Maximillian Broell is a landscape architect and a very stylish man. Here, he talks about his profession, design, and what makes home a home.
I have always been fascinated by plants and how they shape and define spaces, which is why I chose to study landscape architecture. The way greenery influences the atmosphere of a place and interacts with its surroundings has always intrigued me. However, during my master’s studies, especially through my thesis, I’m increasingly focused on urban planning on a larger scale. This has broadened my perspective, and I now see myself moving more in that direction in the future.
Everyone perceives the environment they are in from a different perspective. While we often think of it as something we shape and control, in reality, we are just a small part of a much larger network. So yes, in a way, the term can sometimes feel human-centric, but it’s important to recognize that we are not the sole actors on this stage.
There is no such thing as a “perfect” landscape, in my opinion. A landscape should always harmonize with its surroundings, and that can look completely different depending on the context. The most fascinating landscapes are those that remain dynamic, adapting and evolving over time. A great landscape stays engaging and interesting throughout the year, responding to seasonal changes while maintaining its character and purpose.
A perfect wardrobe, much like a perfect landscape, is all about balance, adaptability, and timelessness. It should stay interesting throughout the year, with pieces that work across seasons and occasions. The ideal wardrobe consists of versatile items that can be mixed and matched, ensuring you always have the right outfit. Rather than being trend-driven, it focuses on timeless pieces that remain stylish and functional over time.
I don’t think there is such a thing as an inappropriate way to dress—everyone should wear whatever makes them feel comfortable and confident. Of course, I have my own personal preferences, but style is a personal expression. That’s what makes it interesting.
Social media rarely shows real life—it’s more of a curated version, highlighting the beautiful or special moments rather than the everyday reality. I’ve noticed that I mostly post when I’m on vacation, even though many great things are happening in Vienna as well. In that sense, social media is definitely more about designing and selecting what we share —it’s about presenting a certain perspective rather than showing the full picture.
I see designing is the conceptual phase—it's about structuring ideas, defining relationships, and setting a vision for what something could become. Creating is the act of bringing that vision or design to life, whether through construction or hands-on craftsmanship. These two are deeply connected, but I think in the deep sense, designing leads to creating.
Every design process should be a dialogue. The best ideas often emerge through exchange—with other designers, experts, the community and even the landscape and its surroundings itself. By sharing and refining concepts together, the outcome becomes more layered. Of course, a certain level of monologue is also necessary to develop clear vision and add a personal touch.
Coming from a more rural area in the western part of Austria (Vorarlberg), living in Vienna has definitely broadened my perspective. The city has exposed me to new ways of thinking, diverse influences, and a different approach to life.
I love walking through the first district of Vienna, where history and architecture create such a unique atmosphere. In summer, if I’m in Vienna, you’ll almost always find me by the Danube, enjoying the water. In the evenings, I love Vienna’s ‘Schanigarten’ culture—sitting outside, enjoying a drink, watching people and the city coming to life. And one of my absolute favorite spots for a drink is the Loos Bar, which I think is one of the most beautiful bars ever designed.
Home is a place that reflects who you are—it should feel like an extension of yourself. It’s not about perfection but about character, with all its edges and imperfections that make it truly personal. A home is both a deeply private space and, for me, also a place to share with others. I love hosting, and it’s important to me that my friends feel just as comfortable here as I do. The best nights are the ones spent in good company, where time seems to stretch endlessly. And ultimately, a home is never really ‘finished’—it evolves with you, growing and changing.
I actually look to the future with a sense of optimism. Of course, we are facing major challenges—climate change, the global shift toward right-wing politics, and many other pressing issues. But rather than letting these concerns lead to hopelessness, I believe it’s important to focus on what we can do to make a positive impact.
I don’t know if it’s a trend or a necessity, but I see the „trend“ of integrating greenery wherever possible as something I find extremely important. Cities need to rethink their approach and adapt the heavily dense and mineralized environments by bringing back as much green as possible. This isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about ensuring that our surroundings remain livable, providing shade, cooling, biodiversity, and overall well-being for everyone.
I envision future urban spaces where the private car plays a minimal role, allowing the limited space we have to be used for people rather than vehicles. Cities should be designed for community, interaction, and well-being, with more trees, parks, and nature integrated into the urban fabric. If we rethink our priorities, we can create environments that are not only more sustainable but also far more livable.