MIHEL ARCHITECTS.
The Studio
ALEXANDER MIHEL, MAA
Mihel Architects was founded in 2023 by Alexander Mihel, a Swedish architect educated at the Royal Danish Academy in Copenhagen, where he specialised in spatial design, architecture, and interior design.
Before establishing his own practice, Alexander worked at Mette Lange Architects, gaining experience in projects that connect craftsmanship and a strong sense of place.
In parallel with his architectural work, he designs furniture, exploring the relationship between scale, material, and use. This ongoing dialogue between architecture and furniture design forms a central part of his practice, uniting structure and detail under the same approach of restraint and simplicity.
Interview with Alexander Mihel, Founder of Mihel Architects
What is the core philosophy behind Mihel Architects?
At Mihel Architects, we believe in the power of restraint. Our work is guided by the principle of just enough just enough material, just enough effort, and just enough thought to create buildings that are clear, quiet, and rooted in place. We’re not chasing novelty. We’re looking for what feels inevitable, forms and spaces that resonate with memory and belong where they are.
How do you typically approach a new project?
We start by looking at what’s already there. The landscape, the building, the material history. Every project begins with listening and observing. What can we reuse? What already works? We’re interested in doing as little as possible, but doing it well. That means making small, precise moves that strengthen what exists, rather than replacing it.
You often speak about tradition and craftsmanship. What role do they play in your work?
A big one. I don’t believe in throwing everything away to make something new. I believe in standing on the shoulders of our predecessors. Tradition and old craftsmanship offer a deep well of knowledge about proportions, materials, how things age. One of my favourite sayings is: “A chair should be of a good old family.” That applies to buildings too. We revisit traditional forms and methods, and then adapt them to meet today’s needs.
What makes Mihel Architects different from other practices?
I think it’s our attitude. We’re not trying to impress. We’re trying to clarify. We design with a sense of humility avoiding over design, expensive gestures, or flashy statements. Instead, we focus on what’s necessary, and what will last. Whether it’s a house, a new kitchen, or a piece of furniture, our goal is always the same: to make something that feels grounded, familiar, and quietly strong.