Hamburg's Elbe island - Katharina Feddersen does her bit for the city

Katharina Feddersen, one of the five construction law experts in Graf von Westphalen's Hamburg office, is taking part in Hamburg's BILD decision-making committee. The committee deals with current urban development issues in the Free and Hanseatic City.

At the last meeting, the focus was very much on the "leap across the Elbe" towards Veddel, Harburg and Wilhelmsburg; the IBA 2007-2013 and the IGA 2013. There are plans to build up to 1,300 homes in the area south of the Elbe by 2013, with the relocation of the Urban Development and Environment Authority and the creation of a new city centre - including "Wilhelmsburg Park" - also in the pipeline. Around € 200 million is being invested in residential units, industry and infrastructure projects.

This project is just one of many that the 38-year-old lawyer has got involved in - whether it be through her daily work for Graf von Westphalen, on a voluntary basis, or in her free time. "I find these construction projects and the development of the city tremendously exciting," said Feddersen, who also enjoys visiting building sites at the weekend.

Regularly involved in such projects and with over ten years' experience in construction law, Feddersen is very well-connected with the city's decision-makers, and is always up-to-date with the latest developments in the housing industry, as well as any goings-on at district and Senate level. "Feel free to ask me anytime if you want to know how Hamburg is developing as regards urban development."