Jan Clostermann started his architectural studies at Berlin’s Technical University, then advanced to London’s Architectural Association, graduating in 2001. His focus on vertical neighborhoods in London challenged conventional low-rise community ideals, leading him to Asia in 2003 to delve into high-density urban spaces. Before CLOU’s inception, Jan’s architectural prowess was sharpened alongside a Stirling Prize-winning firm. His collaborations spanned their studios in London, Rotterdam, and Singapore. Afterward, Jan’s leadership emerged as he took charge of their Shanghai and Beijing offices. During these years, Jan was not just a part of numerous global architectural endeavors but was also instrumental in establishing Alsop’s Beijing office, having previously been immersed in their workspaces in London, Rotterdam, Singapore, and Shanghai. 2005 was a transformative year for Jan as he relocated his base to Beijing. The subsequent years were marked by the conceptualization and execution of a myriad of projects, including mixed-use spaces, retail avenues, masterplans, and interiors. Signature projects, such as Vanke Jiugong, Thaihot Fuzhou, One Mont Kiara, and Raffles City Beijing, bear Jan’s unique stamp, with his role as the Project Architect for Clarke Quay further cementing his status in the industry. By 2015, Jan’s vision culminated in the founding of CLOU. As its Founding Director, he continued to expand the firm’s footprint, overseeing the creation of over 1,000,000 sqm of mixed-use and retail spaces. Today, he stands as a beacon of architectural excellence, continuously driving CLOU’s research and pushing boundaries in emerging building typologies.