Interview with Hans Maarten Wikkerink

WHAT’S YOUR NAME?

Hans Maarten Wikkerink

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO CHOOSE THE FIELD OF ARCHITECTURE?

I enjoy building houses. As a child, I built small structures in the yard. In my professional life, this slowly evolved into a career in the field of architecture. I can’t help but fantasize constantly about the most ideal way of living for people. This happens to me when I visit someone’s home, but also when I walk around the city. As a professional, I have developed a delicate sense of atmosphere: atmosphere as the result of a pleasant social environment, atmosphere as the result of good spatial organization and design, and atmosphere as the result of beautiful materials, composition, and imagery. I love the everyday and ordinary and I am always looking for the secret behind why the details of buildings work or not. I am interested in the full spectrum of the architecture profession, from regulations and policies to the nuts and bolts of how something is made. As far as I’m concerned, excellence lies in the details. Often rightfully portrayed as one of the main drivers of the current climate problems, I believe the built environment can and should play a crucial role in reversing the course and becoming a part of the solution. Great and mindful design can do this. Although I do consider myself part of the cultural elite and avant-garde, I feel most at home where innovation needs to be translated into everyday use. My work celebrates the mundane and ordinary and tries to uncover the hidden beauty of everyday life.

WHAT TYPE OF WORK ARE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN?

Circular and regenerative projects, adaptive reuse, house renovations, social housing, and small community buildings like libraries and cultural centers.

WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES SINCE OBTAINING YOUR ARCHITECTURE DEGREE?

I did my formal education in The Netherlands and have been licensed there for years. Starting to practice here has sometimes felt like starting all over again. As annoying as that has been at times, I am also very grateful that I am now bringing this dual cultural experience with me into my practice. Being licensed on 2 continents is a great boost for confidence and a great position for a broad view of the field.  

WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL?

It has been a while, but I have very good memories of the Academy of Architecture in Amsterdam. They have a unique model in which all classes are taught by practicing architects. This model of learning the profession by ‘the hand of the master’ has been a wonderful way to jumpstart my career and really understand what it would entail.

ANY CRITICISMS OF THE ARCHITECTURE EDUCATION EXPERIENCE?

Part of the Academy of Architecture philosophy was that they would educate great architects and designers. There was definitely less emphasis on the business side of the field.  

WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL GOALS?

I want to elevate the ordinary and mundane. I want to be part of the solution to climate change and an equitable future for all.  

WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ARCHITECTS?

Too many to name. But I am very impressed by the work of Belgians De Vylder Vinck Taillieu. I also want to give a shout-out to my practicing former professors www.korthtielens.nl and www.m3h.nl

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE BUILDING OR CITY?

To speak with my son’s words: ‘New York City is the greatest country in the world’.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO GET OUT OF YOUR AIA BROOKLYN CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP?

Ultimately, I hope to meet great people to work with, fellow professionals and future clients. For the rest, I hope to stay abreast of all the latest in the field.