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In Biendorf (Rostock district), Stephanie Coetzer founded the architectural studio Vivi & Green in 2023, consistently focusing on healthy living, sustainable, and circular building concepts.
Her story shows how courage and clear values can help transform an entire industry. In an interview with GründerMV, she explains how an inner conflict evolved into a business idea – and how she built a resilient professional network in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Why Vivi & Green Was Founded: From Idea to Vision
Stephanie, what originally motivated you to found Vivi & Green?
For many years, I had the feeling that in conventional architecture I was moving further and further away from my own beliefs and values. Everything increasingly revolved around returns, while topics such as healthy living, sustainability, or circular concepts played hardly any role. I was expected to communicate concepts I could no longer stand behind. At some point, it became clear to me: I no longer want to sell my soul.
You’ve just described how far conventional architecture had taken you away from your values. Was there a key moment when you knew: now I’m starting my own concept?
Yes, there really was. While planning an apartment building with 27 residential units, the instruction was to build the top floor slab entirely in concrete and then place a timber roof structure on top of it. To be honest, that was the breaking point for me. In that moment, I knew: if I want to practice architecture that is truly sustainable and well thought out, I have to go my own way.
Once that turning point was clear, the question arises: was self-employment always your goal—or did the desire only emerge with the idea of Vivi & Green?
During my time in England, I was already working as a freelancer and realized how much this way of working suited me – I’d well and truly caught the bug. So I had known for quite some time that I wanted to become self-employed again; I just didn’t expect it to happen so quickly.
„I don’t want to sell my soul anymore. If I want to create architecture that is genuinely sustainable and carefully considered, I need to follow my own path.“
– Stephanie Coetzer, Founder of Vivi & Green
The Turning Point: When the Decision Was Made
The decision had been made. But what happened next? How did you approach the individual steps of founding your business – from concept to implementation?
The first step was resigning from my job in order to train as a building biologist. After that came the start-up grant, which laid the foundation. Things became truly exciting with the founding of the UG. I had to piece together all the legal processes myself – dealing with the notary, district court, banks, and insurance providers. A lot of it was confusing, and I often felt like I might be overlooking something. Clear guidance would have been incredibly helpful, especially since I went through much of this process on my own for a long time. The start-up coaching provided by the employment agency was also of little help.
With the structure in place, the question of location arises: why did you decide to found your business in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern?
Because we feel at home here – and because there is still space for new ideas in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Location shapes both opportunities and challenges. What opportunities and obstacles have you experienced here?
A major advantage is how quickly you can build a network. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is small, and that actually makes it easier to form strong and sustainable connections. The biggest challenge for me was the complexity of the start-up process itself.
Anyone who starts a business needs allies. What role have institutions such as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK), economic development agencies, or founder networks played?
Through the IHK, I came into contact with the Alliance for Sustainable Construction. I am currently working with the economic development agency on another idea in the field of healthy living and building. The most valuable support for me, however, was the Gründungswerft. Especially as a newcomer to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, it was a genuine network that helped me find my footing.
© Vivi & Green (2) / Cover image: VTM
Financing Without External Capital: How Stephanie Made It Work
In addition to organizational questions, financing plays a major role. How did you organize the financing of your start-up? Were there grants, loans, or private investments?
So far, I have financed everything privately. The hurdles for external financing seemed high, and the bureaucracy and requirements that often come with funding programs were rather discouraging for me.
Closely linked to financing is the choice of legal form. Why did you decide on your current legal structure, and would you make the same decision again today?
For me, the UG was the best solution. I was already familiar with the Ltd. model from England and was able to structure liability effectively that way. I would make the same decision again.
Start-Up Culture in Comparison: England vs. Germany
You just mentioned that you were already self-employed in England. How does the start-up culture there differ from that in Germany?
The difference is enormous. In England, starting a business was straightforward, very transparent, and came with hardly any obstacles. My tax advisor took care of everything – no notary, no flood of paperwork, no major financial contributions, and above all no demand from the tax office – just one week after founding the company – for a €3,000 advance VAT payment (which was actually the case in Germany!). I always had a clear overview. It was a completely different experience compared to here.
And what lessons have you taken from that? Which experiences from your time in England still help you today in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern?
Above all, the mindset that self-employment requires discipline, perseverance, and courage. And the trust that doors will always open – even when it feels like everything is going wrong. That experience continues to help me to this day.
Healthy Living, Honest, Circular: The Concept Behind Vivi & Green
What exactly does Vivi & Green offer, and what makes your concept special?
Vivi & Green is an architectural studio dedicated to consistently healthy-living, sustainable, and circular building concepts. As an architect and certified building biologist (IBN), I have the knowledge and experience to implement truly pollutant-free and holistic planning. And since we spend around 90 percent of our time indoors, it is only natural to me that my clients should be able to make informed decisions about how – and with which materials – they build and renovate. Because I firmly believe: health is built at home.
Sustainability and individuality – how important are they to your business model?
They are extremely important. However, sustainability is often used misleadingly in the construction industry, not infrequently as greenwashing, even though many promoted products contain harmful substances. For me, sustainability means taking an honest look and developing individual solutions that do not harm people – and therefore also do not harm the environment.
How do your clients respond to this approach?
Many of my clients are looking for exactly this kind of holistic, healthy-living, and transparent approach. Others feel overwhelmed by their building projects and are relieved to have someone who guides them safely through the process. Through my Building Biology Consulting Office (IBN), many people with health complaints come to me – and far too often, their situation can unfortunately be traced back to the built environment. If we are able to help here, that is incredibly valuable.
From Many Stops to the Sea: A Life Full of Experience
You originally come from Saxony and grew up in Baden-Württemberg. What brought you to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern?
I moved very frequently and lived in South Africa and England. When we decided to return to Germany, it was clear to my husband that we wanted to stay close to the water. That’s how we chose the Baltic Sea – and ultimately Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
How have these many stages shaped your entrepreneurial perspective?
I have been working in the construction industry for over 20 years, many of those years as a project-leading architect. I had the opportunity to oversee both small renovation, extension, and conversion projects, as well as school buildings, care homes, and large residential developments for students, families, and senior citizens. Taking on responsibility was therefore nothing new to me. The fact that entrepreneurship runs in my family certainly played a role as well – my parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents were all self-employed in skilled trades. Perhaps it really was only a matter of time before I chose this path myself…
Milestones and Turning Points: What Has Been Most Defining
Which milestones have been particularly formative for you since founding the company?
My first fee proposal, issuing my first invoice, and receiving my first payment were all very special moments. And every time someone says, “You came highly recommended,” I know I made the right decision.
Were there also turning points in your self-employment?
Yes – the moment I understood that difficult decisions are simply part of being self-employed. Staying true to myself, even when it becomes uncomfortable, has helped me grow tremendously.
The Future of Vivi & Green
Where do you see Vivi & Green in five years?
A dream would be to establish Vivi & Green as a recognized authority for pollutant-free and circular construction. I believe that everyone has a right to a healthy built environment.
Are there already concrete plans for new products or collaborations?
Yes, actually. I’m currently working on a digital product focused on pollutant-free building materials. I don’t want to reveal too much just yet – but it’s going to be exciting.
Advice for Founders
What personal advice would you give to other founders in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern?
Just go for it – it might turn out really well. The first step is always the hardest; everything else unfolds along the way.
Is there anything you would do differently today?
No.
“Just go for it. It might turn out really well. The first step is always the hardest. Everything else unfolds along the way.”
– Stephanie Coetzer, Founder of Vivi & Green
A Look Behind the Scenes: Success and Personal Moments
What does “success” mean to you personally?
For me, success means doing something that makes sense and fulfills me. Being self-employed gives me freedom and flexibility – that is a great value for me. I don’t regret a single second.
Which moment in your founding story stands out most in your memory?
Right at the beginning of my first self-employment in England: we had just found out that baby number two was on the way, my company had just been founded – and my husband came home with a notice of termination. A real shock. A few days later, I came across a tender for a freelance design manager position and shortly afterwards found myself pregnant on a construction site, coordinating the conversion of an office complex into student housing as a specialist planner. That project once again showed me that a strong team is the foundation of every construction project – and that even difficult beginnings can lead to something truly great.
Is there something personal you’d like to share with us?
Over the past 44 years, I’ve seen and experienced quite a lot. I’ve moved 22 times and currently live with my family on our own renovation site – 36 square meters in a mobile home. A real reality check of how much, or how little, we actually need to live and be happy. I have a wonderful husband by my side, and together with our two boys, we dive into the adventure of everyday family chaos each day. Thanks to self-employment, I can combine career and family life far more relaxed than ever before during my time as an employee – and for that reason alone, I would choose this path again anytime.
Contact
Stephanie Coetzer
vivi & green architekturwerkstatt UG
Architect & Building Biologist (IBN)
Brückenbrink 3
18230 Biendorf
Phone: +49 38294 390670
Mobile: +49 176 8427 4440
e-mail: sco@viviandgreen.de
Stephanie Coetzer
vivi & green architekturwerkstatt UG
Architektin & Baubiologin IBN
Brückenbrink 3
18230 Biendorf
Telefon: 038294 390670
Mobil: 0176 8427 4440
E-Mail: sco@viviandgreen.de
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Stephanie Coetzer shows how important it is to stay true to your own values. With Vivi & Green, she is setting new standards for healthy and sustainable construction in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
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