Alexander Breustedt, Geschäftsführer der GRAEF GmbH          

1. Please describe your company in a few sentences.

We create workspaces for the future, backed by decades of expertise. Since 1957, we have been designing offices that inspire people and bring them together.

2. Why are you engaged as a Berlin-Partner? 

We are involved as a Berlin Partner because of our strong connection to the city and our desire to actively contribute to its development. At the same time, we want to be part of a successful and creative network, bring in new perspectives, and work together to drive relevant developments in Berlin.

3. Which topics drive you in relation to your industry? 

The world of work is changing, and with it the requirements for modern office spaces. With 50 years of experience, deep expertise, and creative ideas, we develop tailored concepts that turn productive and motivating work environments into reality.

4. What makes Berlin special to you?

A vibrant city, constantly in motion, always searching and never quite finished. Berlin is continuously evolving, and that is exactly what makes it so exciting. It is inspiring, yet sometimes challenging, to accompany Berlin on its journey of growing up.

5. Why is Berlin attractive for your company? 

Berlin is particularly attractive for our company because the city stands for diversity, inspiration, and innovation. People from different cultures and with a wide range of perspectives come together here. This openness creates an inspiring environment and fosters new ideas and creative approaches.

At the same time, Berlin is an important innovation and business hub in Germany. Its dynamic start-up and corporate landscape offers numerous opportunities for collaboration, fresh impulses, and the development of forward-looking solutions.

In addition, Berlin is a highly international city and therefore plays a special role within Germany. Its international outlook facilitates exchange with people, companies, and markets from around the world. For our company, Berlin therefore offers the ideal combination of diversity, innovation, and global connectivity.

6.  What does Berlin stand for, in your view?

For us, Berlin primarily stands for home and belonging. It is a city we feel deeply connected to and where we feel at ease. At the same time, Berlin is incredibly diverse. Every neighborhood, every corner, and every person brings something unique.

We particularly appreciate the city’s openness to the world. Berlin brings together people from a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds, creating an atmosphere that is open, tolerant, and inspiring. It is precisely this combination that makes Berlin such a special place for us.

7.  How does your company approach sustainability?

We support companies on their journey toward a future-proof and sustainable working environment. We focus on the areas where significant CO₂ emissions are generated in the office: space utilization, energy consumption, and the materials and production processes used in interior fit-outs and furnishings.

Our approach combines space optimization, circular economy principles, and responsible energy use. We develop efficient workplace concepts, make targeted use of circular materials and products, and create solutions that sustainably reduce energy consumption in everyday office operations.

In this way, we design work environments that are not only functional and economically viable but also resource-efficient, future-ready, and circular by design.