Born in 1953, he studied architecture at the Technical University of Braunschweig and at RWTH Aachen University, graduating in 1978 with a degree in engineering.

After working for several years at the architectural practice Schilling/Prof. Kulka in Cologne, he joined the family business, BAUWENS. He has been a managing partner there since 1986.

Alongside his business activities, Mr Bauwens-Adenauer has held various positions in business and public life, such as President of the Cologne Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

He is involved in a wide range of social causes. Together with his brother Patrick, for example, he founded the Cologne Grün Foundation in 2006.