Derk van Buchem

“For me, architecture is the fusion of design, community, and technology. I believe that innovation is the key to solving the challenges we face and shaping a sustainable future.”

From a young age, I knew I wanted to design – my school notebooks were always filled with sketches. That fascination led me to study Architecture at TU Delft. During my studies, I had the opportunity to spend a semester at the University of Melbourne. There, I experienced how deeply culture influences architecture, and how different building traditions and education can be. That experience made clear how valuable it is to look at architecture from multiple perspectives. Alongside my studies, I actively sought ways to further develop my design skills. I participated in design competitions with friends and attended seminars such as Indesem, where innovative ideas about the future of architecture take center stage. After completing my bachelor’s, I decided to gain my first practical experience at Paul de Ruiter Architects. What drew me to this firm is the mission and vision that have formed its foundation since the 1990s: pushing the boundaries of sustainable design and construction. I found Paul’s vision inspiring, and the open and innovative work culture within the firm fits with my belief that learning and collaboration lead to the best solutions. I am now working as an intern on a complex project, which not only gives me insight into the technical and organizational sides of architecture, but also shows me how design can sustainably support an organization.