Manja Hampel

What have you recently discovered for yourself?

Putting my phone away. ;)

What did your life look like before hej.build?

In recent years, I have developed and executed various event formats for a wide range of brands, from product launches and pop-up stores to festivals. A key focus was the staging of spaces.

How do you stay up to date?

For daily news, global events, and pop culture topics, I mainly rely on podcasts. They allow you to stay informed while going for a walk, exercising, or cleaning – depending on what needs to be done. I get most of my inspiration from Instagram and Pinterest, which I still find underrated in the context of design.

Who would you switch places with for a day?

Such a difficult question because I’m torn between »no one« and »100 people instantly come to mind.« There are so many things I don’t understand. Would I maybe grasp them if I could see the world through the eyes of an autocrat? Or how does it feel to afford anything – both financially and socially accepted? I just realized, I’d like to be a man for a day.

What is your favorite building and why?

In fall 2024, the Publix opened in Berlin-Neukölln – a house dedicated to journalism, public discourse, and the promotion of democracy. Besides its fascinating thematic focus, I love the architecture and its location right next to an old, unused cemetery. I’m a fan of the combination of brick, concrete, glass, and wood. The »circus lights« in the cafeteria particularly won me over.