Xavier De Kestelier studied in Belgium (Ghent University) and in the United Kingdom (The Bartlett School of Architecture). Before joining HASSELL, he led the Specialist Modelling Group at Foster + Partners, a department dedicated to computational design. At F+P he was also responsible for rapid prototyping technology and led numerous research projects. He specialised in large-scale 3D printing, collaborating with NASA and the European Space Agency on the development of 3D-printed lunar and Martian habitat prototypes. He is also a director of Smartgeometry, a non-profit organisation that hosts an annual conference and workshop focused on digital design and fabrication.

HASSELL is one of the leading international design practices, with studios in Australia, China, Southeast Asia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The practice has a history of more than 75 years. They understand good architecture as a way of helping clients achieve their needs and goals, and as a means of ensuring the wellbeing of users—giving them a sense of meaning, connection, and belonging. They measure the success of the buildings and places they design by how clients and users engage with them and enjoy them. Their values are shared across all studios worldwide and by all their staff: architects, interior designers, landscape architects, urban designers, planners, and consultants. They work in integrated teams to ensure the best outcomes for their clients. The growing complexity of their projects requires a working culture based on collaboration, creativity, innovation, and design thinking. The practice specialises in aviation, commercial and workplace projects, cultural and arts buildings, education and science facilities, green infrastructure, health, hospitality, justice, public buildings, rail, residential, retail, sports and entertainment, and urban design. Their work has been recognised with more than 1,000 international awards.

www.hassellstudio.com