Koen has been fascinated by architecture and the built environment from an early age. He completed his Bachelor's degree in Architecture at Avans University of Applied Sciences in Tilburg, before continuing with the Master's programme in Architectural Urban Design and Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology, graduating in 2023. For his graduation project, he explored how architecture can help address the growing challenges of cybersecurity failure and digital inequality. By integrating a data centre into the urban fabric of Amsterdam, he examined how today's human-centred design approach relates to the increasing influence of machines on the built environment.
Koen joined cepezed as part of the tender team, where he worked on a wide range of complex design competitions and proposals. This experience provided him with a broad perspective that he has since carried into project work, contributing to projects including the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences.
Koen is particularly drawn to large-scale, complex projects where multiple functions, user groups and building typologies come together. He enjoys the challenge of solving intricate spatial puzzles, where architecture provides both structure and connection. In developing design solutions, he places great importance on context, clear organisation, flexibility, sustainability and circularity, while always keeping the end user at the centre of the design process.
One of the most prominent projects in Koen's portfolio is the new Erasmus MC development, for which cepezed is collaborating with Vakwerk Architecten as part of Team aan de Schie. Designing a hospital with such care and attention - one that accommodates the many different experiences and moments that take place within it - is particularly rewarding to him. "Architecture should not only be functional and efficient, but should also contribute to a pleasant environment in which people can thrive" says Koen.
