After completing his internship at Brightside, both parties agreed: we would like to keep working together! Since then, Pieter has grown into a highly valued and fully-fledged team member, with consistent and strong dedication. Pieter often takes on a versatile role; whether he's jumping in to help during the critical final stages of a tender submission, assisting colleagues with modeling tasks, or playing a key role in the refinement and elaboration of designs, his flexibility and skill are indispensable to our team. As he gains more and more experience, his tendency to always work hard and deliver precise results has earned him the nickname “the steam locomotive”. In addition to his work attitude, Pieter is always friendly, easy-going and ready for a laugh. It's no wonder we're glad he is on the team! When not at work, Pieter loves to travel and hike with his friends, or spend time with his family in the weekends.

Axel is a bright mind with a love for solving problems (or puzzles, as he likes to call them). As an architect he enjoys working on a variety of things - from complex monumental transformations to refining the last renders for a presentation. When he has taken a deep dive into a project, it frequently happens that he forgets everything around him - including lunch - until the job is done. In his role as Digital Innovation Manager, Axel is a core part of the firms innovative force, proposing and implementing new technologies in our workflows and making sure everyone can use them effectively. More than once, he has returned from the weekend, announcing a self-developed plugin to further improve Brightside's workflow. In addition to his other responsibilities, Axel is happy to be a sparring partner to Maarten and Sander on strategic challenges of any kind. In his spare time he can be found with friends, engrossed in a good book or hanging upside down in the boulder gym.

With decades of experience as a project manager in large-scale projects focusing on living, well-being & happiness, Hennie now shares her wealth of knowledge with the Brightside team; a perfect match! As a true contractor's daughter, Hennie is always ready to roll up her sleeves and put out fires, both inside and outside of her role as project manager. When she has a spare moment, she doesn't hesitate to pitch in on designing floor plans for an elderly care facility or brainstorming on innovative solutions for patient care. Always enthusiastic and energetic, Hennie never fails to find time for a quick chat; even on the busiest and most hectic working days. During lunch, our team is regularly treated to photos of Hennie's creative endeavors as a chef or artistor, or to stories about her holiday adventures. From cave diving in the crystal clear waters of Egypt to going on safari in Zimbabwe, nothing is too daring for her!

When Solange approached us for an internship, her response to our question about her ambitions was clear: “I want to make the most of each day here and bring out the best in myself!” This determination shines through in everything she does. Solange’s cheerful energy and curiosity are infectious, and her thought-provoking questions often make us pause and reflect on why we do what we do, inspiring us to think about our broader goals. In addition to her passion for architecture and design, she has a keen eye for fashion and a talent for singing—every Sunday, you’ll catch her performing live on television with her church choir. Needless to say, we’re looking forward to our next karaoke night!

With almost a decade of dedicated work on the team, Merel has established herself as both a seasoned architect and a trusted Brightside veteran. Over the years, Merel has contributed to an extensive array of projects, ranging from upscale residential developments to the transformation of historic landmarks. Besides her architectural expertise, she possesses a profound understanding of the construction process, making her an instrumental part of bringing Brightside's visions to life- in her role as construction manager often leaving contractors in awe of her technical prowess and keen insights. Within our team, Merel manages some of our most challenging projects, acts as the primary liaison for Firma230, and is Maarten and Sander's right (and sometimes left) hand. This strong spirit extends to her private life, where she casually takes the lead in communicating with contractors and coordinating with fellow residents of her future appartment. How does one woman manage to do all of this at once? We are often left to wonder... To relax, she enjoys being with friends and exploring the country by train with her boyfriend.

Right after earning his master's degree in Architecture from the Delft University of Technology, Olaf ventured 'down under' to gain years of valuable experience in the field - before returning to the Netherlands and firmly establishing himself at Brightside three years ago. An intuitive designer known for his ability to listen and transform complex architectural challenges into functional and inventive solutions, he is able to move from idea to fullfletched design in a matter of weeks - often in quick succession! Olaf thrives in collaborative settings, enjoys mentoring colleagues and is known for his easygoing nature and sharp sense of humor - his blend of ambition, modesty, and boundless curiosity making him not only a valuable asset to our team, but also delightful company. Outside of the office, he can be found exploring Rotterdam’s vibrant culinary scene, visiting museums - often accompanied by his girlfriend -or traveling with one of his close-knit circles of friends.

Ivor joined Brightside Architects during studies at Delft University of Technology, initially as an intern. Now, while completing his minor, he continues to be a vital member of our team. Reflecting on his start with us, Ivor said, "You learn a lot at university, but not much about the inner workings of an architectural firm. I was eager to gain practical experience!" Since then, his contributions have exceeded all expectations. From assisting with designs and creating 3D printed models to coordinating and overseeing on-site work, Ivor has quickly proven himself indispensable. He also played a crucial role in our recently completed rebranding project. In his spare time you can find Ivor on the hockey field as a player, or as a coach of the new generation, but often also next to the line with a beer in hand. We cheered on Ivor at the finish as he completed his first Rotterdam marathon!

Max’s enthusiasm and eagerness to learn make him a perfect fit for our team. He’s captivated by the fast-paced world of technological advancements, especially in AI, where each new development offers exciting possibilities for architecture. At Brightside, beyond assisting with projects, Max quickly proved invaluable in the intricate process of 3D printing our designs, already producing some impressive models. He’s also diving into research on AI applications specifically tailored for architecture, helping us explore new frontiers in our field. Outside of work, this friendly-looking young man's competitive spirit takes him to the boxing gym five times a week, where his dedication is as intense as it is inspiring. Let’s just say we’re happy to cheer him on from the sidelines!

Sander is a talented architect with a knack for resolving complex spatial challenges with remarkable ease. He translates rough ideas into lucid sketches – more often than not, upside-down and backwards and mid-conversation. As partner and co-founder of Brightside, Sander ensures that each project fulfills our client’s needs and wishes, from the early conceptual phase through to technical detailing. He is both creative and thorough in his approach, leading the team team to explore numerous options before whittling their way down to a single, bold design. Like no other, Sander knows how to narrate the essence of our designs to his audience - taking them on a captivating journey from the initial concept to the final details. Just like that, Sander persuades a welfare committee—strictly guarding a plan's historical values— to embrace Brightside's vision for the transformation of a national monument's facade… In his free time, Sander and his partner Joost enjoy taking their Podenco's, Raf and Peer, to explore the city. His shrewd eye for real estate development opportunities has transformed a casual stroll with the dogs into a full-blown development initiative more than once!

Maarten founded Brightside (then Personal Architecture ) in 2005, right after obtaining the dual master’s degrees in both Architectural Design and Real Estate Management at the Delft University of Technology - a testament to his thriving on challenges and his tendency to never shy away from risk. His strategic focus on long-term objectives, entrepreneurial mindset and passion for innovation have played a pivotal role in the firm's growth and success in the past two decades. Maarten places a high value on both professional and personal development within his team, actively fostering an environment that encourages collaboration, support, and continuous growth. He is dedicated to advancing the industry at large, continually seeking ways to enhance its impact on our surroundings - his certification as a Passive House Designer and his years of service as vice president of the BNA (Royal Institute of Dutch Architects), are just two examples of this commitment on various levels. During the weekends, Maarten can be found working on his own building projects - recently completing his fourth home in a decade - or visiting the zoo with his two young daughters.

After completing his studies in mechanical engineering, Rowan felt a strong pull toward architecture and decided to pursue a new path at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. His background as a mechanical engineer is a valuable asset at Brightside, proving a great help in further developing our BIM templates and supporting the testing phases of new digital tools. Rowan’s height is as unmistakable as his dedication to fitness: a self-proclaimed “gymbro,” he spends his evenings and weekends at the gym, often rounding off the night with a beer alongside his three equally tall brothers.