It was actually supposed to be Milan

Raffaela Lackner, BSc, Managing Director | Architektur Haus Kärnten

Raffaela Lackner was part of the first graduating class of the architecture program at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences. What originally began as an alternative to studying in Munich or Milan turned into a decision that had a lasting impact on her future career path. She particularly remembers the family-like atmosphere, the close collaboration with the faculty, and the opportunity to actively shape the curriculum.

During her studies, she gained international experience–including a practicum semester in Frankfurt and an extraordinary project in South Africa, where she worked with students to build a school. These experiences reinforced her understanding that architecture extends far beyond the design of buildings.

Today, she is the executive director of Architektur Haus Kärnten and is committed to promoting building culture to a broad public. In addition, she works with young people on projects to educate them about architecture and is active as a journalist in the field of architecture. Her conclusion: Architecture creates spaces for people–and building culture concerns us all.