JONATHAN SAGE is a British architect and award-winning architecture photographer based near Munich.

Though he no longer practices architecture, his passion for it firmly lives on. He aims to elevate his client's brands with meaningful professional photography. He builds a visual narrative from his emotional response to each architectural project he encounters, emphasising the unique poetic and pragmatic characteristics.

The beautiful Bavarian countryside is now home, where he lives with his wife and two daughters.

ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHER + FILMMAKER IN MUNICH

1984

Born in Bath, England

Studied Architecture in Portsmouth and London, UK. Graduated with distinction and worked as an architect in London and Munich. 
Volunteered as an architectural consultant in Morocco for a community art centre.

2004-
2010

Backpacked Asia and South America. Co-founded CycleBavaria, offering and guiding road cycling trans-Alp tours.

2014-
2015

Established Jonathan Sage Photography in Munich.

2016

URBAN HABITAT: Book and a solo exhibition in Munich.

2019

Print Fundraiser for Ukraine

2022

TALK: “From Architect to Architectural Photographer” presentation at LBGO Architekten.

2023

PHOTOGRAPHY PRIZES + AWARDS

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR, Munich & South Germany Prestige Awards.

2020

FINALIST for Architizer Architectural Photography Prize: Photos That Tell Powerful Stories About Architecture.
WINNER Architecture Masterprize – Shingle Lake House.
HONOURABLE MENTION Architecture Masterprize – Bundwerkstadel

2021

WINNER Architecture Masterprize – Farmyard Retreat.

2022

WINNER LOOP Design Awards - Revival/Revisit.
WINNER Architecture Masterprize Photography Award - Revival/Revisit.
WINNER Architecture Masterprize Photography Award - Rautenhaus in Residential Architecture category.

2023

TOP 10 FINALIST AP Almanac Architecture Photography Awards Over The Rooftops in Residential Project Of The Year category.
TOP 10 FINALIST AP Almanac Architecture Photography Awards Hotel Bergeblick in Non-Residential Project Of The Year category.
WINNER Architecture Masterprize – Spinnereihof (Public, Residential)
WINNER Architecture Masterprize – Wackersberg Retreat (Hospitality, Exterior Details)
WINNER Architecture Masterprize – Over The Rooftops (Residential Interior)
WINNER LOOP Design Awards - Spinnereihof (Exteriors)
WINNER LOOP Design Awards - Caplutta Sogn Benedetg (Architecture Fine Art).
WINNER LOOP Design Awards - Over The Rooftops (Interiors)
CITATION LOOP Design Awards - Wackersberg Retreat (Exteriors)
NEW TALENT AWARD - LOOP Design Awards - Awarded to creatives under 40 years old who have proven excellence in photography.

2024

CLIENTS

PRINT + ONLINE PUBLICATIONS

101 Traumhaäuser (2023)
AIT/XIA (2020/21/24)
A+U Japan (2019)
archdaily
All About Chalets (2023)
Architektouren (2016/19)
CUBE Magazin (18x + 3 covers)
designboom
Deutsche Architekturblatt (2024)
Digital Production (2022)
DIVISARE
edition:schwaben (2019)
ELLE DECOR Italia
HÄUSER (2020/22/24 + cover)
Häuser des Jahres (2017/21/23)
interior|fashion
Schöner Wohnen
STORE BOOK 2024
Solebich
Stylepark
Zeitlose Häuser (2019)

CONTACT

Documentation of architecture, interiors, joinery, the built environment, construction sites, and aerial photography (licensed UAV Operator / Drone Pilot with A1-A3 and A2 licenses within EU and UK).

Whether with emerging talent or established firms, I look to make the process fun, professional and collaborative.

Based in Southern Germany and available for assignments within the D-A-CH region, UK and beyond.

SWITZERLAND, 2009

During my architectural studies and to support my thesis, I travelled to the Swiss Alps. I went to get under the skin of architect Peter Zumthor’s work. Among sketches and notes, I also photographed to document my encounter, a medium that instantly resonated a childhood-like joy within me. The images are of my first architectural photoshoot and remain today to have significant personal meaning and laid those first stones of my creative path.

Read more & view images

NETWORK

Dave Pelham, Portrait Photographer, NL
Jutta Geisenhofer, Communication Design, DE
Mexambiente, Mexican Ware, DE
Tobias Meier, Photographic Artist, DE
Robert Kann, Illustrator/Architect, UK
Rouven Zietz, Journalist/Copywriter, DE

NOTEBOOK


  • TOP 10 Finalist at the APAlmanac Architectural Photography Awards 2023 for Hotel Bergeblick

    05.2024 | APAlmanac Top 10 Finalist - Hotel Bergeblick

    I am honoured to have had a second photo documentation awarded TOP TEN FINALIST in the Non-Residential Project Of The Year at the APAlmanac Architectural Photography Awards 2023. HOTEL BERGEBLICK was designed by BEHAM Architekten.

  • TOP 10 Finalist at the APAlmanac Architectural Photography Awards 2023 for Erhardt 10 in Munich

    05.2024 | APALMANAC TOP 10 FINALIST – OVER THE ROOFTOPS

    I am pleased to announce that my photo documentation was awarded TOP TEN FINALIST in the Residential Project Of The Year at the APAlmanac Architectural Photography Awards 2023. Over The Rooftops was designed by design.s, Justin Howlett and Jonas Jonasson.

  • Publication in CUBE Magazin of a luxurious single dwelling in Munich by Jacob & Spreng Architekten.

    04.2024 | Haus WIDD in CUBE

    5-page article on HAUS WIDD in München in the latest edition of CUBE Magazin. I photographed in 2022 for Jacob und Spreng Architekten in Munich.

    Published in CUBE München 01 | 24. Visit the online version of the article here.

  • KUTTER 1825 published in the STORE BOOK 2024

    03.2024 | KUTTER 1825 Published

    Two double spreads in the STORE BOOK 2024, a publication of store design by Deutscher Ladenbau Verband—architecture by Karolina Ćurić Architekten, photographed in Stuttgart in 2023.

  • Möglhof published in DAB Deutsche Architekturblatt

    03.2024 | Deutsche Architekturblatt

    Deutsche Archtekturblatt (DAB) recently published Möglhof, located on Lake Chiemsee. The project was Designed by architect Vinzenz Mayer. I photographed the completed project one super early summer morning with mountain views over the lake. The article is titled Tradition and Innovation. The existing building is a Bunwerkstadel, which is the traditional architecture of the rural Bavarian region. The refurbishment retained much of the existing structure yet completely modernised the building, fit for its new tenant, Sports Innovated.

  • Einfamilienhaeuser in Munich designed by Jacob & Spreng Architekten, published on Divisare.com

    01.2024 | DIVISARE PUBLICATIONS

    Six Munich projects by Jacob & Spreng Architekten that I have photographed over the past few years are published on Divisare. Visit page.

  • Plunge pool at Hotel Bergeblick in Bad Tölz

    12.2023 | YEAR IN REVIEW

    The annual roundup of my favourite images. Preview the email sent to subscribers.

  • Architecture Master Prize Photography Award Winner

    12.2023 | DOUBLE WIN AT ARCHITECTURE MASTERPRIZE PHOTOGRAPHY PRIZE

    Rautenhaus by KPT Architekten won the photography award in the Residential Architecture category and Revisit/Revival, a personal project, designed by Mies van der Rohe and refurbished by David Chipperfield Architects won the photography prize in the Cultural Architecture category.

  • Behind the scenes photo of DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone

    11.2023 | TO THE SKIES!

    I am now a licensed operator after successful examinations of the A1-A3 (EU and UK) and A2 (EU) sub-categories licenses.

  • Book publication, Häuser des Jahres 2023

    10.2023 | HÄUSER DES JAHRES 2023

    Haus WIDD in München by Jacob & Spreng Architekten has been published in this years Häuser des Jahres, featuring the 50 best houses in the German-speaking countries.

  • Award-winning architectural photographer at LOOP Awards

    09.2023 | PHOTOGRAPHY WINNER

    My photo documentation “Revival/Revisit” is a winner in the prestigious LOOP Design Awards.

  • Book publication, all about Chalets

    09.2023 | BUNDWERKSTADEL IN PRINT

    New publication of a book about chalets. LBGO Architekten’s Bundwerkstadel was featured.

  • Nomination announcement for architecture photography awards

    08.2023 | 3X NOMINATED FOR AWARDS

    Three projects: Shingle Lake House (Jacob & Spreng Architekten), Revival/Revisit (Neue Nationalgalerie) and Rautenhaus (KPT Architekten) have all been nominated for the People’s Choice award in the architectural photography category at the LOOP Design Awards.

  • Architectural photography of a house on cover of CUBE Magazine

    04.2023 | COVER SHOT

    Another cube cover image for the collection. Marble House by Jacob & Spreng Architketen had a 5-page feature on their project I photographed in 2021.

  • RED BRICK FACADE WINS AWARD

    03.2023 | PRIZE FOR PFERDESTALL

    Pferdestall by FV2 Architektur has received the Fassadenpreis (Facade prize). I photographed the hidden brick building during various phases of the renovation. Congratulations to FV2.

  • Online article on ACHITONIC website about Haus WIDD by Stephanie Thatenhorst

    03.2023 | Haus WIDD on ARCHITONIC

    Pur Natur, the flooring company featured in an article on ARCHITONIC. House designed by Jacob & Spreng Architekten and Stephanie Thatenhorst. Visit article

  • Architectural photography in 101 Dream Houses Book

    03.2023 | 101 TRAUMHÄUSER

    A favourite from 2021, Double House in Karlsfeld, has been published today. Designed and photographed for Jacob & Spreng Architekten.

  • Talk on architectural photography: transitioning from architect to photographer

    02.2023 | INVITED TO GIVE A TALK

    It was a pleasure to share a bit about architectural photography and my journey so far. Thanks a ton to LBGO Architekten for the invite. It gave me a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect and learn.
    Photo: Christian Goldbach.

  • Architektouren 2023 in Bayern

    01.2023 | SOX06 in Architektouren 2023

    Last year I teamed up with FV2 Architektur to photograph their remodelling and refurbishment of a 70s duplex in Munich

  • Architectural Photography award-winning project at AMP 2022

    10.2022 | WINNER! Architecture Master Photography Prize

    Today it was announced that my ‘Farmyard Retreat’ set of images has won the 2022 Exterior Architecture Photography Award.
    Thanks to the Jury at Architecture Masterprize.
    Design: nbundm architekten
    Build: Donaubauer Holzbau.

  • Online article about the renovation of an old barn into a sports centre

    09.2022 | Möglhof on Baunetz

    Photography of a renovated cowshed named Möglhof at Chiemsee Lake was featured in article on Baunetz. Architecture by Vinzenz Mayer. Visit article

  • Architects profile in architecture magazine

    05.2022 | Häuser Magazine

    Recent profile write-up on Jacob & Spreng Architekten, featuring House at the lake and Marble house, which I photographed in 2020 and 2021.

  • Article about render versus photo in architecture

    04.2022 | Viz vs. Photo

    Interesting article in Digital Production magazine featuring Sammlung Klee, who creates some awesome architectural renderings. The article shows a double-page comparison of a project by Jacob & Spreng Architekten, with one side visualisation and the other side my photograph.

  • Print fundraiser for Ukraine

    04.2022 | Print Fundraiser for Ukraine: UPDATE

    Over 30 prints were sold, generating €1.167,46 from profits that were donated to Caritas. A massive thanks to everyone who participated in the sale. It was also a lot of fun to do!

  • Lauch of print sale charity event to raise awareness and money for Ukraine

    03.2022 | Urban Habitat: Print Fundraiser for Ukraine

    In response to the current situation in Ukraine, I am running a print fundraiser for a limited time (27th March - 2nd April). The sale of the prints will support the Ukrainian people who are affected by the current Russian invasion. Twenty photographs from my exhibition Urban Habitat (2019, Munich), all priced at €50. All net proceeds will be donated to Caritas Ukraine Appeal.

  • Jonathan Sage contributes print for MASS COLLECTIVE print sale

    03.2022 | A Print For Ukraine - Mass Collective

    Mass Collective is currently running a print fundraiser (17th - 27th March 2022). There’s a great selection of prints available and proceeds are donated to British Red Cross. I am a contributing photographer with my ‘Pastel Blue’ print, but there are lots of great images to choose from. Visit Mass Collective Shop for further details.
    Read more

  • AIT Magazine publishes article about Bundwerkstadel by LBGO Architekten

    12.2021 | Bundwerkstadel in AIT Magazine

    Only a couple of weeks since being awarded an honourable mention for my images of Bundwerkstadel, the stunning conversion by LBGO Architekten has been published in AIT Magazine this month.

  • Award-winning archiectural photography by Jonathan Sage in Munich

    11.2021 | 1st Prize at the Architecture Masterprize Photography Award

    I am thrilled to be a winner of the photography award at the 2021 @architecturemasterprize. My images of ‘Shingle Lake House’ designed by @jacobundspreng won the ‘Residential Exterior’ award and my images of ‘Bundwerkstadel’ designed by @lbgoarchitekten received an honorable mention in the same award. Thanks to both talented architects I collaborate with, the jury, and congratulations to my fellow photographers who also won awards.

  • Architectural project by Jacob & Spreng Architekten published in Häuser des Jahres Book

    09.2021 | Double House published in Häuser de Jahres 2021

    A recent publication of ’Double House’ in Karlsfeld. The project by Jacob & Spreng Architekten was featured in Callwey Verlag’s Häuser des Jahres 2021 (Houses of the year), the shortlist of the 50 best houses.

  • Kitchen joiner VOIT from Bavaria published in architecture Magazine CUBE

    09,.2021 | VOIT concrete kitchen in CUBE

    A recent publication of a kitchen that I photographed for VOIT Schreinerei a few years back. It was my first collaboration with the joiners.

  • Photographer Jonathan Sage shortlisted for award: Photos That Tell Powerful Stories About Architecture. Woman in Jaisalmer

    04.2021 | Finalist on Architizer

    I am honoured to be shortlisted amongst such talent. ‘Pastel Blue’, which I shot in Rajasthan has been selected as a finalist for Architizer’s Architectural Photography Prize: Photos That Tell Powerful Stories About Architecture.
    Read more here

  • Architecture photography of a house in Munich on magazine front cover

    03.2021 | East House makes CUBE cover

    East House near Munich by DOMO Architektur, was published in CUBE Magazin and also featured on the cover.

  • Article about a renovated red brick building in Munich

    03.2021 | Pferdestall in CUBE

    Publication of Pferdestall in CUBE by FV2 Architektur.

  • House with shingle facade on front cover of magazine

    09.2020 | Cover story: Traumhaus im Schidellook

    The cover story in CUBE Magazin this month. Stunning house to photograph at Lake Ammersee designed by Jacob & Spreng Architekten.

  • Architectural magazine AIT front cover

    09.2020 | Weyarn Supermarket in AIT

    A mindful and sensitive design for a supermarket in Weyarn designed by LBGO Architekten. Published this month in AIT magazine.

  • Architectural Photographer Jonathan Sage interviewed for magazine

    08.2020 | Interviewed by Prestige Awards

    As part of my award earlier this year, I was interviewed for the accompanying magazine.
    Read more

  • Article published in CUBE Magazin about house interior designed by VOIT

    06.2020 | VOIT published

    VOIT joinery and interior planners were published in CUBE Magazin with a house in Bavaria.

  • Bundwerkstadel project entry for Rosenheimer Holzbau Prize

    06.2020 | Rosenheimer Holzbau Preis

    Bundwerkstadel by LBGO Architekten competition entry.

  • Article about value and importance of using a professional architecture photographer

    04.2020 | Professional Architectural Photography

    This week, Homify published an article in their magazine: ”So wichtig sind professionelle Fotos von Architekturfotografie-Experten“ (Professional photos by architectural photographers experts is important). Features Haus H, designed by HHF Architects and Jacob & Spreng Architekten. Visit article

  • Donaubauer Holzbau brochure on family houses they build

    04.2020 | Donaubauer Holzbau Portfolio

    New prospectus of timber-framed houses by Donaubauer Holzbau. Brochure design by Jutta Geisenhofer.

  • House H HHF Architects article on Arch Daily

    04.2020 | Cut, Fold, Stack

    Article on Arch Daily: German Homes Built for Precision. Features House H by HH Architects and Jacob & Spreng Architekten. Read article

  • Arch Daily article on renovation project of a traditional Bavarian Bundwerkstadel

    03.2020 | Bundwerkstadel by LBGO on ArchDaily

    Covid-19 has impacted every aspect of our daily lives. The media coverage of the virus is inescapable. I needed a positive boost and today when I opened ArchDaily for my daily browse, it made me smile. I was proud to see my images of Bundwerkstadel in Aubenhausen on the front page. It was a wonderfully fun project to photograph, designed by one of my regular clients, Leupold Brown Goldbach Architekten. Visit article

  • Jonathan Sage wins Photographer of the Year award

    01.2020 | Photographer of the Year

    Won the Photographer of the year award. Thanks to whoever put me forward for nomination for the Munich & South Germany Prestige Awards.

  • Announcement of Traumhaus series on Bayerische Rundfunk featuring Domo Architektur

    01.2020 | "Traumhaus" on TV

    I had the pleasure of photographing this insanely beautiful house near Munich towards the end of last year. The architects, DOMO Architektur, feature in “Traumhäuser” on Bayerischen Rundfunks tonight at 22.30. It will also be available on their Mediathek if you miss it the first time around.
    Watch here on BR Mediathek.

  • Munich architects Jacob & Spreng featured in article in Häuser Magazine

    01.2020 | Häuser Magazine - Klare Linie

    Article about Jacob & Spreng Architekten, featuring photography of Haus H and Haus CK2

  • Exhibition catalogue of photographic documentation

    12.2019 | Urban Habitat Book

    Following on from my exhibition earlier this year, I have catalogued the images into a book.
    Read more here

  • Architectural Models photographed professionally in Munich

    11.2019 | LBGO Architekten Models

    A late afternoon chat, espresso and photoshoot of LBGO’s vast and impressive collection of architectural models.

  • Architectural project "Wenn Riesen Würfeln" in regional architectural magazine

    11.2019 | Three Cubes House

    Another project photographed for Jacob & Spreng Architekten was published in architecture and design magazine CUBE.

  • Sketch by architectural student published in Representational Techniques for Architecture book.

    09.2019 | Sketch Published

    It may be a few years since I completed my architectural studies, however, my tutor reached out to me to ask if she could use a charcoal sketch I did for a book titled Representational Techniques in Architecture.

  • Big acrylic photography print ordered and sold

    07.2019 | Urban Camouflage Print

    Sometime after my exhibition – Urban Habitat – I had a request for one of the images to be printed in a much format on acrylic. Here it is, as modelled in my own apartment!

  • Retail project for Architektouren in Bayern

    06.2019 | Architektouren 2019

    I had the pleasure of photographing LBGO’s masterplan in Weyarn. The Supermarket features in this year’s Architektouren.

  • f64 architekten project in regional magazine

    06.2019 | edition:schwaben publication

    Photographed as a joint commission for the joiner, Oskar Hoffmann, and the architects, f64 architekten, Wohnhaus A2 was published in edition:schwaben.

  • Photography exhibition vernissage write-up

    06.2019 | Urban Habitat Exhibition Vernissage

    What a lot of fun the opening Vernissage was. 5% of proceeds went to the Railway Children, a charity helping children living on the streets in India. Event photography by Tobias Meier. Read more here.

  • Invitation poster for photography exhibition and vernissage of URBAN HABITAT by Jonathan Sage

    05.2019 | Urban Habitat - Solo Exhibition

    Today I formally invited everyone to my first solo exhibition. The exhibition will be open at FV2 Architektur in Glöckenbachviertel in München on 6.6.2019. Read more here..

  • Villa in Munich published in regiona magazine CUBE

    05.2019 | Villa Anno published

    Project by Jacob und Spreng Architekten. House is situated in Munich and featured over several pages in CUBE this quarter.

  • House H by HHF Architects published in Zeitlose Häuser book

    04.2019 | Zeitlose Häuser Book Publication

    The recent publication of House H by HHF Architects and Jacob & Spreng Architekten.

  • House H by HHF Architects published in A+U Magazine in Japan

    03.2019 | Architecture & Urbanism Magazine

    A recent publication in A+U Magazine from Japan - has written a piece on Emerging Swiss Architects.

    Last autumn I photographed ‘House H’ at Lake Starnberg in Bavaria. The architecture (by HHF Architects and Jacob & Spreng Architekten) has been exquisitely thought out and executed. It was also a bonus to be lakeside for some post-shoot ice cream in the sunshine!

  • Brochure of architectural projects by homebuilders Donaubauer Holzbau in Ingolstadt

    03.2019 | Sommer Shoots

    Donaubauer Holzbau, a regular client, has published a booklet to share with their clients that features a collection of images I took last summer. My friend Jutta Geisenhofer co-directed the shoots and put together the beautiful booklet.

  • Online publication of House H by HHF Architects on Baunetz

    01.2019 | Baunetz article on Haus H

    Online publication of Haus H in Starnberg by HHF Architects and Jacob & Spreng Architeklten

  • Online publication of House H by HHF Architects on Designboom

    12.2018 | Haus H on Designboom

    Another online publication of Haus H this week. This time on DESIGNBOOM. Designed and photographed for HHF Architects and Jacob & Spreng Architekten. Visit page

  • Online publication of House H by HHF Architects on Elle Decor Italia

    12.2018 | Elle Decor Italia

    Elle Decor Italia published an article on Haus H in Starnberg by HHF Architects and Jacob & Spreng Architekten. Visit Article

  • Online publication of House H by HHF Architects on Arch Daily

    12.2018 | ArchDaily Haus H

    Haus H by HHF Architects and Jacob & Spreng Architekten featured today on Archdaily.
    Visit article

  • Online publication of House H by HHF Architects on urdesign

    12.2018 | Haus H on urdesign

    Haus H by HHF Architects (Switzerland) and Jacob & Spreng Architekten (Germany) featured in urdesign this week. Visit article

  • Architect-design house on cover of architecture magazine

    09.2018 | Cover Project in CUBE

    Published this week in CUBE Magazin, making the front cover. Great to see it on the magazine shelves! Photographed for DOMO Architektur, Munich.

  • Narrow house published in architectual book Häuser des Jahres

    06.2018 | House HANF in CUBE

    Haus HANF by Jacob & Spreng Architekten was published in CUBE this quarter.

  • House on narrow site built in Munich and featured in Houses of the Year book by Callwey

    10.2017 | Häuser des Jahres 2017 Book

    House HANF by Jacob & Spreng Architekten was featured as one of the best 50 houses in 2017.

TESTIMONIALS

"Wir waren lange auf der Suche nach einem Fotografen für unsere Projekte. Dann sind wir auf Jonathans Portfolio gestoßen, welches uns sehr angesprochen hat.

Uns ist es sehr wichtig, dass unsere Liebe zum Detail in den Bildern erkannt und wiedergegeben wird.

Jonathan hat unsere Erwartungen mit jedem neuen Projekt übertroffen und wir empfehlen hier absolut weiter. Sein Auge für Details der Architektur und Innenarchitektur ist einzigartig.

Vielen Dank für die professionelle und schöne Zusammenarbeit!"

– district8

"Wir haben nun schon mehrmals mit Herrn Sage bei den verschiedensten Projekten zusammengearbeitet und sind absolut begeistert.

Die Qualität der Aufnahmen, das professionelle Vorgehen bei den Shootings und auch die Nachbearbeitung der Fotos haben uns von Beginn an überzeugt.

Wir können Herrn Sage nur jedem weiterempfehlen, der professionelle und hochwertige Aufnahmen von Küchen, Inneneinrichtungen und anderen Arbeiten benötigt. 

Jederzeit gerne wieder."

– VOIT

"Jonathan Sage fotografiert seit vielen Jahren unsere Holzhaus-Projekte . Absolut professionell und mit einem sicheren Blick für die Architektur der Gebäude sorgt Jonathan dafür, dass die Einzigartigkeit jedes Projektes bestens zur Geltung kommt.

Geschickt bewegt er sich auch in den Innenräumen der Gebäude und versteht es perfekt, unterschiedlichste Wohn- und Lebensstile darzustellen.

Seine lockere Art , durch die er eine ungezwungene Atmosphäre schafft, wissen wir sehr zu schätzen. Wir freuen uns auf noch viele spannende Fotoprojekte mit ihm." 

– Donaubauer Holzbau