Schønherr

What Schønherr does

Schønherr A/S is a privately held Danish landscape architecture and urban planning consultancy founded in 1984 by Torben Schønherr, headquartered in Aarhus with a second studio in Copenhagen. The firm employs approximately 35 planners, landscape architects, architects, and technical staff, and operates through a five-practice-area portfolio: Planning/Programming/Process; Biodiversity and Climate Adaptation; Tourism and Accessible Landscapes; Urban Spaces (Everyday Landscapes); and Energy and Infrastructure. Its service delivery is anchored in a proprietary "360° Consultancy" model that spans the full project lifecycle from analysis and programming through to design, execution support, and operations, guided by the Schønherr Method — a framework structured around three integrated values (Beauty, Durability, Community) and aligned with the EU's New European Bauhaus initiative.

The firm works almost exclusively with Danish municipalities, government agencies, and a small set of private developers (notably Carlsberg Byen and the Femern Bælt tunnel), addressing climate adaptation, biodiversity enhancement, urban regeneration, and infrastructure projects. Technology inputs include GIS, hydrological and climate simulation, 3D visualisation, and participatory co-creation methodologies, codified in an in-house toolbox and a Biodiversity Manual. Strategic partnerships span engineering firms (Rambøll, WSP, Sweco, MOE), architects (3XN, LOOP Architects, Lundgaard & Tranberg), and research institutions (Aalborg University for life-cycle analysis, DBI for public-space security design). The firm is currently led by Managing Director Nina Jensen, with Mikal Hallstrup (founder of DesignIt) serving on the board, and operates as a partner-owned entity with no external investors, funding rounds, or M&A activity disclosed.

Name

Schønherr

Legal name

Schønherr A/S

Website

https://schonherr.dk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Schønherr is a privately held Danish landscape architecture and urban planning consultancy (~35 staff, Aarhus and Copenhagen) that serves Danish municipalities, government agencies, and select private developers on climate adaptation, biodiversity, urban regeneration, and infrastructure projects through a 360-degree, methodology-driven delivery model.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning Consultancy

NAICS

Landscape Architectural Services (54132), Landscape Architectural Services (541320), Specialized Design Services (5414)

SIC

Services-Engineering Services (8711), Construction - Special Trade Contractors (1700)

akta.pro primary industry

Landscape Construction Project Management & General Contracting (HSAIABAK)

Keywords

• Landscape architecture
• Urban planning
• Climate adaptation
• Biodiversity consulting
• Public space design

Headquarters

HQ city

Aarhus

HQ country

Denmark

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Landscape Architecture and Planning Consultancy: Full-service consultancy spanning the entire project lifecycle from analysis, programming, and vision through to detailed design, execution support, and operational management. Revenue is generated through professional service fees on project mandates from public and private clients.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Schønherr is a Danish landscape architecture and urban planning firm providing full-service consultancy spanning the entire project lifecycle from analysis, programming, and vision through to detailed design, execution support, and operational management. The firm delivers projects across five practice areas — Planning/Programming/Process, Biodiversity/Climate Adaptation, Tourism/Accessible Landscapes, Urban Spaces, and Energy/Infrastructure — for public authorities and private developers in Denmark. Services are delivered through a proprietary 360-degree consultancy model underpinned by the Schønherr Method framework.

Product overview

Schønherr is a Danish landscape architecture and urban planning firm offering a unified portfolio of services organized around five core practice areas: Planning/Programming/Process, Biodiversity/Climate Adaptation, Tourism/Accessible Landscapes, Urban Spaces, and Energy/Infrastructure. The firm delivers projects through its proprietary 360-degree consultancy model and the Schønherr Method framework, supported by an internal toolbox of analytical and design tools including GIS analyses, hydrological modeling, 3D visualization, biodiversity assessments, and citizen engagement methodologies. Projects span climate adaptation, urban development, coastal infrastructure, parks, and public spaces across Denmark.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Planning, Programming and Process (Plan, Program og Proces) Strategic consultancy in urban planning, process management, and stakeholder engagement. Creates robust decision-making foundations and long-term solutions for complex projects through interdisciplinary coordination and user involvement, aimed at public authorities and private developers.
• Biodiversity and Climate Adaptation (Biodiversitet og Klimatilpasning) Climate adaptation and biodiversity consultancy that meets EU Taxonomy requirements, enhancing urban and landscape resilience to increased water volumes through both technical solutions and nature-based design. Targeted at municipalities and developers facing climate and biodiversity challenges.
• Tourism and Accessible Landscapes (Turisme og Tilgængelige Landskaber) Landscape design services creating inclusive, accessible destinations rooted in local identity and community values, including destinations and wayfinding systems. Serves municipalities, agencies, and tourism developers.
• Urban Spaces – Everyday Landscapes (Byens Rum – Hverdagens Landskaber) Design of outdoor environments including urban spaces, parks, cemeteries, healthcare and residential areas, and building design where function, beauty, and quality of life are integrated. Targeted at municipalities and developers of public and residential spaces.
• Energy and Infrastructure (Energi og Infrastruktur) Infrastructure design including supply and energy facilities, roads, bridges, tunnels, port expansions, and coastal infrastructure as integrated, functional, and aesthetic solutions connecting people and landscapes. Serves government agencies, infrastructure owners, and developers.
• 360° Consultancy (360° Rådgivning) Comprehensive consultancy engagement model guiding clients through the entire project lifecycle from program, analysis, and vision to operation and further development. Supports both public authorities and private clients in creating climate-adapted urban spaces.

Quantifiable outcome

• Sankt Annæ Plads handles a 100-year rainfall event through surface and underground drainage systems, protecting a large part of Copenhagen's Store Kongensgade district from cloudburst flooding.
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

47 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• GrandvillecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchønherr was sub-consultant to Grandville on the Falstersvejskvarteret development plan in Middelfart. Grandville led the overall development planning while Schønherr provided physical planning, strategy, and preservation screening for the 30-hectare industrial area.
• PlanscapecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn collaboration with Planscape, Schønherr developed the screening method for the Falstersvejskvarteret project, assessing buildings across transformation potential, urban life potential, identity, cultural-historical value, and embedded CO₂.
• EnvidanminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerListed as a project partner in the Falstersvejskvarteret development plan, providing technical input on environmental engineering aspects.
• RambøllcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerRambøll was the lead engineering partner on the Carlsberg City District urban spaces project, working alongside Schønherr on climate-adapted public realm design.
• Arpe & KjeldsholmminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngineering partner on the Carlsberg City District project.
• Danielsen ArchitectureminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitecture partner on the Carlsberg City District project.
• EntasisminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMasterplan partner on the Carlsberg City District project.
• MOE A/ScoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngineering partner on the Silkeborg Square project, providing structural and technical input for the new square above underground parking.
• BUUS Anlægsgartner A/SminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLandscape contractor on the Silkeborg Square project.
• Viborg Ingeniørerne A/ScoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngineering partner on the Mønsted Kalkgruber accessibility project.
• Skive Anlæg & EntreprenørminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerConstruction contractor on the Mønsted Kalkgruber project.
• Erik Heide (sculptor)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on the Mønsted Kalkgruber project to design a sculptural bridge that integrates respectfully into the limestone landscape while adding a sensuous architectural gesture.
• LOOP ArchitectscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitecture partner on the Lisbjerg Recycling Station project, collaborating on the design of a circular building where waste sorting becomes part of sustainable welfare.
• SwecocoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngineering partner on the Lisbjerg Recycling Station project.
• Carsten Juel-Christiansen (architect)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with Schønherr on the Vestled project in Hvide Sande, a landscape architecture work where art strengthens accessibility to the sea.
• Marianne Hesselbjerg (visual artist)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on the Vestled project, creating the tubular bronze sculpture 'like an unrolled horizon' that serves as artwork, bench, and social space.
• Hasserisgaard Consulting EngineersminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerStage 1 engineering partner on the Vestled, Hvide Sande project.
• Havnecon Consulting ApSminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerStage 1 harbour consulting partner on the Vestled, Hvide Sande project.
• Ingeniørgruppen Varde AS / Hans-Jørn LauritzenminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerStage 2 engineering partner on the Vestled, Hvide Sande project.
• RambøllcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLead engineering partner on the Gentofte Channel climate adaptation project.
• RambøllcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngineering partner on the Sankt Annæ Plads project, working on cloudburst management and drainage infrastructure.
• Eva Koch (sculptor)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArtist collaborator on Sankt Annæ Plads, designing the play sculpture for children and adults.
• Lundgaard & TranbergminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitecture partner on the Sankt Annæ Plads project.
• Zacho LindminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLandscape partner on the Sankt Annæ Plads project.
• JeudanminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProperty and development partner on the Sankt Annæ Plads project.
• Ingeniør Viggo MadsencoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngineering partner on the Struer Harbour climate adaptation project.
• M. J. EricssoncoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngineering partner on the Struer Harbour project.
• RambøllcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngineering partner on the Kokkedal Climate Adaptation project.
• Ebbe Dalsgaard A/SminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitecture partner on the Kokkedal Climate Adaptation project.
• P. Malmos A/SminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLandscape contractor on the Kokkedal Climate Adaptation project.
• Eva Koch (visual artist)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVisual artist collaborator on Kokkedal Climate Adaptation, contributing artistic elements to the blue-green urban spaces.
• Danish Board of TechnologycoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartner in the Strøby Egede climate adaptation project, contributing to citizen involvement and technology assessment.
• WSPcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngineering and cost estimation partner on the Strøby Egede project, providing construction and operation cost estimates and assessment of nature development potentials.
• RealisecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartner on the Strøby Egede project, providing the cost-sharing model proposal.
• EnvidancoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWater and environmental engineering partner on the Køge North urban development project.
• TscherningminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerConstruction partner on the Køge North project.
• MalmosminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLandscape contractor on the Køge North project.
• 3XNcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLead architect on the Lighthouse project at Aarhus Ø, with Schønherr as sub-consultant for masterplan, concept design, and detailed design of outdoor areas.
• RambøllcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngineering partner on the Lighthouse project at Aarhus Ø.
• AarsleffminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerConstruction partner on the Lighthouse project.
• Dan JordminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSoil and ground engineering partner on the Lighthouse project.
• UN StudiominorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitecture partner on the Lighthouse project.
• GrontmijminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerConsulting engineering partner on the Lighthouse project.
• Gehl ArchitectsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerUrban quality consultancy partner on the Lighthouse project.
• Aalborg Universitet (Aalborg University)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchønherr collaborates with Aalborg University on systematic material classification and life cycle analyses (LCA), ensuring that sustainability claims are scientifically grounded and compliant with EU Taxonomy and ESG frameworks.
• Dansk Brand & Sikring (DBI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchønherr collaborated with DBI (Danish Institute of Fire and Security Technology) to develop an online tool for assessing and planning physical security measures against terror threats in public spaces, following EU's official definition of terrorism.
• Kunstnere og forskere (Artists and researchers)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchønherr collaborates with artists, scientists, think tanks, and specialists to shape future solutions, integrating diverse perspectives into landscape and urban design.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• COWI: Major Danish-headquartered engineering, architecture and consulting group active in climate adaptation, urban development and infrastructure. Comparable in addressing the same Danish municipal and infrastructure clients, though at much larger scale and across a wider service portfolio.
• Sweco: European engineering and architecture consultancy with a strong Nordic presence. Comparable as an engineering and urban-development partner to Danish municipalities (e.g., as engineering partner on Lisbjerg Recycling Station), competing for the same large public-sector climate and infrastructure mandates.
• WSP: Global engineering and design consultancy with a significant Nordic practice. Comparable in providing engineering, cost and nature-development expertise on Danish climate-adaptation projects (e.g., Strøby Egede with Stevns Kommune), and increasingly competing for the lead consultancy role.
• Rambøll Group: Large Nordic engineering, architecture and consulting group. Most frequent engineering partner to Schønherr on flagship mandates (Carlsberg Byen, Sankt Annæ Plads, Kokkedal, Gentofte Channel). Comparable in serving Danish municipalities on climate adaptation and urban development, but at far greater scale and a much broader portfolio.

Regional players

• 3XN: Danish architecture firm active in masterplanning, urban design and large mixed-use developments. Comparable as a Nordic design-led practice collaborating with Schønherr (e.g., Lighthouse, Aarhus Ø), sharing the same public and private Danish developer clients.
• BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group): Copenhagen-based architecture and urbanism practice with strong Nordic identity and global profile. Comparable in design-led Nordic positioning and large-scale urban masterplanning, though focused on building architecture more than landscape.
• MOE A/S: Danish engineering consultancy serving municipalities and developers on urban development and infrastructure. Comparable in project type and client base, particularly as a structural/technical partner on urban-space mandates such as Silkeborg Square.

Emerging players

• Henrik Valeur / Transform: Copenhagen-based urban planning and architecture practice specialising in waterfront, climate and harbour transformations. Comparable in niche focus on Danish coastal and climate-adaptation urbanism (e.g., harbour redevelopments).
• STED (landscape architecture): Danish landscape architecture practice working on urban spaces, climate adaptation and public realm. Comparable in service offering and Danish municipal client base, but at smaller scale; serves as a benchmark for boutique landscape peers.

Direct peers

• Gehl Architects: Copenhagen-based urban planning and landscape architecture practice with a people-centred, public-realm focus. Closely comparable in Nordic urban-design ethos, citizen engagement methodology, and Danish municipal client base; cited as a partner on the Lighthouse, Aarhus Ø project.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/schonherr-as
• Instagraminstagram.com/schonherrdk
• Facebookfacebook.com/schonherrdk

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Schønherr