engineering
BPR Dr. Schäpertöns Consult
BUCA structure
Buro Happold
Designin.Berlin
ECE environnement
FHECOR
Grau
Gunther Dowe Modellbau
IRIS Conseil
ISL
KRAFT
Kienleplan
Kräftner Landschaftarchitektur
Kunz-Brandschutzplaner GmbH
LOBOX Architectes
OGI
Pasodoble
RENDER ART
sbp Schlaich Bergmann Partners
Simple Works LtD
SOL
STRAINS
Thornton Tomasetti
Transsolar
Woo Architects
Yann Kersalé