Daniel Fügenschuh, an architect from Tyrol, Austria, has been elected as the new president of the Architects' Council of Europe (ACE), positioning him to represent more than half a million architects from 36 European countries. His two-year term will officially begin in January 2026, marking a significant milestone in his career dedicated to advancing European architectural standards and practices.
Fügenschuh brings extensive experience to this prestigious role, having served on the ACE board for four years and maintaining active involvement in the European organization for over twelve years. He will succeed Swedish architect Carl Bäckstrand as ACE president, taking the helm during a critical period for European architecture and construction policy.
According to an announcement from the Federal Chamber of Civil Engineers, Fügenschuh's presidency will focus on several key priority areas that will shape the future of European architecture. These include the comprehensive revision of EU procurement law and addressing the pressing issue of affordable housing across European nations. The incoming president emphasized that many of society's current challenges must be addressed through architectural solutions, particularly in the areas of affordable housing and sustainable construction practices.
A central focus of Fügenschuh's agenda involves moving away from the lowest-bidder principle that currently dominates European construction procurement. He noted that approximately half of all public contracts are awarded based solely on the lowest bid, a practice that he argues undermines both innovation and construction quality. "Far-reaching decisions will be made in the EU in the coming years that will accompany us for the next ten years," Fügenschuh stated, highlighting the critical nature of upcoming policy changes.
The revision of EU procurement directives represents a particular opportunity, according to Fügenschuh, not only to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises but also to benefit construction culture through innovations that are currently being lost under the current system. He advocates for quality-oriented procurement procedures such as architectural competitions, which he believes ensure that the best solutions win and that projects remain economically viable throughout their entire lifecycle.
Fügenschuh's leadership philosophy is supported by practical experience through the ARCH-E project, which he initiated and leads in his capacity as president of the Federal Chamber of Civil Engineers. This project reinforces the benefits of quality-focused procurement methods and demonstrates the long-term economic advantages of prioritizing architectural excellence over simple cost considerations. His election represents a commitment to elevating European architectural standards while addressing the continent's most pressing housing and sustainability challenges.
