Find and speak to people who inspire you!

(interviewed in 2025)

Thomas Scheufler

"TU Dresden was the springboard for my academic career. Today, I still work with the university on research projects and benefit daily from the solid foundation I built there."

Dr. Maja Kevdžija completed her doctorate at TU Dresden in the architecture of health and nursing care facilities. Her research has since received numerous national and international awards. As assistant professor at TU Wien, she combines construction design with social responsibility for the health of patients and staff in rehabilitation clinics. 

Where are you employed today, and what are your responsibilities?

Currently, I am Assistant Professor (tenure track) for Healthcare Design at the Faculty of Architecture and Planning at TU Wien. There, I lead my own research projects and am involved in teaching, particularly in the areas where architecture, health and society overlap.

What still has a lot of value for you today / would you like to have had more of?  

Even to this day, I benefit greatly from the solid scientific method training I learned at TU Dresden, which has given me a strong foundation for my own research. And at the same time, I learned how to develop questions independently and drive projects forward – an experience that is very beneficial to me today when leading my own research projects. Furthermore, this foundation also forms an important basis for my teaching at TU Wien, where I encourage students to think critically and pursue their own approaches. And something that cannot be underestimated: many of the contacts and networks from my time at TUD are still a valuable resource for my work today.

Why did you decide to study at TU Dresden?

I chose TU Dresden because the Chair of Social and Health Care Buildings and Design, headed by Prof. Gesine Marquardt, is internationally renowned for its research. As I wanted to build my academic career in the field of healthcare architecture, I found an environment here that was excellent in terms of expertise, international networking opportunities and, at the same time, one that is open to independent research approaches.

What made you choose this degree program?

Pretty much from the outset, I was interested in how architecture directly influences people's lives, not just aesthetically, but in terms of health, well-being and participation. In view of demographic change and the increasing importance of health and nursing care facilities, the course on social and healthcare buildings seemed particularly appropriate to me. It gave me the opportunity to combine design with social responsibility and to conduct scientific research into how spaces actually shape the lives of patients and vis.

© archive Donnersmarck-Stiftung

What researchers or lecturers influenced you the most during your studies?

I was most inspired by Prof. Gesine Marquardt, who supervised my dissertation. She was not only an excellent academic supervisor, but also a very approachable and supportive mentor. Her trust, openness and interest in my personal development gave me the freedom to pursue my own ideas and find my own path. It was precisely this mixture of professional excellence and personal support that had a decisive influence on my subsequent career path. My colleagues at the Chair have also inspired me greatly – our intensive discussions shaped my thinking and allowed me to grow both as a researcher and as a teacher.

What advice would you give to our current first-years?

Use this studying freedom you have to discover your interests and try out new things. Be curious and courageous, ask questions, seek out those who inspire you and don't be discouraged if you don't succeed straight away. Venturing off the beaten track can lead to the most exciting opportunities.

What do you remember most fondly about your time as a student?

I particularly like to think of the intensive and inspiring conversations with my colleagues at the Chair, whether as part of informal discussions or during joint conference trips. These experiences broadened my thinking and decisively shaped my research. I will never forget the time I spent doing field research in rehabilitation clinics, which not only provided me with exciting scientific findings, but also gave me a profound insight into the realities of patients' lives. And the PhD community in Dresden was just as important: Working, conversing and traveling together has resulted in close friendships that still exist today.

What was your favorite place on campus?

My favorite place was in our shared office at the Chair, which was special to me – not only because of the impressive view as far as the Frauenkirche, but also because of the inspiring atmosphere that spurred on discussions with my colleagues. Of course, the breaks in the outdoor area of the SLUB were a welcome breather from the office.

What tips do you have for hitting the ground running in your industry?

In my experience, starting a career is particularly successful if you dare to set your own priorities early on, and at the same time actively seek out collaboration partners. In the field of healthcare design in particular, the best projects are created in collaboration with other disciplines, from medicine to the social sciences.

What connects you to TU Dresden today?

Even to this day, I have a close research collaboration with TU Dresden, which is of great importance for my work. In addition, I was also involved in the joint supervision of a doctorate and I was as an external reviewer of a Diplom thesis – further forms of cooperation that are very valuable to me and keep the connection to TU Dresden alive. And I am always looking forward to new points of contact and further joint collaboration opportunities.

Contact: 
Maja Kevdžija

E-Mail: 

Web

Web Uni Wien