OZ Architects

OZ is an international architecture practice with more than 25 years’ experience in the management of complex projects and in the pursuit of intelligent design solutions. Our aim is to add durable value to both users and to specific sites.

Architecture
Our approach is aimed at creating durable, and more importantly, sustainable, site specific architecture made for those who use it. We achieve this by working closely with clients as we analyze a project’s feasibility, future usage, as well as social and environmental impact. This leads to a unique architecture that adds long lasting value to users, interested stakeholders, and to the surrounding community.

Urbanism
Exponential change and technological development in urban populations around the world is transforming cities into breeding grounds for economic growth and innovation. Under these circumstances, urbanism plays an influential role in the development of the metropolitan society. Our projects are aimed at generating social and economic opportunities through urban improvements and greater interaction between living, working, recreation, and educational conditions. This is done in a manner that reduces negative environmental impact.

Design-research
To better understand the world in which we operate, it is necessary to take a broader look at developments within architecture and urbanism. Our design research is based on cooperation with multiple disciplines, which allows new and innovative ideas to take shape. We initiate new programs and typologies that combine social, technical, urban, and architectural themes. This strategy allows for a variety of approaches, as well as cross-fertilization within the design process. The knowledge gained from these interactions is recycled back into our projects.

John Bosch
Architect partner
“I like to read about architecture, do research in architecture, teach architecture and make architecture. For me architecture is everything between the scale of the city and an interior, at the end it is all about how we live, work and play.”

John Bosch 1960 born in Amsterdam graduated as an architect at the Technical University of Delft in 1989. After working in Barcelona and New York he founded with Gordon Haslett the office Bosch Haslett. The office realised published work such as the Ronald McDonald house in Utrecht (2000), Big House in Ypenburg, City Building in Rotterdam (2003) and housing on Westerdok and Kleine Rieteiland in Amsterdam (both 2009). In 2005 he joined OZ where he is now partner. He is the author of a series of projects such as Atradius headquarters, Im Vieri, a housing project in Switzerland, The Floating Games  and The Campus City Project both studies in Amsterdam, 1000Mahler,  Ravel temporary student housing both in the Zuidas Amsterdam and many more.

Chris Zwiers
Architect partner
“As an architect I am fascinated by the interaction between public space and architecture. Designing architecture that matters because it interacts with not only the context, but with people. Facilitating encounters and connections. Creating solutions together with clients that synergize with the opportunities of the surroundings. Creating designs together with the stakeholders, striving for resilience, social relevant urban plans and architecture.”

Chris (1959) was born in Curaçao and graduated as an architect at the University of Technology in Delft in 1988. From 1986 to 1995 he worked for several Dutch and Foreign offices including Groep 5, Buro 5, Takenaka and Bakker en Verhoeff. From 1996 until 2005 he was co-owner and director of Mei architects. He guided graduates and students at the academy of architecture in Rotterdam. Furthermore, was a board member of Refill and Zomercarnaval Rotterdam.

Oresti Sarafopoulos
Architect partner
As an international architect I am driven in my persuit for quality. I design timeless architecture embedded in its location in natural materials, based on its user and their needs. As a team player, I am always looking for the mutual optimum. In designs I create responsible, socially relevant buildings and environments that contribute to a better society and culture.

Oresti (1970) was born in Amsterdam and graduated as an architect at the University of Technology in Delft in 1996. From 1995 to 2013 he worked for several known Dutch architects offices including Koen van Velsen, OMA and de Architekten Cie. From 2006 to 2013 he was an associate and board member at de Architekten Cie. He has guided graduates at TU Delft and Tilburg Academy of Architecture and lectures in the Netherlands and abroad.