Karen Klessinger

Creative Director at dan pearlman GmbH | Germany

Karen Klessinger is an expert in destination development at the Berlin based dan pearlman Group, a collection of owner-led, strategic creative agencies boasting over 120 employees. Karen’s expertise is in mixed-use projects, district development, and placemaking. As creative director since 2000, she has been responsible for brand experiences, retail concepts, and worlds of leisure for clients such as BMW / MINI, Bikini Berlin, Google, and Zoo Berlin. Her work mirrors the interdisciplinary approach of the agency group, where her focus lies in the co-creative development of urban destinations in collaboration with project developers, operators, cities, and municipalities. Karen believes that real identity and what she describes as “happy places” can only be created through human-focused concepts. This is why she is actively engaged in creating and securing the future of inner cities, which for her will be shaped by a holistic mix of quality intermediate spaces. As a certified architect and service designer, Karen has received numerous awards, including the gold German Design Prize. She is also a member and part of the jury of the Art Directors Club (ADC).