German architecture and engineering firm kplan AG recently celebrated its 40th anniversary with a jubilee celebration, marking four decades of growth and innovation in the industry. The company, which now employs over 145 staff members across seven locations throughout Germany, has maintained approximately 40 employees at its traditional Siegen location for nearly 35 years, making it a central pillar of the nationwide operation.
The firm's roots trace back deeply into the Siegerland region through founder Hanns-Peter Kirchmann, who previously worked at Hering Bau in Holzhausen and cultivated strong connections to the area from the company's inception. The second kplan location opened in the early 1990s, initially in Niederdielfen before the rapidly growing office relocated to Siegen in the mid-1990s. The anniversary celebration was held at the Abensberger Weißbierstadl, bringing together the entire team to commemorate this significant milestone.
Simone Mattedi, one of the first employees in Siegen and a board member since 2005, emphasized the company's comprehensive approach to architecture and project development. "Our strength lies equally in planning and project development. We provide comprehensive consultation to our clients, emphasize sustainable needs planning, and create reliable decision-making foundations," Mattedi explained. She highlighted the firm's passion for specialized projects in fire protection, disaster management, emergency services, and modern training and educational facilities across various sectors.
The company has established a strong presence in Southwest Germany, having designed numerous significant projects including swimming facilities in Bad Laasphe and Kreuztal, multiple fire stations, and the fire protection and emergency services center with district control room in Märkischer Kreis. kplan has also been involved in school and sports hall expansions and is currently participating in the planned new crisis and hazard prevention center in Siegen-Wittgenstein. "Especially with local projects, we see how our work directly improves people's lives. That makes us particularly proud," Mattedi noted.
As a major regional employer, kplan has expanded to seven locations across Germany, including Siegen, Haiger, Abensberg, Regensburg, Fürth, Hamburg, Leipzig, and the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan area. Despite this national presence, the Siegen location remains a fundamental cornerstone of the company. "We are firmly rooted in Siegen. That our location will remain here in the future is a matter of course for us," Mattedi emphasized, noting that many planning projects originate there, young professionals receive training, and the company continues steady growth with continuous expansion of office space.
The company's financial performance reflects its success, with the corporate group generating approximately 18 million euros in revenue in 2024. Staff numbers have grown significantly from 85 to 145 employees over the past five years, with continued upward trajectory expected. "We are constantly seeking architects and specialized planners, but we deliberately choose carefully. Healthy growth takes precedence over rapid growth," explained Nico Wagner, authorized representative and lead architect at kplan. The positive business development was presented to staff during the anniversary celebration, with Mattedi concluding that all areas are growing and the company can offer secure employment to its workforce while providing long-term stability to the region.
Interestingly, company founder Hanns-Peter Kirchmann brings a unique background to the architecture firm, as he is also a trained brewmaster whose professional roots were established in the Hickengrund area four decades ago. The leadership team of board member Simone Mattedi and authorized representative Nico Wagner continues to guide the Siegen office with trust and commitment, maintaining the firm's reputation for architectural responsibility and regional engagement.
