About
Who we are and how we work. Explore our studio, services, and awards, and learn how we support your team across disciplines.
Design philosophy
CEBRA creates architecture to move people. By combining a deep understanding of the project context and the client’s needs with a strong artistic ambition, we design meaningful spaces that inspire people, stimulate the senses, connect to nature, and encourage positive change.
Artistic Leadership
We create architecture for the senses
In interdisciplinary teams, we practise artistic leadership. We speak up for emotional impact and create architecture that is bold, beautiful and useful.
Human Insight
We listen to the world around us
Empathy is at the core of how we create architecture that stimulates people and inspires communities. We believe that architecture can truly change our lives for the better.
Forward Thinking
We craft adaptive ideas
By recognising that constant change is a given, we take pride in designing solutions that may evolve over time and are relevant both now and in the future.
Sustainable Action
We understand the urgency to act
We feel a great responsibility to create architecture that lasts for generations and is cared for and loved by its users. We design holistic solutions that leave a positive imprint.
Studio
CEBRA is an award-winning Danish architecture and design studio established in 2001. The studio was founded by architects Mikkel Frost, Carsten Primdahl, and Kolja Nielsen, who head the creative and strategic work with partner Mikkel Schlesinger.
The internationally renowned studio is recognised for its bold, artistic, and people-first architecture. CEBRA’s architectural works are always deeply rooted in context. Carefully studying the users' needs, culture, and climate, the studio pushes the boundaries for empathic and imaginative architecture, guided by adaptive ideas and the green transition. With a portfolio spanning education, workspace, culture, and residential, as well as adaptive reuse, landscape, urban planning, and interior design, CEBRA designs architecture across all scales and fields.
The studio employs a multidisciplinary staff of more than 65 architects, constructing architects, urban planners, landscape architects, academics, and administrative personnel. CEBRA’s head office is in Aarhus, Denmark, with a branch office in Copenhagen, Denmark.
In 2025, CEBRA merged with the Canadian architecture firm Lemay. By joining Lemay, CEBRA takes part in an international design ecosystem and strengthens its network, while staying who they are – the same leadership, identity, and strategic focus.
Services
CEBRA covers all architectural disciplines and provides services throughout all project stages, including specialised expertise in user engagement processes, sustainable design management, BIM, and Parametric Design.
Together, our highly skilled and experienced team provides full architectural services, including:
Architectural design in all stages
We provide your team with consulting and designs from early concept through to completed architectural work. We tailor the process to your needs, combining context, functionality, and artistic ambition to create spaces that are both meaningful and buildable.
Project development
We support clients in shaping projects from initial idea to a viable brief. This includes defining scope, testing scenarios, and aligning architectural, financial, environmental, and strategic goals.
Project management
We ensure confident, structured and transparent project delivery, coordinating teams, timelines, and budgets. Our approach secures high quality, trust, and consistency from the first sketch to handover.
BIM and parametric design
We use advanced digital tools to improve precision, coordination, and decision-making. BIM and parametric methods enable efficient workflows and informed design decisions across scales and disciplines.
Integrated 3D design and construction documents
We develop integrated 3D models that form the basis for all project documentation. This ensures clarity, reduces risk, and strengthens an informed collaboration between all project partners.
Site inspection
We follow the project on site to ensure that the design intent is realised in construction. Through regular inspections, we maintain quality and support problem-solving during construction stages.
Sustainable design management
We define and implement measurable environmental strategies throughout the project. Our work is guided by climate targets, resource efficiency, and long-term value. Read more about our approach to sustainable design here.
Adaptive reuse and conservation
We work with existing built environments and landscapes to preserve value and enable new uses. Our approach balances architectural quality, resource awareness, and each structure's specific potential to limit the need for new virgin materials.
Certifications and standards
We guide projects through relevant certification schemes and documentation processes, and standards, such as the EU Taxonomy, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC), DGNB, Estidama, LEED, or Reduction Roadmap targets. This includes aligning design decisions with recognised standards and client requirements.
Read more about our approach to sustainable design here.
Landscape architecture
We design outdoor environments that connect buildings, people, and nature. With your team, our specialists always aim for our landscapes to support biodiversity, usability, and spatial coherence.
Urban and master planning
We develop strategic frameworks for cities and sites that balance density, identity, and long-term development. Our master plans, local planning, and contributions to district plans support robust structures for future positive change.
Interior architecture and FF&E
We design interior environments that support function, well-being, and identity. This includes selection and coordination of furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
Space planning
We organise spaces to support user needs, workflows, accessibility, and well-being. We base our approach on analysis, user insights, and long-term flexibility.
Signage and wayfinding
We design clear and coherent wayfinding systems and graphics that support orientation and accessibility. The solutions are integrated into the architecture, strengthening the overall experience.
Sustainability
Construction has exceeded the planet’s limits, defined by the Planetary Boundaries – seven of which have already been exceeded globally. The construction industry accounts for 39% of global carbon emissions and is the world’s largest consumer of materials. As such, it is a major driver of climate change and biodiversity loss.
At CEBRA, we work on reducing our footprint in three ways: as activists, by helping push science-based legislation and decision-making through the Reduction Roadmap; through research, by participating in projects that expand knowledge and develop new tools; and through architecture, by integrating the potential for reduced environmental impact into our design process with our clients.
We enable informed decision-making. Balancing your needs, scope, and local conditions, our specialists help you identify where and how to reduce climate and biodiversity impacts guided by climate science.
Join us
Working at our studio, you will be part of a workplace where collaborative spirit, curiosity, and creativity drive forward-thinking design excellence. We believe in lifelong learning, enabling you to grow professionally and personally throughout your career among other great talents.
Our workplace brings together more than 65 dedicated colleagues – architects, constructing architects, urban planners, landscape architects, academics, and administrative staff – in an international work environment based in Aarhus and Copenhagen, Denmark.
Awards
Our work has gained international recognition through a wide range of award-winning projects in Scandinavia, Europe, North America, and Asia.
LEGO Innovation Campus
Billund, DenmarkAl Musalla
Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesAl Hosn master plan
Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesMalling Dampmølle
Malling, Denmark