Erich Bernard studied architecture at Graz University of Technology and at the University of Applied Arts Vienna, where he was a student in Prof. Wilhelm Holzbauer’s masterclass. Between 1998 and 2003, he was a member of the board at the Austrian Society for Architecture (ÖGFA), and he has been a member of the Austrian Artists’ Society Künstlerhaus in Vienna since 1998. Currently, he is on the advisory board for architecture and design of the Austrian Federal Ministry of the Arts, Culture, Civil Service and Sport.
In 1995, Erich Bernard was one of the founding partners of Bernard Ebner Hasenauer Ferenczy ZT GmbH (BEHF Architekten) and an active member of the firm’s senior management until 2005. In 2004 he joined forces with Daniela Walten and Johann Moser to establish BWM Architekten, where he currently holds the positions of CEO and Head of Interior Design. In 2013 he and his partners founded bwm Retail gmbH, which specializes in shop design, corporate architecture and project management for international projects throughout Europe.
He is the visionary behind many award-winning interior designs and hospitality concepts for such renowned Austrian institutions as Hotel Sacher, the Vienna State Opera, Figlmüller Restaurant, A.E. Köchert Jewellers and Oberlaa Confectionery, as well as international brands such as 25hours hotels, Vienna House, Moxy Hotels, Marriott International, Radisson Hotels, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and many more.
Thanks to his vast knowledge, he is a sought-after expert on all aspects of architecture, with a particular focus on heritage conservation, hotel design, and F&B design. Besides being a passionate Jazz musician he is also a successful writer. He authored books on the culture and rediscovery of the traditional Austrian summer retreat and an in-depth travel book about his second home, Trieste.
