House of the Future 2024/25 competition Honorable mention winner - Pyae Phyo Kyaw

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winner of our House of the Future 24/25 competition – Pyae Phyo Kyaw from Germany!

Pyae Phyo Kyaw

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

While I do not currently operate my own architectural firm, I bring a diverse and well-rounded professional and academic background shaped by international experiences and a strong foundation in architectural competitions. I began working on architectural competitions during my bachelor’s studies in Myanmar, which sparked my passion for critical and conceptual design. 

After graduating in 2016 with the Best Thesis Award, I joined Spine Architects, the most prominent architecture firm in Myanmar, as an architectural designer. There, I was exposed to a rigorous design process focused on spatial proportion, conceptual clarity, and innovative use of voids — which continue to influence my design thinking today. To advance my professional and academic development, I moved to Germany to pursue a Master of Architecture. I studied one year at Hochschule Wismar – University of Applied Sciences, Technology, Business and Design, and then completed an exchange semester at École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris-Val de Seine (ENSAPVS) in France as part of the Erasmus+ program. During my time in Paris, I also received a third prize in the Archiboi 2022 Timber Building Design Competition, which highlighted my ability to address sustainable design topics through competition work. Following my studies, I completed a six-month internship at Dietmar Feichtinger Architects in Paris, contributing to multiple ongoing projects and international competitions. I significantly developed my architectural visualization skills and deepened my understanding of design adaptability across cultural and typological contexts. 

Currently, I work as an architectural designer at Tiemann Petri-Koch Architekten (TPK) in Stuttgart, Germany, where I specialize in competition projects. My blend of design theory knowledge, graphic communication, and hands-on experience enables me to bring fresh, thoughtful perspectives to each project.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

Throughout my academic and professional career, I have worked on a diverse range of projects — from urban housing to public buildings and infrastructure. My early experiences in Myanmar included various building types, such as residential, commercial, and public spaces. At Spine Architects, I was involved in projects that emphasized form-making and spatial quality within urban constraints. In Paris, I worked on bridge design and cultural buildings with Dietmar Feichtinger Architects, participating in both ongoing projects and high-profile international competitions. At TPK Architekten, my focus is on large-scale competition projects in Germany, particularly hospitals and public facilities. These projects require a deep understanding of spatial logic, user experience, and environmental integration, which aligns with my long-standing interest in sustainable urban design and concept-based architecture.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

Architecture, for me, is a living discipline that bridges art, science, and society. It’s not only about creating buildings but shaping how people experience space — both physically and emotionally. An architect's role is to be a translator of culture, context, and community needs. We are responsible for creating spaces that not only meet functional demands but also uplift people's daily lives. In a time of social and environmental transformation, architects must act with sensitivity, vision, and courage. We are the storytellers and problem-solvers who can build a more sustainable, inclusive, and meaningful future.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

I am deeply passionate about architecture competitions because they keep me continuously engaged with contemporary theories, urban challenges, and innovative design methods. Competitions require a deep understanding of architecture’s academic core — from spatial design to cultural context — and sharpen the ability to distill big ideas into clear, compelling proposals. Each competition is a new opportunity to explore bold concepts, test ideas, and collaborate across disciplines. Ultimately, the experience gained in competitions contributes not just to personal growth but also to real-world skills in communication, visual storytelling, and urban thinking.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

Competitions are challenging — but they are also one of the most powerful ways to grow as a designer. They push you to refine your ideas, present them clearly, and face the broader world of architecture. My advice: focus on the process, not just the prize. Even if your work doesn’t win, the act of creating something meaningful and sharing your vision is valuable. Competitions help you build your profile, understand your design voice, and contribute ideas that can impact the public and the profession. Remember, architecture is a form of communication — and competitions are a stage where we present our ideas with big responsibility and big heart. Sometimes your work will go unnoticed, but your growth lies in the process. Winning isn’t the point — the process is the art.