35 years of project development by the Landmarken family

Norbert Hermanns, who better to look back on 35 years than the founder who has led and guided the company throughout that time? How would you assess it?

Norbert Hermanns: It's a proud look back. We have achieved a great deal: for ourselves, for the cities in which we operate, but also for the industry. I believe we have succeeded in repeatedly setting standards for how to approach project development responsibly, how to take into account the interests of tenants and neighbors in the neighborhood, and how to consider good architecture and urban planning and implement them accordingly.

The name Landmarken stands for something distinctive that gives a place its identity. This name, chosen for the successful expansion of the company's business activities as a project developer, also reflects its aspirations, doesn't it?

Norbert Hermanns: That's right. We want to leave something behind that will have an impact on a location for 50, even 100 years, and make that location better. Quality is absolutely crucial for us. Quality plays a major role in architecture, construction, and also in utilization concepts. We have achieved this very well in a great many projects.

And it has contributed to Landmarken AG's good reputation in the industry.

Norbert Hermanns: This particularly good reputation is justified because Landmarken has made a name for itself through fair conduct, straightforwardness, and truly successful projects. I am proud of our Landmarken AG, which has developed enormously over these 35 years and has had a very positive influence on neighborhoods and cities.

It is striking that Landmarken has won many awards for its projects. How important are these successes for your self-image?

Norbert Hermanns: We are delighted about this, and it is also our goal: we want to carry out projects that exceed expectations. Projects that have a greater impact than even the most positive expectations of our clients. In many cases, we have been very successful in this regard, and we can look back with confidence, but also look forward with joy and motivation. A few years ago, we stated that we wanted to become the best project developer. Of course, one can debate what that actually means. But we asked many experts and were happy when some said, "Come on, you've been that for a long time. You are definitely among the best." And that's why we go to work every day. We have learned a lot over the years, and every project should be even better than the previous ones.

There are landmark projects in over 20 cities, and new ones are always being added. They vary greatly in size and structure, from Herne to Hamburg, from Krefeld to Cologne.

Norbert Hermanns: Our aim is to carry out good projects not only in A cities, but also in B and C cities. It is particularly important there to shape the environment and develop good projects and neighborhoods. Our work is very important in this regard. To this end, we regularly invite cities to work with us and jointly consider how to develop neighborhoods and set new trends in both the commercial and residential sectors. Together, we want to think ahead about how cities should develop in the future.

Finally, let's venture a look into the future. You have handed over your executive board responsibilities to the next generation. You will continue to support Landmarken AG as chairman of the supervisory board. Given the current signs of war, climate change, and inflation, how do you see the company equipped for the future?

Norbert Hermanns: Landmarken is incredibly well positioned and has many bright minds who have found their niche with us to make their contribution to a better world. And they do so with a great sense of responsibility—now more than ever, with such important questions as: What does the project do for our climate, what does it do for the city and its users? I believe we can make an important contribution here; we are needed. And that's why I'm looking forward to many more years with Landmarken AG.