Mick Hiskemuller

This idea forms the foundation of my approach to architecture. Buildings should not only be future-proof but, above all, provide space for the people who use them. To me, social sustainability means creating architecture that gives residents and users the freedom to make a place their own and allows it to evolve alongside changing needs. Following my graduation project Feeling at Home and the independent development of the transformation of a former 1900 post office in Amsterdam into a residential building with ten apartments, I joined Paul de Ruiter Architects in 2022. During my Master's in Advanced Housing Design and Elderly Care at TU Delft, I explored what truly makes a home for people living alone. These insights were translated into a flexible and adaptive housing concept for Merwe-Vierhavens, where residents can actively shape their own living environment. This approach remains at the core of my design philosophy today, as well as that of our practice: fostering a strong connection between people, nature, and architecture, while remaining attentive to the social context. I believe that good architecture begins with its users. By understanding how people experience a building, it is possible to create designs that are not only functional but also contribute to a genuine sense of home.