TEAM
It’s the talented individuals in our team that enable us to do what we do. Every day, the ladies and gents at P·A work with enthusiasm and dedication on outstanding buildings, innovative research initiatives and entrepreneurial development projects.
At P·A, we stand for a work environment in which honesty and transparency come first; where relationships are based on trust and mutual respect. We tackle challenges and celebrate successes as a team. Together, we are giving form to a concept that we call ‘the learning architecture firm’: an environment in which the intrinsic motivation of our people to cultivate knowledge and develop competencies is optimally facilitated. A place where people do the things that they are good at and that give them energy.
In short, we are proud of our team, of our projects and of each other. And we are eager to get to work for you!
Maarten Polkamp - partner
Maarten founded P·A shortly after graduating from the Delft University of Technology in 2005 with dual masters degrees in architectural design and real estate management, and he hasn’t looked back since. Nearly two decades later, Maarten is an experienced architect and construction project manager with a broad portfolio of buildings, including community centers, offices, hotels, shops and residences. On a typical workday Maarten can be spotted sparring with colleagues behind the drawing table, engaging with contractors at a construction site, meeting with public and private stakeholders to expedite a real estate development initiative and coaching members of the P·A team. In the past he served as vice president of the BNA (Royal Institute of Dutch Architects), where he devoted his tenure to the further professionalization of the industry. In the weekend Maarten can often be found, circle saw in hand, working on his latest project.
maarten@personal-architecture.nl
Sander van Schaik - partner
Sander is a talented architect with a knack for resolving complex spatial challenges with remarkable ease. He translates rough ideas into lucid sketches – more often than not, upside-down and backwards and mid-conversation. As partner at P·A, Sander ensures that each project fulfills our client’s needs and wishes from concept through to technical detailing. He is both creative and thorough in his approach, leading the P·A team to explore numerous options before whittling their way down to a single, bold design. Sander is also guest lecturer at the Delft University of Technology and active in research initiatives investigating key aspects of future-proof cities. In his free time, Sander takes his Podencos, Raf and Peer, out to explore Rotterdam. His shrewd eye for real estate development opportunities has transformed a casual stroll with the dogs into a full-blown development initiative more than once!
sander@personal-architecture.nl
Merel Paes
Look out, because this young architect means business. Immediately after graduating from the Technical University of Delft, Merel came knocking at P·A’s door. And she didn’t have to knock twice. Merel juggles diverse projects with ease – one minute she is working on a strategy for a complex redevelopment, the next she is the ‘scrum master’ for an internal assignment. As flexible as water, Merel is adept at managing the intricacies of projects and she appeals to the sensibilities of those around her with her quick wit and robust sense of humor.
merel@personal-architecture.nl
Olaf Bruins
Upon completing his masters in Architecture at the Delft University of Technology, Olaf packed his bags and headed Down Under where he worked as an architect in New South Wales, Australia. Over the course of three years Olaf contributed to a diverse array of commercial and residential projects. When he decided it was time to head home to the Netherlands, he set his sights on Rotterdam and joined the team at P·A. In addition to a wealth of experience, he also brought his girlfriend with him upon his return. Ambitious yet modest, Olaf’s curiosity makes him a quick study …and when he rolls up his sleeves and gets to work nothing can distract him from the task at hand!
olaf@personal-architecture.nl
Axel Beem
Long before completing his masters in architecture at the Delft University of Technology, Axel came to realize that communication is every bit as important as technical rigor. Together with a classmate, he founded a company that conveys complex spatial plans to stakeholders using Virtual Reality. With his background in VR its no surprise that Axel turned to P·A when it was time to take the next step in his career. He’s an intelligent young architect with a talent for process optimization and stakeholder engagement and there’s nothing that satisfies him more than presenting plans that meet – or better yet exceed – clients’ expectations. In his spare time Axel can be found enjoying a festival …or engrossed in a good book.
axel@personal-architecture.nl
Ivor Wester
Having completed his Bachelor's at the TU Delft, Ivor is doing his internship at P·A as part of his master's program. Why? in his own words: "At the studies you learn a lot, but in practice there are so many more things to consider. I’m looking forward to gaining real world experience!". So far, his expectations have not disappointed him: Ivor has quickly become a valuable member of the team and helps with a diverse set of projects - from helping with designs or producing 3d printed models to standing on construction sites. On top of all that, he is of indispensable help within our rebranding project.
In his free time Ivor can be found coaching the new generation of hockey talents of Rotterdam - or training for his very first marathon.
Pieter Keppel
After finishing his internship at P·A, both sides agreed; we would love to keep working together. Showing consistent dedication and gaining more and more experience, his proclivity to always work hard and deliver precise results has earned him the nickname ‘the steam locomotive’. In addition to his work attitude, Pieter is always kind, easy-going and ready for a laugh - it’s no wonder we’re glad he’s never left the team!
When not at work, Pieter loves to travel and hike with his friends, or spend time with his family in the weekends.
