After more than seventeen years with MVRDV, during which time he played a key role in shaping the practice’s strategy and how it presents itself to the world, Jan Knikker – Partner and Director of Strategy and Development – is leaving the practice. Since joining in 2008, Jan has guided MVRDV’s international growth while building the structures that support the practice beyond design itself. One of his most significant contributions has been the development and professionalisation of MVRDV’s acquisition activities, which led to the establishment of standalone teams focused on business development, public relations, and visualisation within the practice. In his role, he pushed MVRDV to reach large audiences and build the strong global brand the practice has today. 

Among many initiatives and projects, Jan played a central role in a variety of efforts, from connecting MVRDV with new, often unexpected clients to turning built projects into global sensations. Among these are the renovation of the Buddhist monastery Plum Village in France, the Fuggerei pavilion and research project on the future of social housing in Augsburg, and a series of projects in Taiwan including the Taiwan International Book Exhibition and the Wooden Wonders exhibition in Chiayi. In his role, he consistently explored innovative ways of positioning architecture in a changing world, including the role of data, new media, AI technology, and sustainability. 

Before joining MVRDV, Jan worked as a journalist, bringing with him an understanding of media and storytelling that was still uncommon in architectural practice at the time. Emblematic of this approach was the role he played in the life of the Markthal, which became a milestone project for MVRDV thanks to his coordinated PR efforts. Over the years, he shaped a new approach to architectural communication, business development, and sustainability within the office and beyond, establishing a policy of openness – meaning that no visit, lecture, pitch, or press request was too small to be considered, from student to client. Alongside this, he played a leading role in several of MVRDV’s publications and exhibitions, contributing to books including MVRDV Buildings, co-curating Carbon Confessions, and serving as co-editor for Domus in 2019. 

We are very grateful to Jan for the energy, ideas, projects, and dedication he brought to the practice over many years, and for the role he played in shaping MVRDV’s work and ambitions. His contributions have had a lasting impact on the organisation as well as on the way architectural practices approach communication today. 

MVRDV’s activities in Rotterdam and across our local offices will continue as usual, with Jan’s responsibilities and ongoing initiatives continued by partners, directors, and the teams he established.