Hans Næss (architect)

He was one of a generation of Neoclassical architects educated under Nicolas-Henri Jardin and Caspar Frederik Harsdorff; he mainly designed manor houses.

His exact date of birth remains unknown, but Hans Næss was born the son of a farmer at Næs on the island of Funen near Assens, Denmark.

He worked as a notary at the Brahesborg estate and then for three years as a local functionary at Assens Town Hall before travelling to Copenhagen, where he attended the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts.

[1] After completing his education, he taught geometry and perspective at the Academy of Arts from 1765 to 1782 and worked for Harsdorff.

From 1781 to 1782 he served as architect at the royal chapels in Copenhagen and North Zealand and then as head of the new Building Office until 1793.