Early Life and Education
Regine Leibinger was born in Stuttgart, Germany, on September 28, 1963. Her upbringing within the Leibinger family, known for their ownership of the machine tool manufacturing company TRUMPF, instilled in her a strong sense of entrepreneurship and an appreciation for art and architecture. She pursued her passion for architecture, studying at the Technische Universität Berlin and later at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, where she earned a Master of Architecture degree in 1991.
Rise to Success
In 1993, Leibinger co-founded the architectural firm Barkow Leibinger in Berlin with her husband, Frank Barkow. The firm quickly gained international recognition for its innovative and technologically advanced approach to building design. Their diverse portfolio includes industrial buildings, cultural centers, office towers, and residential projects. Notable projects include the Biosphere in Potsdam, the Campus Restaurant in Ditzingen, and the Tour Total office high-rise in Berlin.
Key Business Strategies
Barkow Leibinger's success stems from its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and a collaborative design process. The firm focuses on integrating cutting-edge materials and construction techniques. Leibinger emphasizes the importance of staying curious, open-minded, and having no fear, adopting an approach rather than a specific style. Leibinger also built the company’s headquarters in Ditzingen near Stuttgart, as well as branch offices and agencies in Europe and overseas.
Philanthropy and Contributions
Beyond her architectural work, Leibinger is involved in academia, research, and cultural institutions. She has lectured at various universities and serves on the Visiting Committee of the Department of Architecture at MIT. In 2022, she founded the non-profit organization Experimental, which supports projects exploring new approaches to architecture. Leibinger's mother, Doris Leibinger, established the Doris Leibinger Stiftung GmbH, which focuses on assisting children and adolescents in emergency situations.