We are OZ. We take pride in our craftsmanship and work from an investigative down-to-earth attitude. Without preconceived ideas we create modern architecture that embraces the complexity of life and enriches its environment.
Urban nomads can live anywhere, but most of us want to live somewhere. This is why we design contemporary buildings with a strong character, that not only react to their context but shape it. We search to understand the qualities of a location and we cherish its historical traces to generate designs that add to its unique character. In this way we shape identity and create a somewhere for the growing number of urbanites.
OZ designs for life in the city, transforming areas into new places to live. We combine programs to create synergy. Social interaction is essential in our architecture. We make spaces for people to meet, places to relax and work. We believe that it is our job as architects to create those spaces, public or collective, in and around our buildings, wherever possible.
If we don’t want to succumb into endless sprawl, traffic jams and pollution, we must embrace density. For us, densifying cities creates a very interesting challenge. Because of its complexity, density creates new solutions, new opportunities, new cultures, new communities, new art, new music and new architecture. Sprawl is boring, density is exciting.
On the path towards designing Paris Proof buildings, we believe, the large dependence on technical installations will become counter effective. We want to make projects thoroughly sustainable and also feasible. We embrace the idea of buildings without mechanical heating or ventilation, exchanging technical hardware for software, using bio based materials and so reducing the carbon footprint of our designs not because we are idealists but because we are realists.
To transform parts of our city in new thriving places for people to work and live, we have to look beyond buildings. There can be no good densification of the city without intensifying urban nature in the form of greens and parks for people and green roofs and walls for fauna. As the countryside, in a sense, becomes more mono-functional the city has the potential to enforce natural diversity, to bring people and nature closer together.
Urban nomads can live anywhere, but most of us want to live somewhere. This is why we design contemporary buildings with a strong character, that not only react to their context but shape it. We search to understand the qualities of a location and we cherish its historical traces to generate designs that add to its unique character. In this way we shape identity and create a somewhere for the growing number of urbanites.
OZ designs for life in the city, transforming areas into new places to live. We combine programs to create synergy. Social interaction is essential in our architecture. We make spaces for people to meet, places to relax and work. We believe that it is our job as architects to create those spaces, public or collective, in and around our buildings, wherever possible.
If we don’t want to succumb into endless sprawl, traffic jams and pollution, we must embrace density. For us, densifying cities creates a very interesting challenge. Because of its complexity, density creates new solutions, new opportunities, new cultures, new communities, new art, new music and new architecture. Sprawl is boring, density is exciting.
On the path towards designing Paris Proof buildings, we believe, the large dependence on technical installations will become counter effective. We want to make projects thoroughly sustainable and also feasible. We embrace the idea of buildings without mechanical heating or ventilation, exchanging technical hardware for software, using bio based materials and so reducing the carbon footprint of our designs not because we are idealists but because we are realists.
To transform parts of our city in new thriving places for people to work and live, we have to look beyond buildings. There can be no good densification of the city without intensifying urban nature in the form of greens and parks for people and green roofs and walls for fauna. As the countryside, in a sense, becomes more mono-functional the city has the potential to enforce natural diversity, to bring people and nature closer together.
Urban nomads can live anywhere, but most of us want to live somewhere. This is why we design contemporary buildings with a strong character, that not only react to their context but shape it. We search to understand the qualities of a location and we cherish its historical traces to generate designs that add to its unique character. In this way we shape identity and create a somewhere for the growing number of urbanites.
OZ designs for life in the city, transforming areas into new places to live. We combine programs to create synergy. Social interaction is essential in our architecture. We make spaces for people to meet, places to relax and work. We believe that it is our job as architects to create those spaces, public or collective, in and around our buildings, wherever possible.
If we don’t want to succumb into endless sprawl, traffic jams and pollution, we must embrace density. For us, densifying cities creates a very interesting challenge. Because of its complexity, density creates new solutions, new opportunities, new cultures, new communities, new art, new music and new architecture. Sprawl is boring, density is exciting.
On the path towards designing Paris Proof buildings, we believe, the large dependence on technical installations will become counter effective. We want to make projects thoroughly sustainable and also feasible. We embrace the idea of buildings without mechanical heating or ventilation, exchanging technical hardware for software, using bio based materials and so reducing the carbon footprint of our designs not because we are idealists but because we are realists.
To transform parts of our city in new thriving places for people to work and live, we have to look beyond buildings. There can be no good densification of the city without intensifying urban nature in the form of greens and parks for people and green roofs and walls for fauna. As the countryside, in a sense, becomes more mono-functional the city has the potential to enforce natural diversity, to bring people and nature closer together.
OZ is looking for a junior technical designer with an eye for detail and a heart for building
Are you someone who gets energy from working out smart, sustainable solutions? Do you have an affinity with complex projects and do you want to work on projects that really mean something to the city and its inhabitants? Then we would like to meet you.
We are always open to the opportunity to meet talented and ambitious architects and interns. Please send your application (including CV and portfolio) to jobs@ozarchitect.nl
We check for new applications once a month.
Only complete applications will be reviewed and considered for an invitation to an introductory meeting.
Looking forward to meet you!
We are always open to the opportunity to meet talented and ambitious architects and interns. Please send your application (including CV and portfolio) to jobs@ozarchitect.nl
We check for new applications once a month. Only complete applications will be reviewed and considered for an invitation to an introductory meeting.
Looking forward to meet you!
Team
Jamie Bakkes
architect
John Bosch
architect partner
John Bosch
architect partner
Living in Amsterdam, I’ve seen the city transform dramatically over time and as an architect, I want to be at the heart of those changes. The city allows for experiment, shaping new ways of living and working into meaningful spatial opportunities. In doing so, I know we can find ways to reduce the ecological footprint of buildings and enhance nature and social interaction.
As a partner at OZ, I want to unite architecture, urbanism, landscape and interior. Together they embrace the complexity of our daily work, and together they craft spaces that are rooted in place, responsive to time, and open to the future.
- Email:j.bosch@ozarchitect.nl
Philippe Collette
technical designer
Süreyya Dogan
technical designer
Jessie Dong
architect
Lennart Dorrestijn
bim coordinator
Cecilia Gallardo Rioseco
senior architect
Stefano Giudici
designer
Maral Gunenc
designer
Reza Hamidi
technical designer
Martin de Jong
senior architect
Andreas Karavanas
architect partner
Andreas Karavanas
architect partner
After a decade at OMA and experience across leading firms in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Greece, I’ve developed an architectural practice grounded in research and negotiation, between past and future, ambition and context, form and function. My work spans typologies and scales, from cultural institutions to urban strategies, always balancing design ambition with strategic execution. Alongside practice, I’ve taught and lectured at institutions including The Berlage Institute, TU Delft, and the UPatras, maintaining a close dialogue between education and practice.
I’m excited to build on OZ’s (International momentum) portfolio, crafting responsive strategies that are collaborative, sustainable, and deeply contextual.
Sander Kleijn
senior technical designer
Stefan de Koning
architect partner
Stefan de Koning
architect partner
With a background in art, design, and architecture, I’ve built a career around exploring boundaries with bold ideas and thoughtful execution. As partner of MVRDV, I led the design of award-winning project, shaping a diverse international portfolio including the designs for theater, museum and education, as well as for housing and offices. As director of the EMEA studio, I oversaw complex developments across regions, while also sharing insights through lectures at TU Delft, UC Berkeley, and NUS. That said, I enjoy working on urban strategies just as much as designing a small pavilion.
Valentijn Kortekaas
graphic designer
Jacko Laan
senior technical designer
Jagoda Lintowska
designer
Simone di Massa
designer
Mark Lodder
senior technical designer
Sharon Nuismer
secretary
Ewald Plas
technical designer
Gijs Poldermans
designer
Willem Reitsma
administration
Oresti Sarafopoulos
architect partner
Oresti Sarafopoulos
architect partner
I’m proud to be part of a team that approaches every project with curiosity and clarity, as an opportunity to rethink how we design spaces that feel intuitive and appealing.
- Email:oresti@ozarchitect.nl
Sam Scholting
technical designer
Rogier Söhne
architect
Simon Strba
designer
Nikola Todorovic
architect
Maarten Verhelst
senior architect
Sylvia Visser
senior technical designer
Farida de Vries
senior architect
Marilene de Wit
architect
Joanna Wnuk
interior architect
Wouter Zaaijer
founding partner
Chris Zwiers
architect partner
Chris Zwiers
architect partner
My approach is rooted in human experience rather than fixed design dogma, always aiming for inclusivity and social relevance. As OZ partner, I bring sensitivity and curiosity to every project, creating architecture that connects deeply with its context and the people who inhabit it.
- Email:c.zwiers@ozarchitect.nl
Koos Zwitser
project manager
Marlies Zwols
managing director
Marlies Zwols
managing director
As managing director, I bring a fresh, creative approach to business operations, to strengthen OZ’s position in the Dutch and international architecture scene. My role bridges the creative and the operational: I focus on creating the conditions for others to thrive, while ensuring the organization is healthy, focused, and future ready. I’m proud to be leading an office that delivers quality, and runs with purpose, integrity, and resilience.
From OZ, I support the development of our profession, as a member of the policy advisory committee for entrepreneurship at BNA, of the Cobouw Innovation Award jury, and of the Advisory Board for real estate network organization Holland Property Plaza.
- Email:m.zwols@ozarchitect.nl