TESTIMONIALS
Anne Breemer - manager at Stayokay Soest
about the transformation of his hostel
"When the men from P·A presented their plan for our facility I was a bit taken aback. Rather than small adjustments to the existing building they suggested that the whole middle section had to be demolished! Looking back I admire their farsightedness; the result exceeded all of our expectations! To this day we continue to receive compliments from guests and business partners. In particular, they comment on the surprisingly spacious layout, the delightful open courtyard and the harmony between the original and new built structures. Goes to show that quality and good design pay off."
Tracy Metz - journalist and author about urban issues
about the supercube renovation
"For a facility serving former prisoners in a building with a checkered history, the place has a convivial atmosphere, especially on the communal fourth floor. And bedrooms, small though they are, feel like dwellings rather than cells. Exodus is a halfway house, with the emphasis on 'house'. One former convict living there recently even placed a mat in front of his door spelling out in florid letters: home."
published in the 'Architectural Record' - Febuary 2014
Peter Coffeng - client for the hostel, director of NJHC real estate (Stayokay)
about the Natuurpodium in bergen op zoom
"Maarten and Sander are committed architects always striving for an optimal realization of their designs. A perfect example of this is the Stayokay hostel in Bergen op Zoom that, after a delay, finally got the viewing tower it deserves!"
Erwin Franken - client
about working with P·A
"Because I have a busy job as an entrepreneur in the medical sector and spend most of my time abroad, I was looking for advisors that could take everything off my hands. P·A thought along with me about how to optimize my building. They then made the design, arranged the permits and managed construction. I had minimal involvement – exactly what I was looking for!"
Abel Blom - son of Piet Blom (architect and designer of the 'kubussencomplex' in Rotterdam)
about the superkubus
"When I heard about the plans for the remodel, I wondered whether it was really necessary to bore a hole from top to bottom through the building, straight through all of the concrete floors… When I met Sander and Maarten and they first presented the design to me I wasn’t particularly pleased with it. But after I got to know them and become familiar with the design, I was convinced. The most problematic building in the Cube House Complex has – in part because of this intervention – finally obtained a meaningful function: it now has a social function that my father would have been proud of."
Yvonne Kammeijer - alderman (wethouder) for the municipality of Bergen op zoom
about the natuurpodium in bergen op zoom
"When Maarten first showed up at my office to present the initial plans I was sold on them immediately. P·A demonstrates exceptional passion, enthusiasm and professional expertise! This facility has made the city’s ambition to be greener and more sustainable truly tangible."
Ronald Lageweg - façade restoration specialist
about respect for old buildings
"I love old bricks, and more often than not I have to explain why monumental beaded mortar joints (‘knipvoeg’) are worth the extra investment when restoring an old façade. But that’s not necessary with Maarten and Sander. I really appreciate how P·A shows respect for old buildings and, at the same time, isn’t afraid to make improvements and adjustments to them. P·A is serious about architecture, but they are always quick to laugh. Just how I like it."
Frans Suijkerbuijk - client for the ‘natuurpodium’, project leader for the Municipality of Bergen op Zoom
about the 'natuurpodium' in bergen op zoom
"The role of P·A in this project was much larger than that of architect: P·A contributed to the conception of what later became ‘het Natuurpodium’ (the Nature Podium). P·A integrated all of the various, at times conflicting, requirements of stakeholders into the building’s design in a smart and efficient way. The building exceeded my expectations in every respect and, more importantly, it is a great success: both from a commercial and educational standpoint. A quintessential example of an effective public-private partnership. Magnificent!"
Patrick van den Berg - general contractor
about working with p·a
"I had to get used to P·A’s integral approach. As general contractor, I’m used to making decisions on the construction site on my own, but I’ve changed my ways when working with P·A. I learned that all of the components of P·A’s architectural designs are carefully thought through and that improvisation may get you in a bind further down the line. Maarten and Rutger are strict, but they are good listeners and are always open to new ideas. In the end we worked together to find optimal solutions. Looking back, I am proud of the final result."
Lara van der Well - client for the supercube, director of 'Stichting Exodus'
about the transformation of the supercube
"I look back on our cooperation with P·A with fondness. These men are creative and dedicated. During the design process, Sander and Maarten came by regularly to get to know Exodus and our residents and to truly understand the things that are important to us. To me, that really made the difference. I’m impressed by how P·A has transformed this building into an attractive space that stimulates interaction between residents. To this day everyone is fairly impressed when seeing the shared third floor!"
Nasredin Haddouch - private investor and director of a physical therapy clinic
About the 'pub down the street' at middellandplein
"Together with a friend I bought this building – in hindsight it was in a fairly dilapidated state at the time. Fortunately we came to P·A. They not only came up with an architectural design, but helped us to find a program that would provide optimal return on our investment whilst at the same time making a positive contribution to the neighborhood. It’s really become an eye catcher! In the meantime we’ve embarked on a new adventure together with P·A!"
Emöke Oldenkamp - client
about the value of good design
"My relationship with P·A goes way back. Years ago they added an additional story to our house. They took some getting used to, but once we got to know each other I knew I could trust them to get the job done. Last year we reached out to P·A again, this time to make a plan for a remodel and extension of the ground floor. During the course of the project, we also asked them to do the interior design and we even asked them to redo the garden! When I see the new ground floor in combination with the garden it almost feels like we moved. It doesn’t feel like an addition but rather a complete metamorphosis. Fantastic!"
Joyce Wierda - client
about the renovation of her house
"Early on we weren’t sure if it would all work out. The new design that P·A suggested was quite extreme… Frankly, I was enthusiastic about it from the very first presentation – I have a soft spot for architecture and design. But my husband, who works in the financial sector, had to warm up to the idea. In the end we were both right: the remodel turned out to be a bit more expensive and took a bit longer than we’d originally hoped, but we haven’t regretted it for one second. I don’t think we could ever live somewhere else."
Ron van Gelder - project leader
about the WAM project
"It’s really important for the neighborhood that this building is revitalized with a good program. The business case must work out in both financial and social terms. P·A offered a convincing story; not only for the building but also for the redesign of the outdoor public space adjacent to it. Moreover, P·A went a step further and proposed to raise a nearby street to improve the quality of the public space and the café inside the building!"
Lara Voerman - architectural historian
about the national monumental hostel in bunnik
"As architectural historian, one aims to create meaningful handholds for an architect such that the architect is able to create a beautiful ensemble of historic and contemporary elements. Monuments only survive if they stay in use. P·A’s ability to find the right balance between respecting the monument and providing a contemporary context is commendable."