Our mission is to trigger architectural experiences.
We achieve this by challenging common approaches to problem solving, spatial composition and materiality.
Our spaces, objects and structures are crafted with clarity and an obsessive attention to detail, creating robust architecture that can stand the test of time and inspire a renewed sense of place.
Question. Craft. Inspire.
PKdM Arkitektar is a Nordic architecture and design studio. Its founder, Icelandic architect Palmar Kristmundsson, draws his inspiration from Iceland’s stunning natural landscape and from his encounters with vernacular Japanese architecture. The partner, Fernando de Mendonça brings a dynamic international perspective from large scale architectural projects in South America and Europe.
Over the years, they have developed an exceptional team of architects from around the world. PKdM’s clients and staff are committed to experimentation and the quest for exciting architectural experiences. Each of PKdM’s projects is designed to inspire a new sense of place through its clarity of design and unexpected details.
The team has twice been nominated for the Mies van der Rohe awards and has its work published in several design and architectural magazines such as, A10, Forum (Sweden), Architectural Review (UK), Nikkei Architecture (Japan), Living Architecture (Denmark), Bauwelt (Germany), AIT (Germany), Wallpaper (UK), Architecture mag (US), Frame (Holland), Domus (Italy) and Opus (Germany).
A dedicated international team of architects located at PKdM’s offices in Iceland, works for public and private clients on projects that include development and urban planning, high-rises, public buildings and private housing. PKdM’s architectural projects often incorporate the design of complementing objects, such as furniture, lighting, and built-ins embedded into the overall design plan. The aim is to deliver holistic projects, not simply drawings. This objective is achieved through close collaboration with clients and contractors as well as frequent site visits and hands-on follow-up during and after construction.
An unwavering commitment to the natural environment has been integrated into PKdM’s design philosophy from the start. To ensure quality and the environmental performance of its buildings, PKdM applies environmental and quality management standards throughout the design process.
PKdM’s architecture is built to last, a consciousness that is demonstrated in its clean lines, inventive material selection, advanced design solutions and robust structures that can stand the test of time.
The team has twice been nominated for a Mies van der Rohe award, has received numerous local and international awards, and has successfully competed in various architectural competitions. To name a few:
"The Plan" Award – Hafnartorg - Mixed Use / FUTURE – Shortlisted
"The Plan" Award - holiday cottages in Brekkuskógur - House - Shortlisted
Architizer A+ Awards - holiday cottages in Brekkuskógur - Special Mention for Architecture + sustainability
Architizer A+ Awards - holiday cottages in Brekkuskógur - Finalist for Architecture + Landscape
AZ Awards - holiday cottages in Brekkuskógur - Winner of people´s choice
Re-Thinking the Future Awards – B25 – 2nd Prize for Residential Design
Re-Thinking the Future Awards – Árborg – Honorable Mention for Residential Design
Architizer A+ Awards – Turninn – Finalist for High Rise
AR House Award – Árborg house - Honorable Mention
Architizer A+ Awards – Árborg house – Jury Winner for Single Family Home
Dedalo Minosse – Árborg house
1st prize – Alvogen headquarters, Reykjavík – invited competition
1st prize – Association of Academics, holiday cottages in Brekkuskógur – invited competition
purchased entry – Vigdís Finnbogadottir Institute of Foreign Languages, Reykjavík – open European competition
2nd prize – Hafnarfjörður Library addition – open competition
2nd prize – Árnastofnun Haskola Íslands, Reykjavík – open European competition
shortlisted for second phase – Iceland Academy of the Arts, Reykjavík – open European competition
1st prize – Museum of Design and Applied Art, Icelandic Design Institute, Garðabær – open competition
DV Design Award in Architecture – Birkimörk home for handicapped youth
Nominated for the Iceland architecture award– Birkimörk home for handicapped youth
1st prize – Sólborgir master plan, Hveragerði – open competition
Nominated for the Mies van der Rohe Award, the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – B20 house
1st prize – Höfðatorg master plan, Reykjavik – invited competition
Nominated for the Mies van der Rohe Award, the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Icelandic Embassy in Berlin
Nominated for DV Design Award in Architecture – Icelandic Embassy in Berlin
3rd prize – Keflavik International Airport addition – open European competition
2nd prize – Laugardalur swimming pool, Reykjavik – open competition
1st prize – Þróttur sports club, Laugardalur, Reykjavík – invited competition
1st prize – Icelandic Embassy in Tiergarten, Berlin – open competition
1st prize – Ísafjörður town center plan, Ísafjörður – open competition
1st prize – Living in Lava, Hafnarfjörður master plan – invited competition
nominated for DV Design Award in Architecture – Geothermal houses, Reykjavík
1st prize – Form Icelandic design award for lighting design
1st prize – geothermal pump houses Reykjavík – open competition
1st prize - Þrastaskógur master plan - open competition
Monbusho Academic Grant, Japanese Ministry of Education – Kenkyuusei research fellow
The PKdM team has its work published in various design and architectural magazines and blogs such as,
A10, Forum (Sweden),
Architectural Review (UK),
Nikkei Architecture (Japan),
Living Architecture (Denmark),
Bauwelt (Germany), AIT (Germany),
Wallpaper (UK),
Frame (Holland),
Domus (Italy),
Archdaily.com,
Plataformaarquitectura.com,
Architizer.com,
Designlines.de (Germany),
The Plan Magazine (Italy),
Azure Magazine (Canada),
Detail (Germany) and
Domus Web (Italy).
The book, originally published in 2010, presents five houses designed by PKdM in Arnarnes, a small penininsula close to the centre of Reykjavík. Two of them have already been built while the other ones are not built yet. The book contains a selection of pictures and drawings of the projects and it´s made in collaboration with the Brazilian photographer Rafael Pinho. Here you can find the link to buy the book on Blurb.
BHM vacation houses have been published in the special issue of the German magazine DETAIL dedicated to landscape.
booq publishing has released the new book TINY HOMES MAXIMUM STYLE that collects 36 works of contemporary small houses, considered as an accessible option, adaptable to any environment, that include just basic functions without renouncing comfort. The publication includes the BHM vacation cottages of PKdM.
BHM vacation houses have been published in the German magazine DETAIL number 10 2016.
Phaidon has published the new book ELEMENTAL LIVING that collects 60 stunning works of contemporary architecture, all of which have a special relationship with the natural landscape. The publication includes the BHM vacation cottages of PKdM arkitektar.
Angel Trinidad and Gestalten published in September 2016 the new book SCANDINAVIA DREAMING. The publication includes the Árborg House of PKdM Arkitektar.
"Scandinavia Dreaming presents dazzling interiors, architecture, and products that show the richness, variety, and intensity of contemporary Nordic spaces."
There is an article on PK arkitektar in German magazine Baumeister march 2016.
PK arkitektar designed BHM vacation cottages, were recently published on Archdaily. The vacation houses were finished early in 2015 and are located in Brekkuskógur in the South of Iceland
PK arkitektar designed BHM vacation cottages, were recently published on Dezeen. The vacation houses were finished early in 2015 and are located in Brekkuskógur in the South of Iceland
The content of this website may not be reproduced or published in any form without written consent from PKdM Architects.
For more information, contact us at: pkdm@pkdm.is
Our company culture is energetic and collaborative.
We value people who make a positive impact on those around them. We take pride in our challenging, creative and rewarding working environment.
Question. Craft. Inspire.
Educated in Denmark at the Danish State School of Architecture in Aarhus and at the University of Tokyo in Japan where emphasis was placed on cultivating deep, patient reasoning, artistic acuity and independent vision. Pálmar Kristmundsson has subsequently built an exceptional career on integrating Japanese vernacular architecture with the striking effects of the unspoiled nature of his home country of Iceland.
After working for Takefumi Aida Architects and Associates in Tokyo, he returned to Iceland in 1985 to establish his own practice. Currently midway through his career, his work includes a stunning collection of embassies, office buildings, single-family houses, award-winning vernacular summerhouses, design objects, and collaborations with some of the most prominent artists of our time. What unites his projects is a deep understanding of the importance of place and an ability to infuse that place with meaning and quality.
In 2003, after graduating from University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) in Belo Horizonte in his native country of Brazil, Fernando de Mendonça made the bold decision to move halfway around the world, from the vibrant culture of the south to the enigmatic nature of the north. After collaborating with Pálmar Kristmundsson at PK Arkitektar for over nine years, de Mendonça worked in London with David Chipperfield on projects in the UK, Spain and United States, including a Technology Quarter in Segovia, Spain and the Menil Collection in Houston. Two years later, his work took him back to Brazil, where he collaborated with the renowned Brazilian architect Isay Weinfeld on large-scale projects in South America and Europe, such as private villas, multi-family housing complex in Sao Paulo and a luxury building in Monaco. In 2013, Fernando returned to Iceland to join Pálmar Kristmundsson as partner of PKdM.
The PKdM team includes a dynamic blend of experienced architects and emerging talent from different corners of the world, the team is committed to defying convention, rethinking solutions, applying the latest technology and industry methods, and to finding innovative ways of solving complex design challenges. The aim is to touch people’s lives with exciting architectural experiences based on respect for the planet we inhabit.
The PKdM team welcomes collaboration with industry partners and academics in order to share ideas and experience. Collaborative projects include working with faculty, students and individuals from universities, architectural and engineering firms, contractors, craftsmen, urban planners, artists and scientists.
We are excited to collaborate with and learn from the next generation of young architects locally and from around the world through internships at our office, workshops, lectures and seminars.
To learn more contact us at: pkdm@pkdm.is
Andrew Burgess, architect
Anja Schröter, architect
Ankie Jakobs, intern
Arnhildur Pálmadóttir, architect
Árni Þorvaldur Jónsson, architect
Árný Þórarinsdóttir, architect
Bergljót Jónsdóttir, architect
Bernd Kolb, architect
Birgir Teitsson, architect
Birna Þráinsdóttir, draftswoman
Bjargey Björgvinsdóttir, architect
Bjarni Kristinsson, architect
Björk Einarsdóttir, intern
Björg Halldórsdóttir, architect
Björn Skaptason, architect
Cassiano Rabelo, architect
Claudia Neuchild, intern
Dagni Wiest, architect
Diogo Almeida, architect
Edda Þórsdóttir, architect
Erna Dögg Þorvaldsdóttir Vestmann, architect
Ernst Verwijnen, architect
Fernando Andrés Castro de Mendonça, architect
Fabrice Corminboeuf, architect
Gísli Jónsson, general manager
Guðni Walderhaug, construction architect
Gunnar Bergmann Stefánsson, architect
Gunnar Logi Gunnarsson, architect
Hans Tryggvason, architect
Haraldur Ingvarsson, architect
Heimir Þór Óskarsson, architect
Helena Hermeto, architect
Helga Guðrún Vilmundardóttir, architect
Helge Garke, architect
Hildur Steinþórsdóttir, architect
Hjalti Gudlaugsson, intern
Hlín Finnsdóttir, architect
Hlín Pálmarsdóttir, office manager
István Baranyai, architect
Jorge Gonzalez Enriquez, architect
Jitske Torenstra, architect
Karitas Möller, architect
Kristjana Sigurðardóttir, architect
Lára Lárusdóttir, architect
Leonardo Colucci, architect
María Björk Stefánsdóttir, interior designer
Martin Stoyanov, architect
Massimo Munari, architect
Matheus Diniz, architect
Monika Dís Árnadóttir, architect
Nicholas Crowley, architect
Olga Guðrún Sigfúsdóttir, architect
Ólafur Jónsson, architect
Óskar Örn Arnórsson, architect
Peter Foellbach, architect
Rafael Pinho, architect and photographer
Sigríður Hermannsdóttir, manager
Sigríður Maack, architect
Sigurlaug Lísa Sigurðardóttir, office assistant
Sindri Gunnarsson, industrial designer
Soffía Tinna Hjörvarsdóttir, architect
Sóley Lilja Brynjarsdóttir, architect
Stéphanie Letaconoux, draftswoman
Sunna Dóra Sigurjónsdóttir, architec b.a.
Svala Jónsdóttir, interior architect
Walter Hjaltested, architect b.a.
Ýr Hnikarsdóttir, draftswoman
Zsolt Takács, architect
Zoltán Vilmos Horváth, architect
Þorsteinn Geirharðsson, architect
Þorleifur Eggertsson, architect