Trapezoid Architecture

What Trapezoid Architecture does

Trapez Architektur GmbH is a Hamburg-based architecture firm founded in 1987 that provides full-scope architectural design and planning services for German public-sector clients, with a near-exclusive focus on educational buildings (schools, school campuses), 24-hour operational facilities (emergency dispatch centers, police command centers, public transport operations control centers), fire stations and civil protection centers, and ancillary cultural and research infrastructure. The firm delivers projects across all nine HOAI service phases — from initial concept and feasibility through construction supervision — and is differentiated by a participatory "Phase Zero" methodology that convenes future users (students, teachers, emergency responders, community members) before architectural design begins, as well as deep specialization in the ergonomic and acoustic requirements of 24-hour operational environments.

The firm operates as a professional services practice with approximately 50 team members (architects, interior designers, finance, IT, HR, office management) and is led by managing director Dirk Landwehr, who is registered with the Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein Chambers of Architects. It ranks 18th in the Competitionline 2025/2026 ranking of German architecture firms. Trapez maintains core partnerships with landscape and architecture firms (EGL, tBL, Blunck + Morgen, eggersmende) for joint competition entries and uses external visualization and lighting specialists for project delivery. Its technology is fundamentally craft-and-expertise-based rather than software-based: the "platform" is the firm's accumulated human-centered design philosophy ("In der Mitte der Mensch"), domain specialization, and proprietary Phase Zero process.

Trapez generates revenue exclusively through commissioned architectural design services, with fees calculated under the legally regulated HOAI framework based on project type, building category, and construction costs. The go-to-market is sales-led and competition-driven: projects are acquired through architectural competitions (Verhandlungsverfahren and Wettbewerbe) on platforms such as Competitionline, through direct commissions from public-sector clients, and through repeat relationships with anchor accounts (e.g., SBH | Schulbau Hamburg, Kreis Pinneberg, Landkreis Stormarn). Private-sector work is limited but present (e.g., HC Hagemann's Goldfisch office building). Pricing is project-specific and not publicly disclosed; contract cadence is multi-year per project.

Name

Trapezoid Architecture

Legal name

Trapez Architektur GmbH

Website

https://trapez-architektur.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Trapez Architektur is a Hamburg-based architecture firm founded in 1987 that delivers full-scope design services under the German HOAI framework, specializing in public-sector schools, 24-hour control centers, and fire stations across Germany with proprietary "Phase Zero" participatory planning.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Architectural Services

NAICS

Architectural Services (541310), Interior Design Services (54141)

SIC

Services-Engineering Services (8711)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAHAKAA

Architectural Design Services

Business & Public Services/Professional Services (Legal, Accounting, Consulting)/Architecture, Design & Planning Services

SECONDARYBPAHAKAB

Interior Design Services

Business & Public Services/Professional Services (Legal, Accounting, Consulting)/Architecture, Design & Planning Services

SECONDARYBPAHAKAO

Community Engagement & Participatory Planning

Business & Public Services/Professional Services (Legal, Accounting, Consulting)/Architecture, Design & Planning Services

Keywords

• Architectural design services
• Educational architecture
• Public sector buildings
• Control center design
• Fire station design

Headquarters

HQ city

Hamburg

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Architectural Design Services (Public Sector): Trapez generates revenue through commissioned architectural design services for public-sector clients. Fees are calculated according to the 'Honorarordnung für Ingenieure und Architekten (HOAI)' (German Fee Structure for Engineers and Architects). Services span all nine HOAI service phases from initial concept through construction supervision. Clients include municipal governments, school authorities, fire districts, police departments, transport authorities, and cultural institutions.
2. Architectural Design Services (Private Sector): Private-sector clients include residential developers, commercial building owners, and healthcare/cultural institutions. Projects include office buildings (Goldfisch Hamburg), residential/community projects, and commercial fit-outs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Trapez Architektur is a full-service German architecture firm providing architectural design services across all HOAI service phases, from initial concept through construction supervision. The firm specializes in educational architecture (schools, learning landscapes), 24-hour control and command centers (emergency dispatch, police, transit operations), fire stations and civil protection facilities, heritage building renovation, sustainable/CO2-neutral construction, and interior design. Clients are primarily German public-sector municipalities and authorities, with select private-sector projects.

Product overview

Trapez Architektur is an architecture firm founded in 1987, offering a comprehensive portfolio of architectural services across Germany. The firm operates as a unified service-based practice rather than a software product company, providing building design, interior design, consulting, school development with Phase Zero processes, and participatory moderation services. Their project portfolio spans schools (elementary, primary, secondary), control centers (emergency dispatch, police, transportation), fire stations, office buildings, and public facilities. They work across all HOAI service phases from concept to construction supervision, with particular expertise in educational architecture and 24-hour operational facilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Building Design Services Comprehensive architectural design services spanning all nine HOAI service phases from concept to construction supervision, covering control centers, transportation infrastructure, schools, cultural buildings, public facilities, housing, assisted living, historical preservation, and office buildings. For public-sector clients including municipalities, school authorities, fire districts, police, transport authorities, and select private developers.
• Interior Design Tailored interior design concepts with focus on use, comfort, and character, including integrated interior design concepts, interior fit-out, detailing, and custom furniture design for specific projects. For project clients across education, public safety, transit, and cultural sectors.
• Consulting & Feasibility Studies Expert analysis and strategic planning support for early-stage decision-making, including concept and project development, needs assessments, feasibility studies, modernization strategies, and urban planning concepts. For public-sector clients and private developers at the project initiation stage.
• School Development & Phase Zero Guidance for educational clients through complex planning phases from analysis to activation, including site development assessments, demographic projections, facility condition analysis, space planning, and Phase Zero facilitation processes. The proprietary Phase Zero methodology brings together students, teachers, administrators, and community members to define goals before architectural design commences. For educational institutions and school authorities.
• Moderation & Participation Facilitation of planning and project development using participatory methods that give all stakeholders a voice in the architectural process. For public-sector clients undertaking complex stakeholder projects in education, safety, and community infrastructure.

Quantifiable outcome

• Römerstadtschule Frankfurt received 2nd Prize at the SCHULBAU Award 2024 and was recognized for its 'Heimaten' design fostering student belonging and pride.
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• EGL Entwicklung und Gestaltung von LandschaftcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLandscape architecture partner for the Soziales Stadtteilzentrum Veddel project. Won 1st prize together in a competition. The project integrates landscape design (Immanuelpark) with the new social neighborhood center building, requiring close co-development of building and landscape concepts.
• tBL LandschaftcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLandscape architecture partner for the Europaschule Timmendorfer Strand competition, where Trapez and tBL took 3rd prize. Collaboration involves joint competition entry for educational campus with integrated landscape design.
• Architektur Büro HerzerminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitecture firm Herzer was responsible for service phases 8 (construction management/HOAI LPH 8) for the Kooperative Regionalleitstelle Elmshorn project, working under Trapez's design leadership.
• Schliessler + Valentsik ArchitektenminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerResponsible for HOAI service phases 8 (LPH 8) for Römerstadtschule Frankfurt, following Trapez's design and earlier service phases.
• eggersmende architektenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitecture partner for Marklohe Secondary School transformation (renovation and expansion), collaborating with Trapez on the comprehensive redesign of the 1970s building.
• eggersmende architektenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitecture partner for Fire and Rescue Technical Center Minden (5,736 m² BGF) in Hille, in collaboration with Trapez.
• zweitraumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitecture partner for the extension and renovation of Müller-Guttenbrunn-School in Fürth im Odenwald (2010, 9,850 m² BGF).
• Jost Contino, NürnbergminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerResponsible for service phases 6-8 (LPH 6-8) for the Integrierte Leitstelle Bamberg-Forchheim project in Buttenheim, under Trapez's design leadership.
• Milbach + Milbach Architekten und IngenieureminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerResponsible for service phases 1-7 and partially 8 (LPH 1-7, teilweise 8) for the BVG Operations Center Berlin-Lichtenberg (completed 2015, 2,950 m² BGF), following Trapez's design.
• CEBRA Architecture A/SminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDanish architecture firm CEBRA Architecture A/S led the design for the German Oceanographic Museum expansion in Stralsund (11,260 m² BGF), with Trapez as a contributor. Won 2nd prize in 2017 competition.
• Blunck + Morgen ArchitektencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitecture partner for the DESY Innovation Factory Altona project (over 8,500 m², topping-out September 2025), part of Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld. This is a significant research infrastructure project.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bez+Kock Architekten: Stuttgart-based German architecture firm with comparable public-sector education and cultural building portfolio. Similar scale and direct overlap with Trapez's school-building specialization.
• HPP Architekten: German architecture firm with strong public-sector portfolio in education, transport (airports, stations) and cultural buildings. Closely comparable to Trapez in service breadth, HOAI-driven fee model, and German public-tendering focus.
• Hascher Jehle Architektur: Berlin-based German architecture firm with deep expertise in educational and cultural public-sector buildings, including schools and museums. Highly comparable project-type mix and German public-tendering focus.
• pbr Planungsbüro Rohling: German architecture and engineering firm with strong public-sector portfolio in education, administration and infrastructure. Comparable full-service model across HOAI phases and similar German geographic footprint.
• Staab Architekten: Berlin-based German architecture firm with public-sector cultural and educational commissions. Comparable project types and German public-tendering expertise.
• agn Niederberghaus & Partner: German architecture and engineering group with extensive public-sector portfolio including educational, administrative and emergency-services facilities. Comparable full-service HOAI scope and German geographic reach.
• Heinle, Wischer und Partner: Stuttgart-based German architecture practice specializing in public-sector educational, cultural and administrative buildings. Comparable HOAI service scope and German public-client orientation.
• Blunck + Morgen Architekten: Hamburg-based German architecture firm currently co-developing the DESY Innovation Factory with Trapez. Comparable scale, northern German geographic focus, and public/research-sector project mix.

Broad incumbents

• GMP Architekten (von Gerkan, Marg and Partners): Large, internationally active German architecture practice with significant public-sector commissions including transport, education and cultural facilities. Operates at substantially larger scale than Trapez with comparable project types.

Emerging players

• CEBRA Architecture: Danish architecture firm that partnered with Trapez on the Deutsches Meeresmuseum Stralsund competition (2nd prize 2017). Comparable in public-sector museum/cultural portfolio and willingness to collaborate internationally.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/trapez-architektur
• Instagraminstagram.com/trapez.architektur
• Xx.com/trapez_arch
• Facebookfacebook.com/Trapez.Architektur

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 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 Trapezoid Architecture