Chris Glass
On discovering the unseen
On discovering the unseen
“Berlin is a city that is built on sand,” says Chris Glass, Head of Membership for Cities Without Houses at Soho House. “Putting down roots in a city like Berlin is physically and emotionally challenging — but it’s also what makes it such a fascinating place.”
When Chris, an American who was “raised” in Europe, moved to Berlin in 2009 to work for Soho House, his priority was to find and create places in the city that made him feel like home. Chris’ role at Soho House involves building communities and planning events in cities across Europe and Africa. He’s also known for his impeccable taste and his penchant for creating beautiful spaces. “My own apartment is the most quintessential expression of who I am as an interior designer and as an individual,” says Chris, adding that his home has been featured in magazines such as Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Living Etc, T Magazine and IDEAT. “Entertaining at home and having people share my space is one of my favourite ways of spending time. It’s the way I really thrive in Berlin.”
‘Putting down roots in a city like Berlin is physically and emotionally challenging — but it’s also what makes it such a fascinating place.’
Chris Glass, 2021
‘Berlin doesn’t promise to be beautiful, but it delivers with a lot of heart and soul.’
Chris Glass, 2021
Chris’ love for “beautiful things and beautiful people and spending time beautifully” is what inspired him to found aptm — a lifestyle and events space in which people can come together and explore handpicked art, furniture and objects from around the world. The 230 square metre loft — which is set up like a personal apartment — is large but intimate and effortlessly glamorous. It’s also located in one of Chris’ favourite neighbourhoods: Wedding. “Berlin doesn’t promise to be beautiful, but it delivers with a lot of heart and soul,” says Chris. “Wedding is raw and unfinished. Unlike other districts in Berlin, people go about their everyday lives there and are not concerned with being cool.”
Chris’ favourite places in Berlin reflect his desire to “discover the unseen”: to overturn the rocks that people walk over every day and uncover what’s on the other side. His most beloved bars include Buck and Breck, a speakeasy hidden behind the door of a disused shop, and RumTrader — a small hole in the wall, with only one table and a smattering of bar stools, that serves up delicious rum-based cocktails.
For a simple Italian meal, with good wine and a cozy atmosphere, Chris enjoys Der Goldene Hahn — a small restaurant nestled in the neighbourhood of Wrangelkiez, Kreuzberg. Or, for a late brunch on the weekend, Chris often heads to BALDON, a canteen, restaurant and bar housed in a brutalist concrete building that oozes Berlin style.
Aside from culinary jaunts, Chris recommends trying to see the city from different angles — at sites that are slightly off the beaten track. Teufelsberg, for example, a listening station that was active during the Cold War, is perched on top of a hill. Visitors can climb up, explore the remains of the morbid building, and even see out across the Berlin skyline. “Berlin has a dark history, but it also has this sense of revelation and getting lost in pleasure. It’s decadent in that respect,” says Chris. “There’s moneyed parts of the city with very wealthy people, while others struggle to get by. The city has two sides to it: the unfinished and the refined.”
For those moving to Berlin, or even popping over for a visit, Chris has some sage words of advice: “Forget everything you’ve been told about Berlin, and try and come with an open mind. Getting lost in a place is really how you get to know it from the outside in.”
‘Forget everything you’ve been told about Berlin, and try and come with an open mind. Getting lost in a place is really how you get to know it from the outside in.’
Chris Glass, 2021