Jan Glasmeier founded Simple Architecture in Bangkok in 2016, focusing on sustainable, low-tech, and community-driven projects, often using materials like bamboo and adobe mud bricks. Based in Bangkok and London, the studio specializes in affordable, socially responsible design for marginalized communities and educational institutions, particularly along the Thai-Burma border.

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Simple Architecture's buildings showcase the flexibility, durability, and sustainability of local materials and natural building, often centering around bamboo and adobe mud bricks. By using affordable natural materials, Simple Architecture can bring beautiful, functional and sustainable architecture to marginalized communities at a lower cost than conventional architecture and construction firms.

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Key projects that Glasmeier has co-designed include Kwel Ka Baung School, Mae Tao Clinic campus, Araksa Tea House and Shop as well as Hway Ka Loke School Classrooms. Various designs have been nominated for and won several awards, including the 2014 DETAIL Award. The work has been featured  internationally.

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Jan has been teaching and lecturing at a number of international Universities in Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Romania, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, UK and US.

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Teaching & Professional Position (selection)

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04/2025 - appointed member - associaton of german architect (bda)

 

01/2023 - co-founder of socialarchitecture e.V. with oliver giebels

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11/2016 - founder simple architecture, founder, bangkok + london​

 

9/2021 - present, guest lecturer,

rheinmain university of applied science, wiesbaden, germany
 

10/2021 - 02/2022, „research project on rammed earth additives"

stuttgart university of applied science, germany

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09/2021 - 02/2022, guest lecturer, university of bath, uk

 

09/2020 - present, guest lecturer, technical university of applied science, augsburg, germany

01/2020 - 07/2021, guest professor basehabitat, university of the arts linz, austria

01/2012 - 10/2016, a.gor.a architects, co-founder, mae sot, thailand

01/2010 - 01/2012, arup, senior architect, london + singapore

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2009 - registered @ architecture chamber north-rhine westphalia (aknw)

10/2006 - 12/2009, foster + partners, architect, london + abu dhabi

10/1999 - 06/2006, diploma in architecture, tu darmstadt, germany

09/1997 - 06/1999, apprenticeship as architectural draftsman

boell + krabel,  essen, germany

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