Our office is located in the centre of the world port city of Rotterdam. Traditionally a city of national and international trade, a city with residents from around the globe. This is our home, and we share with Rotterdam the identity of our company: creative, ‘hands-on’, proactive and international. Welcome to Orange Architects!
Work fields
Orange Architects is a multidisciplinary and internationally operating design firm for architecture, urban design, interiors and outdoor space, headed by Patrick Meijers and Jeroen Schipper. Both partners graduated as architects and urban designers from Eindhoven University of Technology, where their education covered the full spectrum of the design profession. The assignments tackled by Orange Architects vary from feasibility studies to complete commissions, and from general urban plans to detailed interiors. Over the past 25 years, the office has drawn up numerous designs for private and public clients, some 35 of which have been built and another 25 are in preparation or under construction.
People
People are the central concern in all our projects. We not only want to construct attractive buildings but also create inspiring surroundings. Pleasant places in which to live, work and relax. We believe that the big challenge and the major transition we face in the coming years is an opportunity to make sustainable, attractive and well-programmed urban landscapes. Environments that are not monofunctional and exclusive, but multifunctional and accessible to everybody.
Attitude
Orange Architects formulates attractive, conceptually advanced and smart answers to complex spatial challenges. What distinguishes us is our rational attitude which we combine with a sensitivity to context, to local culture, to the client’s wishes, and to the future users of our projects. Drawing on our knowledge and expertise, Orange Architects transforms all the ideas, dreams and wishes of clients into inspiring and sustainable living environments.
Meet the people
“Observe, learn, imagine and make it happen”
Elena (LT) graduated from the Academy of Architecture in Amsterdam in 2020. Previously she studied architecture at Polytechnic University of Valencia and Vilnius Gediminas Technical University. After finishing her BSc degree in Vilnius, she gained valuable international experience working at architecture offices in New Jersey and New York. Elena joined Orange Architects in 2015.
“Architecture is about holistically designing a place for the human and ecological realm”
Allard (NL) graduated cum laude with a Master’s degree in Architecture at the TU Delft in 2021. At studio Borders & Territories he researched the almost nomadic way people live in the marginal settlements of Mashhad, Iran. This resulted in a design where plastic recycling and social facilities come together forming a transitional place on the border between city and marginal settlement. Earlier in his student-years, Allard studied at the film acadamy in Amsterdam for two years, did an exchange semester at AARCH in Aarhus (DK) and worked as an intern at MVSA architects. Allard joined Orange Architects in 2022.
“From large to small, from small to large”
Dirk (NL) graduated at the end of 2018 at the Technical University of Eindhoven with a Master in Architectural Building & Planning. During his study he gained practical knowledge with an internship and within his graduation project he combined urban and architectural design, which resulted in a thoughtful design contributing to the many interfaces of architecture. He joined the former JSA in 2019 and is now a proud member of the Orange Architects team.
“Architecture is a connection of the abstract and the real into one discipline”
Victoria (PA) obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Architecture in 2020 at the Santa Maria La Antigua Catholic University in Panama City. Along her studies she did multiple different internships. Upon graduating she gained valuable experience by working in Belgium for 1.5 years as an architect trainee. During this period she worked on projects of different scales and typologies and specialized in BIM. Victoria started working at Orange Architects in 2022.
“Architectural richness enhances the awareness of a place”
Bas (NL) studied architecture at the Rotterdam Academy of Architecture and works in the company since 2017. Bas is an all-round architect with experience in all design stages gained at various architecture firms in The Netherlands. He led and worked on several Residential projects, Education and Mixed Use Buildings and Health Care Buildings. As a project leader he combines architectural and technical knowledge with organizational skills to effectively lead a team.
Bas wrote several articles for (online) magazines and was co-author of a book called “Vital Architecture”.
“Every detail is important”
Paul (NL) first joined JSA | jeroen schipper architecten in 2003, as an intern. After graduating as an architect from Eindhoven University of Technology in 2006, he continued his professional career at the office. Despite some sidesteps over the years, the office’s ambitious approach and nice atmosphere still kept to attract. Paul experienced the development of Orange Architects up close, and is proud to be part of the diverse team of Orange Architects.
“Buildings are gifts, and because they are, we must pass them on”
Midas (NL) studied at the Academy of Architecture in Amsterdam, where he obtained his Master in Architecture in 2019 by proposing a new perspective on elderly housing in rural post-war housing estates. Combining theoretical research with a technical background, he enjoys working on innovative typologies and turning them into reality. Midas joined Orange Architects in 2021.
“Create a place that brings people together”
Florentine (NL) graduated as architect from the Academy of Architecture in Rotterdam and as interior architect from the Art Academy, also in Rotterdam. In her vision these disciplines together, contribute to the quality of a design. One does not exclude the other. Together they are strong and connected! She has gained experience at various architectural firms with designing of interiors, schools, hotels, distribution centres and residential projects. Florentine is proud to work at Orange Architects since 2017.
“With care for each other”
Tess (NL) has been working with great pleasure and involvement at JSA since 2016. Tess graduated as an architect at the Eindhoven University of Technology where she made her ambitions clear with a sustainability certificate. As a team player, she works with her colleagues within Orange Architects and her building partners towards a more livable environment.
“Let’s make this world, a better place to live”
Dmytro (UA) earned his bachelor’s degree in 2022. Throughout his studies, he actively pursued professional experience, contributing to various bureaus in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Notably, he proudly represented the Ukrainian team at European Architectural Student Assembly 2023 in Sheffield, United Kingdom. His academic prowess secured him admission to the Academie van Bouwkunst Amsterdam, where he began his master’s journey in August 2024. Dmytro joined Orange Architects in 2022.
“From the specificity of place”
Rik (NL) graduated cum laude at the Technical University of Delft with a Master in Architecture, Urbanism & Building Sciences in 2019. With the title ‘Unbuilding Walls’, Rik designed a building responding to the social-urban complexities caused by the Berlin Wall. Within this theme, Rik also contributed to the Venice Biennale of 2018. The research of a ‘learning curve of reconstruction’ formed the base for an architectural proposal that would conclude the redevelopment of Roombeek in his birthplace Enschede.
“Listen carefully, think big, act locally, be curious and design with passion”
Patrick Meijers (NL) studied architecture and urbanism at the Eindhoven University of Technology – his final project was awarded a first prize in the competition “Building in 2097” and received an honorable mention in the Archiprix 1998.
During his studies Patrick worked for Architecture Productions in Eindhoven, where he became familiar with Computer Aided Design. Following a short period for M3H in Amsterdam, in 1999, Patrick founded A2STUDIO in Rotterdam, a visualization and animation studio. In 2002, together with Ilse Castermans, Patrick founded CIMKA architects. Since then, CIMKA’s projects have been nominated several times and have won multiple prizes, of which Europan6 and Europan7 were most prominent.
In 2010 Patrick founded Orange architects, together with Jeroen Schipper, as an architectural office for international projects. Orange architects’ first realized project – the Cube in Beirut – was awarded in 2016 with the CTBUH award for best high rise in the Middle East and Africa region.
Patrick Meijers has given various lectures at home and abroad.
“Architecture is about protecting what is significant as well as being open to change”
Julija (LT) gained a bachelor’s degree in architecture at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, followed by a master’s degree at TU Delft in 2016. The methodological approach of her graduation studio, Complex Projects, required working on different scales and reflecting on broader cultural, social, and political context. During her internships in Vilnius and Westport (USA), she got acquainted with design process at various stages, from conceptual thinking to the construction techniques. Julija joined the team in 2016.
“The idea is essential, but only its sensuous embodiment makes architecture receptive, natural and valuable”
Jeroen Schipper (NL) studied architecture and urban planning at the Eindhoven University of Technology, graduating in 1990. In 1994 he was awarded a grant by the Foundation for Visual Arts, Design and Architecture. This formed the start for founding JSA (Jeroen Schipper Architects) in Rotterdam, working on a variety of projects for 25 years, until the merger with Orange Architects in 2020.
Orange architects was founded by Jeroen Schipper, Patrick Meijers and Michiel Hofman (partner until 2016) in 2010, initially working on projects abroad. Orange architects’ first realized project – the Cube in Beirut – was awarded in 2016 with the CTBUH award for best high rise in the Middle East and Africa region.
Since June 2021 Jeroen has been appointed by the City of Amsterdam as urban and architectural supervisor of the Overamstel project area. Before he has been a chairman of Committee III for buildings and monuments in Amsterdam (2011 – 2016) and a member of the Committee for buildings and monuments in Rotterdam (2004 – 2009). Since 1990 Jeroen has taught at different architecture schools in the Netherlands (Rotterdam, Delft, Amsterdam, Arnhem, Eindhoven) and has given numerous architectural lectures in the Netherlands and abroad.
“Life is too short for eating bad food”
Anouk (NL) graduated as management assistant at Schoevers in Rotterdam and as Allround Mediamaker (DTP) at Grafisch Lyceum Rotterdam. An unusual combination, but one that is often useful at Orange Architects. After her studies she worked as a secretary and office manager at several organizations. In 2017 she joined Orange Architects and has been working there happily ever since.
“Architecture without its’ people and context is simply a monument”
Emma Gonzalez (ES) graduated with a master’s degree in architecture at Polytechnic University of Valencia in 2024. She followed the urban regeneration, housing innovation and renovation specialization. During that year she studied and explored housing diversity in the sustainable frame, developing different ways of living next to the Mediterranean Sea. She previously obtained her bachelor’s degree at the University of Valladolid in 2023. During her studies she gained experience during various internships where she worked on projects ranging from landscape and heritage to renovation of housing. She also had the opportunity to study during two semesters at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, during an exchange year.
“Every day there is more to learn that can help to power your ideas”
After receiving her master’s degree in Russia and gaining broad experience in working with different types of projects, Irina (NL/RU) established herself as an architect and received membership of the Architectural Union of Russia. To fulfill her ambition to explore new territories she left her practice for European experience. She extended her education at Eindhoven Technical University and graduated as a MSc in Architecture. Before joining Orange Architects in 2017, Irina worked in several Dutch offices where she combined the Dutch design approach with her knowledge of Russian project processes.
“Architecture only gets its true beauty when it’s built”
Max (NL) is part of the team since 2017. The process of building is as important as the first design in his vision. Because of this he first studied architectural engineering in The Hague. After this he started his master’s studies at the Rotterdam Academy of Architecture and Urban Design, which he completed in March 2023.
“Architecture will speak to itself only if we emphasize with the environment.”
Georgiana (RO) is enrolled at TU Cluj-Napoca for a Master degree in Architecture and Urban Planning. She decided to join Orange Architects team for 6 months before preparing for graduation. Throughout her studies, she gained two Erasmus+ scholarships at Hogeschool Windesheim and Polytechnic of Milan. In addition, she achieved practical experience through international workshops at TU Porto and TU Riga.
“Architecture is hard work but fun”
Marte (NL) is studying at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, pursuing an Associate Degree in Arts & Crafts with a specialization in interior design. After completing her studies, she plans to transfer to the third year of the Spatial Design program at the Willem de Kooning Academy. Her ambition is to then pursue a master’s degree at the Rotterdam Academy of Architecture.
“Architecture is the accommodation of spaces, people, and contexts”
Oliwia Tatara (PL) graduated cum laude with a Master’s Degree in Architecture from TU Delft in 2022, specializing in Urban Architecture. Her graduation project, which adapted a post-industrial paper factory into housing and a community theater, was featured in the “Future Generations” exhibition at the Rotterdam Architecture Biennale (IABR) 2022. Oliwia also holds a degree in Industrial Design from the Fine Arts Academy in Poznań. She gained her initial experience at Atelier Starzak Strebicki in Poland and Korteknie Stuhlmacher Architecten in Rotterdam. In addition to her studies, she co-created the international student MEDS organization, learning diverse building techniques in workshops across Lebanon, Greece, and Switzerland. In 2024, she joined Orange Architects.