Jan Hájek
My father was an upholsterer and stagehand at Laterna Magika. The environment, where artistic and craft processes intertwined, naturally guided me towards art-industrial school and architecture.
I view architecture as a humanities discipline. Architectural creation allows me to transform temporary life energy into an eternal work. It is a profound theme, grappling with time, transience, and mortality. My practice is divided into four phases. The first stage was collaboration with Alena Šrámková, the second was working with Milan Kvíz, the third was the founding of the firm Atelier M1 Architects with Pavel Joba, and the fourth is represented by my own firm, Architecton Ltd.
Building design is multidisciplinary. I see architecture as an art. Its creation is conditioned by mastering technique and technology. Therefore, I hold the highest respect for my colleagues—structural engineers, civil engineers, specialized engineers, and craftsmen. From the start, I strive to involve visual artists in the creative process, as they define the cultural dimension. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of working with, among others, Barbora Zachovalová, Veronika Marešová, Petr Krejzek, Aleš Najbrt, and Václav Jirásek.
Proffesional practice
Born on august 18, 1971 in Vlašim
1985 – 1989 – graduated from SUPŠ in Prague
1989 – 1996 graduated from the FA CTU in Prague
1986 – 1990 – experience in furniture production by Jiří Karhánek
1990 – 1993 – practice in the DA studio
1993 – Michigan University Summer School, Ann Arbor, Leslie Van Duzer, Kent Kleinman, David Osler
1993 – 2000 collaboration with Alena Šrámková
2000 – 2001 – collaboration with Milan Kvíz
2000 – 2004 association M1 with Pavel Joba
2003 – 2024 founding partner of Atelir M1 architects s.r.o.
2024 – founding my own company Architecton s.r.o.