Xavier De Kestelier
Principal | Head of Design Technology & Innovation, Hassell
xdekestelier@spacearchitect.org
BACKGROUND
Xavier is Head of Design Technology and Innovation at international design practice, Hassell, where he leads design technology across all disciplines and regions. For the last decade, Xavier has been an industry leader in the field of parametric design, digital fabrication and additive manufacturing. Prior to joining Hassell, he was Co-head of Foster+Partner’s internal research and development team where he worked on the Apple Headquarters,
Kuwait and Beijing Airports, Yachtplus and the NBK Headquarters.
At Hassell, Xavier is developing the practice’s global digital design strategy for computational design, building information modelling, visualisation and virtual reality. Alongside this he is developing technology for cross-studio design review processes.
In recent years, Xavier has built up a portfolio of space related architecture for clients such NASA, ESA and Virgin Galactic. He is currently designing a 3D printed Mars Habitat concept for NASA.
Xavier is also a Director of Smartgeometry, a non-profit educational organisation for computational design and digital fabrication. This organisation has grown to become an independent worldwide network for computational and digital design specialists. Xavier has held academic positions at Syracuse University (London), University of Ghent (Belgium) and The Bartlett (London). He is also a member of the RIBA’s Research and Innovation Group.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Website: Hassell
