Contexō provides new, original concepts and practical architecture, coupled with visionary ambitions in every design.
We embrace design as a dynamic process, viewing each facet of a project not as limitations but as opportunities for creative exploration. Every project begins with a clean slate, devoid of preconceptions. Through meticulous and comprehensive analysis encompassing various factors such as the economy, social dynamics, politics, climate, and geography, we forge a network of knowledge that serves as the foundation for our architectural decisions.This rational methodology empowers us to furnish clients with highly informed, specific, and distinctive design solutions that not only meet present and future requirements but also uncover opportunities and latent potentials.
Architects founders Nicolas Gustin and Miguel Serrano met in Shanghai in 2015, at that time, two genuinely lost in translation Europeans with a large appetite to have fun, explore and learn from the Asian world. Some global metropolises later, Paris brought them together to launch Contexō.
The merging of their two carriers represents about 20 years of experience in the fields of architecture, urbanism, and design around the globe.
Nicolas Gustin, Brussels (1989) - While studying in Brussels and Finland and completing his studies by professional experiences in China at David Chipperfield Architects, Nicolas focused his interest on rapid migration of Asian cities. After joining Sou Fujimoto Architects in Tokyo where he won several internatonal competitions, Nicolas spent a year at Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) in New York, contributing to urban planning projects in Pittsburgh. Subsequently, he seamlessly integrated the French branch of Sou Fujimoto Architects. Here, he worked as a project director, overseeing various large-scale projects spanning housing development in France, Belgium, and Japan. Simultaneously, he pursued research at Aalto University in Helsinki, where he worked as a part-time PhD student. His research focused on rapid urbanization and self-organized territories.
Miguel Serrano, Madrid (1987) - Miguel completed his architecture studies in Spain, focusing his research on sustainability and vernacular architecture in southern European climates. In 2013, Miguel relocated to Shanghai and dedicated five years of his career to David Chipperfield Architects. During this time, he led projects ranging from competition-winning proposals to completed works, including the Natural History Museum of Zhejiang and the Pudong Urban Planning Museum in Shanghai. After his stint in Asia, Miguel moved to Berlin and later Paris. In 2022, he led the team that won the Extension of the French National Archives competition while collaborating at l’AUC. Miguel is developing this project, with construction set to commence in November 2024.
Contexō practices a pro-active, interactive and iterative approach to the management of our projects.
