Team

Marc Koehler

Marc Koehler is the founder of Marc Koehler Architects (MKA), a multidisciplinary design and real estate development agency based in Amsterdam and Lisbon, and initiator of Superlofts, Openbuilding.co, MaMa Pioneers, Nomalides,  urban eco-village Port Brandão and The Lisbon Club. He believes that design has the power to help people create the life of their dreams, and allows them to both feel at home and belong to something greater. With the bigger picture in mind, he sees the potential of architecture to harness the flow of nature, people, energy, material and capital, thereby revealing new ways to restore the balance between people and planet.

The practice explores smart, responsible ways of building spaces and communities around the world, using innovation as an instrument with purpose. In order to do so, MKA develops future ready concepts, systems and tools to pioneer new forms of urban communities that enable new possibilities for living, working, learning and growing. MKA designs speak to the senses, bridging together opposites to create new beauty with timeless warmth, and invite people to touch and change them, to make them their very own. An entrepreneurial approach allows the practice to proactively explore new alternatives of development that better align with people’s future needs.

MKA’s work has been recognised with the Dutch Building Award in 2015, the World Architecture Festival Housing Award (Completed Buildings) and Director’s Special Award in 2017, World Architecture News Award for Best Housing Project in Europe 2017, Best Dutch Building of the Year (Housing) in 2018, architectenweb award in 2018 and was nominated for the Architect of the Year Award in 2021. Recently MKA won design tenders for ambitious new developments such as Poppies, Bosrijk, Robin Wood, Thamesmead in London and commissions such as Republica and MARK that promote the transition towards a circular and inclusive built environment. In 2022 MKA was nominated for World Architecture Festival in Lisbon with four projects – Superlofts Groningen, Koivistokade, Jakoba Mulderhuis (in collaboration with Powerhouse) and Robin Wood, which won in the category Future Residential Projects.

Marc Koehler (1977) grew up in a Dutch Portuguese family in the northern Dutch town of Naarden. He holds a Masters in Architecture from the Technical University of Delft (TU Delft). Since 2017 he has an advisory role at the municipality of Amsterdam as a member of the Spatial Quality Committee. The committee reviews planning permits in light of the city’s urban design ambitions across themes such as densification, urban renewal, sustainability and cooperative developments.

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Eric Thijssen, Associate / Project Manager / Architect / Team Leader

Eric Thijssen joined MKA as an associate in 2017. At MKA he’s inspired by the opportunities to connect strong architectural concepts and social needs with buildings designed for daily life, resulting in an architecture that has relevance for the architectural discourse, contributes to the public realm and creates a sense of belonging in our society. Working for two decades on award-winning projects in renowned Dutch architecture practices such as Neutelings Riedijk Architects and de Architekten Cie. has given Eric an intricate knowledge of all processes involved in the practice of architecture from concept to completion. He previously worked as an urban planner at the Department of Planning for the City of Amsterdam and has taught at the Technical University Delft and the Academy of Architecture in Amsterdam. Eric holds a Master of Architecture from Technical University Delft.

Pieter Leendertse, COO

Upon a long career in advertising and branding Pieter joined MKA in 2021. He brings along branding and marketing knowledge and experience to connect and inspire audiences to innovative co-living and hospitality solutions. He's responsible for a new business unit (MKA R&D) in which we integrate brand strategy, community building, real estate development and (interior) design into scalable total design concepts at the intersection of co-living, co-working and hospitality. Pieter was Managing Partner at the international communications and brand design agency KesselsKramer.

Carlos Moreira, Project manager / Architect / BIM & IT-specialist / Ass. Team Leader

Project architect and project manager Carlos Moreira relocated to Amsterdam in 2009 to work for MKA. Fascinated by new technological developments and how they can contribute to intelligent and efficient cities, Carlos is well-placed as MKA’s BIM manager and is also a specialist in wood engineering. He believes the social responsibility of architects opens up opportunities to improve the lives of not only the direct users but the wider community and society as a whole. Carlos graduated with a Master of Architecture from ETSAV (Escuela Tecnica Superior de Arquitectura de Valencia).

Harmen Nieuwland, Project Manager / Architect / Team Leader

Harmen Nieuwland joined MKA at the end of 2020 as senior architect and project manager. Previously to MKA Harmen worked for almost three decades for architecture offices in Den Haag, Rotterdam, Berlin and Amsterdam. He brings experience in residential, mixed use and office projects of different scales. From his career he derives a large knowledge of façade technology. Harmen has a special interest in sustainability and energy concept for buildings. He holds a MSc degree in Architecture from the TU Delft.

Corinne Schrauwen, Finance & HR Advisor

Corinne Schrauwen joined MKA as Chef de Bureau in 2019. Her strength lies in connecting creativity and business management, with a passion for helping creative professionals realise their ambitions. Corinne’s strong leadership skills developed from almost two decades of managing architectural practices and broad experience in (international) building project management. A member of Bouwnetwerk and DWIRE Dutch Women in Real Estate, Corinne also coaches young women to build their careers in the design and building industry. Corinne holds a Master of Architecture from the Technical University Delft.

Mai Henriksen, Project Manager / Architect

Mai joined MKA in 2018 as a project architect. Mai brings 2 decades of experience in large scale residential and utility projects from design phase to completion of a number of projects in the Netherlands. At MKA Mai is striving to make beautiful buildings and creating possibilities for a sustainable future proof living environment while expanding her expertise in wooden construction and prefab construction systems and materials. In the process of creating Mai likes to think about architecture from concept to detail. Previously to MKA Mai worked at Wiel Arets Architects for 16 years where she developed her sharp eye for design and aesthetics together with a strong sense of space and detail. Originally Mai comes from Denmark and holds a master degree in architecture from The School of Architecture in Aarhus.

Luca Vatteroni, Architect / Ass. Team Leader

Luca joined MKA as architect in 2021. Since 2016 he has been working in architecture firms in Amsterdam, where he gained knowledge and experience in the design and building process, from preliminary sketches to completion, on residential, cultural and mixed program building. The contribution he brings to projects combines solid technical skills with sense of space and a distinct aesthetic vision. Luca holds a Master in Archeology, Museum design and Management of Archeological heritage, and a MSc degree in Architecture from Politecnico di Milano.

Ger Gijzen, Senior Architect

Andrea Somma, Architect

Stefan Wolf, Architect

Stefan is an architect and urban designer who's approach to design is driven by a desire to create beautifully crafted spaces using a combination of design sensitivity and technical knowledge. He has experience working in a number of high-profile international offices and has worked on award-winning projects, ranging in scale from installations to city-wide masterplans. He graduated from the University of Cambridge with a Masters in Architecture and Urban Design, where he also tutored on the undergraduate architecture program for a number of years before relocating to Amsterdam in 2022.

Edin Buitenhuis, Architect

Marco Gijsen, Architect

Marco has worked for MKA since 2012 for 7 years and came back in 2021. He has experience with a wide range of projects, from city blocks to a library, hotel, residential buildings, family houses and interiors. He believes the future of architecture should be sustainable and has a special interest in the transformation of old buildings and the use of wood construction. With a Bachelor from TU Delft and a Master from the Academy of Architecture in Amsterdam Marco brings theoretical, technical and design contributions to MKA's projects.

Matthijs Noordover, Junior Architect

Matthijs joined MKA as junior architect in 2018. At MKA he has become one permanent team working in different design fases of projects but always with technical view to it. As a young designer he brings the experience from his studies in engineering and spatial design to the office. After several internships and work experiences in different offices in the Netherlands, he is part of the permanent MKA family and developing himself as BIM designer. He holds a degree in bachelor spatial design and studied at the master architecture at Academy of architecture in Amsterdam.

Cristian Rancati, Junior Architect

Cristian graduated in 2017 from the Politecnico di Milano and worked as an intern in Milan before relocating to the Netherlands in 2020, where he got his masters degree at TU Delft. He worked at SeArch before joining the MKA team in Amsterdam in 2021; he joined the Lisbon team in 2022. Cristian’s interests focus on the strict relation between people and built environment, and how vernacular technologies inform sustainable construction methods; he has applied this knowledge to large-scale residential urban schemes as well as small private dwellings.

Geraldine MacDonald, Graphic Designer

After scholarship at the Willem de Kooning academy Geraldine worked at Thonik and KesselsKramer before she joined MKA as graphic designer.

Lola Kleindouwel, Junior Architect

Dovile Seduikyte, Assistant Designer

After moving from Lithuania in 2019, Dovile has worked in various Amsterdam offices. Since obtaining her Bachelor from the University of Nottingham, she implements her art background into the design process and enjoys thinking conceptually. Currently Dovile is working towards her Masters in the Amsterdam Academy of Architecture, where she experiments with different approaches to sustainability and wellbeing. Joining MKA in 2022, Dovile is gaining knowledge and experience in the technical design phases, breaching the gap between idea and reality.

Ananda Marie Frigière, Architect

Originally from France, I degreed from Tampere University (Finland) in 2019. I have been working for several companies in Finland since 2015. I was involved mainly with urban planning and housing design projects. I have also been also developping several urban and architectural competition proposals. I like the navigation between different scales urban and architectural design allows.

Laila Barakat, Intern

Ashley Igwe, Intern

Ashley Igwe joined MKA as an Intern in 2022. She is an architecture student from Dublin, Ireland. From her travels in various countries such as Hungary, Ashley has developed a passion for experimental and circular timber design, all informed by her cultural exchange experience along the way. “Great ideas can be at risk of being lost in translation if not approached with an open mind and mutual respect for others design styles and what different perspectives, they could have to offer despite being exposed to an unfamiliar background."

Andrea Pellizzon, Junior Architect

Andrea graduated with a degree in architecture from IUAV in Venice, and worked in several offices in Milano and Venice, before joining the MKA team in Amsterdam; he became part of the MKA team in Lisbon in 2022. His work spans several different kinds of projects, from private villas to large multifunctional complexes, in which he was an active part of a team that coordinated both the design and construction of architectural proposals. Andrea also has extensive experience in heritage restoration and re-qualification, knowledge gained from his time engaged with Venice’s built heritage.

Daniela Trigo, Senior Architect

Daniela joined MKA Lisbon as senior architect. Previously to MKA Lisbon, Daniela worked for an Urban Planning Laboratory in East Timor, planning the reconstruction of the two main cities Díli and Baucau , as well as architecture offices in Amsterdam, Barcelona and Lisbon. She graduated in Lisbon School of Architecture and has 18 years of professional experience, which the last 11 years were in Lisbon, with experience in the design, technical phases and construction of several types of projects. She believes that architecture has an important role in the quality of our lives, and through a more deep understanding of contexts it can be a tool to implement lasting changes.

László Cseresznyés, Junior Architect

László graduated from the Budapest University of Technology, and did his internship in an international office based in Budapest working on urban-scale residential schemes in the public sector. He relocated to Lisbon in 2020 to work for 2 years in a Portuguese architecture office, working on public-sector education schemes in Cascais, Lisbon. He joined MKA Lisbon in early 2022, developing housing and hospitality schemes for the private sector in the Lisbon region. His interests lie in self-generated collective architectural practices and how they create vibrant urban spaces.

Simon David Watson, Senior Architect

Simon is a British-Portuguese architect with over 10 years’ experience in Edinburgh, London, Frankfurt and Lisbon, working for international architecture companies on projects in the public and private sector. Having been raised in Lisbon, he studied at the University of Edinburgh, the Royal College of Art in London, and London South Bank University. His experience covers large commercial schemes, private residential projects, infra-structure design, and housing development proposals. He joined MKA Lisbon in 2022, and is passionate about urban regeneration, and how alternative forms of living shape our urban experience.
Studio Amsterdam
  • Carina Hendriks, Office Manager
  • Sander Willems, PR & Communications
  • Jose Koehler, IT-Consultant
  • Marion van Leeuwen, Controller
Jobs
Technisch Architect / Ontwerper (NL)

MKA is gespecialiseerd in het ontwikkelen, ontwerpen en realiseren van innovatieve projecten, zoals nieuwe collectieve woonvormen, flexibel aanpasbare modulaire Superlofts en mixed-use torens in prefab houtbouw. MKA werkt met maatschappelijk betrokken, duurzame en ambitieuze opdrachtgevers. Begin 2019 zijn we verhuisd naar een inspirerende oude filmstudio in Amsterdam Noord.

In verband met nieuwe spraakmakende (hout) bouwprojecten zoeken wij een Technisch Architect-Ontwerper die ons winning team op korte termijn kan versterken.

Technisch architect-ontwerper

Wil je met jouw kennis van detailleren en materialiseren een bijdrage leveren aan toonaangevende projecten als architectonisch ontwerper in de uitwerking? Heb je een hands-on mentaliteit en ben je in staat te schakelen tussen diverse projecten? Kun je de verantwoordelijkheid dragen om in alle fasen van het ontwerp een hoge kwaliteit te waarborgen onder andere door slimme materialisatie en toepassing van Archicad? Heb je passie voor het combineren van architectuur en techniek en wil je bijdragen aan  spraakmakende architectuur? Dan is Marc Koehler Architects op zoek naar jou! Sluit je aan bij team MKA en laat je coachen door een van onze ervaren teamleiders en BIM architecten met wie je nauw samenwerkt.

Onze ideale kandidaat:

  • Is getalenteerd, ambitieus en draagt verantwoordelijkheid om in alle fasen van het ontwerp een hoge kwaliteit te waarborgen;

  • Is een teamspeler en communicatief, maar kan ook goed zelfstandig werken;

  • Kan bureau breed kennis delen en projecten begeleiden;

  • Is enthousiast, accuraat, flexibel en kan snel schakelen;

  • Heeft passie voor architectuur en techniek, materialisatie en productinnovatie;

  • Kan goed detailleren;

  • Heeft ervaring in DO en TO fasen;

  • Heeft kennis van bouwtechniek en Nederlandse bouwregelgeving;

  • Heeft een afgeronde bouwkundige opleiding HBO, TU of studeert aan de Academie van Bouwkunst;

  • Heeft minimaal 4 tot 5  jaar aantoonbare werkervaring;

  • Beheerst Archicad uitstekend. Ervaring met BIM is een grote pré;

  • Woonachtig in Amsterdam of nabije omgeving is een pré;

  • Spreekt en schrijft vloeiend Nederlands en spreekt ook Engels;

Wat bieden wij?

Een uitdagende job waarbij je werkt aan innovatieve projecten in een dynamische werkomgeving. Werken binnen een internationaal en gedreven team. Een aanstelling van 36 – 40 uur per week. Het salaris is CAO-conform.

Interesse? Stuur je motivatie, CV + portfolio naar jobs@marckoehler.com.

Vragen? Neem contact op met Harmen Nieuwland: 06 22529093

More info
Junior Architect (Lisbon, Portugal)

For our new office in Lisbon, we are looking for a Junior Architect with at least two years experience, who will help us to design and develop several Portuguese projects in the coming months.

We offer a good salary and opportunities to grow fastly within our organisation.

Marc Koehler Architects,  based in Amsterdam and Lisbon and works internationally. MKA specializes in the design of innovative living, hospitality and working environments with profound social and environmental impact. We look outside the borders of the traditional field of work of architecture and incorporate branding, interior design and real estate development to our core offering.

We only work with highly ambitious clients and often initiate our own projects and brands such as Superlofts.co Our work is dynamic and our team is highly motivated. You will be guided by an experienced Portuguese project architect and Dutch teamlead so that you can develop into an all-round architect. It is important for this position that you speak and write English and Portuguese fluently and that you are familiar with Portuguese construction practice and regulations.

Are you a conceptually, technically and aesthetically strong architect who is well organized and strong in coordination and communication with local municipal agencies? Would you like to contribute to the high-profile architecture of Marc Koehler Architects? Do you have a passion for combining architecture and technology? Then Marc Koehler Architects is looking for you!

 

Our ideal candidate:

  • Is fluent in English and Portuguese and lives in Portugal / Lisbon;

 

  • Is a young team-player and has strong communication and project management skills but is also able to work independently;

 

  • Is competent in all phases and aspects of the design process and is eager to learn more about design, construction technique, construction cost monitoring, building permit applications, planning, regulations and implementation;

 

  • Has an affinity for the integration of architecture and technology in innovative sustainable applications of materialization and product innovation;

 

  • Is talented, ambitious and is responsible for ensuring high quality in all phases of the design;

 

  • Has at least twe years of experience in a comparable position at renowned design agencies – preferable in Portugal (Lisbon);

 

  • Has a completed architectural education, university or Academy of Architecture;

 

  • Knowledge of Archicad and / or Revit, Experience with BIM is a great advantage;

 

  • Is enthusiastic, accurate, and flexible

 

What do we offer?

  • A challenging job that offers a lot of flexibility and freedom in a dynamic work environment. You will work in an international and driven team on high end projects.

 

  • A good salary and possibilities to grow fast both professionally and financially.

 

Interested? Please send your questions or motivation letter, CV and portfolio to jobs@marckoehler.com.

Please note: this position is only available for fluent Portugese / English speakers.

Closing date is 29th of August 2021.

More info
Allround Project Architect (NL)

MKA is gespecialiseerd in het ontwikkelen, ontwerpen en realiseren van innovatieve projecten, zoals nieuwe collectieve woonvormen, flexibel aanpasbare modulaire Superlofts en mixed-use torens in prefab houtbouw. MKA werkt alleen met maatschappelijk betrokken, duurzame en ambitieuze opdrachtgevers. We zijn gehuisvest in een inspirerende oude filmstudio in Amsterdam Noord.

In relatie tot nieuwe spraakmakende internationale projecten zoeken wij een Senior Architect / Projectleider die ons winning team op korte termijn kan versterken.

Wil je met jouw kennis van detailleren en materialiseren een bijdrage leveren aan toonaangevende projecten? Ben jij een conceptueel, technisch en esthetisch sterke architect die goed georganiseerd en sterk in coördinatie en communicatie is? Heb je ervaring met het uitvoeren van alle fasen van een project, van schetsontwerp tot en met de bouwaanvraag, als ook de technische uitvoering en esthetische bouwbegeleiding en daarnaast ook  leiding kan geven aan een team van (junior) architecten?

Wil je werken aan uitdagende mixed-use en woningbouwprojecten in binnen- en buitenland in een jong en bevlogen team? Herken jij jezelf in genoemde omschrijving? Dan ben jij degene die wij zoeken.

Onze ideale kandidaat:

Is getalenteerd, ambitieus en draagt verantwoordelijk om in alle fasen van het ontwerp een hoge kwaliteit te waarborgen;

Is een allround architect die bekwaam is in alle fasen en aspecten van het ontwerpproces: het ontwerp, de bouwtechniek, bouwkosten bewaking, aanvragen van bouwvergunning, de planning, regelgeving en uitvoering;

Heeft affiniteit voor de integratie van architectuur en techniek in innovatieve duurzame toepassingen van materialisatie en productinnovatie;

Heeft ruime ervaring met het zelfstandig aansturen van adviseurs en de communicatie met de opdrachtgever en externe partijen;

Is een teamspeler, enthousiast, accuraat, flexibel en kan snel schakelen;

Heeft ervaring met het aansturen van (junior) architecten

Heeft minimaal 5 tot 10 jaar aantoonbare ervaring in een vergelijkbare functie bij gerenommeerde bureaus;

Heeft een afgeronde bouwkundige opleiding HBO, TU of Academie van Bouwkunst;

Beheerst Archicad en of Revit uitstekend, ervaring met BIM is een grote pré;

Ervaring met esthetische begeleiding van projecten is een pré;

Spreekt en schrijft vloeiend Nederlands en kan ook uit de voeten met Engels;

Wat bieden wij?

Een uitdagende job waarbij je werkt aan innovatieve projecten in een dynamische werkomgeving. Het salaris is CAO-conform. Werken binnen een internationaal en gedreven team en werken aan hoogwaardige, unieke projecten.

Interesse? Stuur je motivatie, CV + portfolio naar jobs@marckoehler.com.
Vragen? Neem contact op met Eric Thijssen: 0611507601 of ericthijssen@marckoehler.com

Please note: this position is only available for fluent Dutch speakers.

More info
Stageplaats architectuur / Internship architecture

Op zoek naar een stage bij een innovatief en dynamisch architectenbureau? Ben je een talentvol ontwerper met uitstekende presentatie skills en beheers je programma’s als Archicad, Photoshop, Indesign? Wij bieden je de kans mee te werken aan uitdagende tenders en ambitieuze mixed-use en woningbouwprojecten. Interesse? Stuur je portfolio en motivatie naar jobs@marckoehler.com. 

Marc Koehler Architects is gespecialiseerd in het ontwerpen en realiseren van innovatieve opgaven, zoals nieuwe woonvormen, flexibele, duurzame gebouwen, complexe stedelijke, ruimtelijke vraagstukken, vaak met maatschappelijk betrokken, ambitieuze opdrachtgevers. Wij werken vanuit een inspirerende werkplek in Amsterdam. 

Wij zijn op dit moment op zoek naar stagiaires voor de periode januari t/m juni 2023.

 

Looking for an internship at an innovative and dynamic architectural firm? Are you a talented designer with excellent presentation skills and do you master programs such as Archicad, Photoshop, Indesign? We offer you the opportunity to participate in challenging tenders and ambitious mixed-use and housing projects. Interested? Send your portfolio and motivation to jobs@marckoehler.com.

Marc Koehler Architects specializes in the design and realization of innovative assignments, such as new forms of housing, flexible, sustainable buildings, complex urban and spatial issues, often with socially involved, ambitious clients. We work from an inspiring workplace in Amsterdam.

We are currently looking for interns for the period January to June 2023.

 

 

More info

Are you interested? Send a motivation letter, CV + portfolio to jobs@marckoehler.com. 

We kindly ask recruitment and employment agencies to refrain form interpreting the vacancies as an acquisition opportunity. Messages that are sent to us by such parties in the context of our vacancies are considered not received.