Architecture in the Netherlands: 'Design from the context of the past, present and future!'

At 24, he started as an independent architect. Now, 15 years later, Ward Margry and his firm Draw Architects are one of the best-known architectural firms in the western part of the country. The firm, now with 15 employees, does many projects in the coastal strip. "Why have we grown? Well, we build with and for the people." Five questions for an architect with vision....

1. What is the (social) function of architecture in our society?   

"It's anno 2022 about bringing innovation in design and construction. In doing so, you analyze the existing building and you structure the process creating strength from new elements. So you design from the context of the past, present and future. However, all the new, that we come up with, should never compete, but rather dialogue, with everything that is already there. Our job is to make the world a little more beautiful."

2. How has the profession evolved over the years?       

"In the past, the master builder determined everything from A to Z. Now you see - fortunately! - that there is more reasoning from the client's wishes. However, it is also an interplay. First you have the context: where are we building? What is the situation there? There is the client. He is always unique. And, finally, you have the designers with all their own experiences. So there are more stakeholders.
The cooperation between those different stakeholders in the project ensures that the quality and innovation in the project are of a high level. In this form of collaboration, the architect brings the wishes of the various stakeholders to a spatial translation. So: more interaction. That is an interesting challenge. It is also good for the dissemination of knowledge and expertise."

3. What are the biggest societal challenges that architecture is responding to right now?

"Of course with dot on one: making our real estate more sustainable. Secondly, we have a great lack of space in the Netherlands! Furthermore, I see challenges on keeping the inner cities habitable, think for example of the living spaces above stores. And, finally, there should be a focus on the state of post-war reconstruction." 

4.What is not going well in architecture in the Netherlands?

"I sometimes miss some creativity among peers, especially when it comes to city centers. Hahaha, now you want examples, of course? Well, I don't really think the coastal development in the Netherlands now has PR value. I was recently at the Formula 1 in Zandvoort. A great party. But I did think: gosh, what must all those foreign visitors think of the look and feel of Zandvoort? But there is still hope! Fortunately something is going to happen there."

5. Any tips for emerging architects?

"Tell your story passionately. Keep networking, get a knowledgeable team around you, because you need other knowledge and expertise. You can't do it alone anymore. Seek collaboration and don't see other architects as competitors. After all, the world is very complicated but ... we still have to make that same world a little more beautiful every day!"