Vision

Since 1988

Heyligers architects was founded by Willem Heyligers in 1988. The architecture, interior design, and project management firm has all the necessary disciplines in house to design and execute projects of almost any scale and complexity.

Heyligers architects operates as a single firm with two studios (in Amsterdam and Utrecht). Partners Willem Heyligers, Lonneke Leijnse and Marleen Valstar jointly manage the studios with around 20 talented architects and interior designers. The studio team also includes an average of two interns. HEYLIGERS architects is a member of the BNA – Association of Dutch Architectural Firms.

Versatility

Heyligers architects works for a wide range of clients, both at home and abroad. Our assignments range from conversion and reuse to the renovation of existing properties, including offices, restaurants, hotels, wellness centres, shops, private homes, and historic buildings, both large and small. In the field of office projects we specialize in innovative interior design combined with high-quality technical infrastructure.

Working Method

Every successful interior design starts with a survey of the architectural situation and the client’s specific requirements. To make sure we interpret those requirements correctly, we devote a great deal of attention to communication with the client throughout the design process. We invest time in our discussions and present our proposals in 2D or 3D visualizations.

Heyligers architects can assist with everything from an interior design to a complete project. When executing a project we take responsibility for each stage in the process, from draft design right through to completion, providing overall management of design quality, financial conditions and planning.

The integrated expertise in our firm covers the fields of architecture, design, project management, office innovation and sustainability.

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Office Innovation

The office is the DNA of a company. Current work practices require a work environment that serves as a place for meeting, collaboration, and exchange of knowledge. Heyligers architects starts the office design process with a detailed analysis of the organization’s objectives and workflow.

Since 2000 Heyligers architects has been involved in many innovative office concepts featuring customized workstations, high-quality technical infrastructure, and sustainable solutions.

A key feature of our approach is the holistic incorporation of technical aspects of building ergonomics such as climate, natural and artificial light as part of the design. The result is an office where people feel comfortable and which contributes to the productivity and dynamics of the workplace.

Repurpose & Transform

The Netherlands has many empty office buildings. Repurposing may be the ideal solution for many of these buildings. Heyligers architects has extensive experience in the transformation of buildings. In these projects we seek a solution in the function and use of a building. The building is made to serve the needs of the user, and not the other way round.

We work with you to devise ways of breathing new life into empty buildings, developing them sustainably for a second useful life, whether they are old buildings, historic monuments, or obsolete new structures.

Heyligers architects has repurposed various historic buildings and national monuments, such as the Renault Office (Garage) in Amsterdam, one of the first successful conversions to sustainable, multifunctional use. The former Renault building is now home to Café Restaurant Dauphine, FD Mediagroep, a gym, and various offices.

When working on old buildings and monuments we seek to achieve a unique fusion between the existing structure and the new features. We draw a clear distinction between old and new in the design.

Heyligers architects is familiar with the complex rules governing the renovation of monuments. We have also demonstrated our ability to communicate effectively with relevant bodies such as the Cultural Heritage Agency, municipalities, and other authorities.

Heyligers architects is a co-founder and member of Refill, the network of innovative companies engaged with the issue of vacant property. Refill has set itself the goal of finding sustainable, multifunctional uses for these properties. The partners work together in teams, forming an inspiring and productive network that bridges the gap between the supply of empty offices and the growing demand for multifunctional space.

Sustainability

Increasing attention is being paid to sustainable building and conversion, green offices and cradle-to-cradle design. A sustainable and energy-efficient office building can make a real difference in the short and long term with regard to energy costs, carbon emissions, and labour productivity. Our way of working has already delivered surprising, sustainable solutions in many projects.

Heyligers architects has the expertise to advise in all phases of a project involving sustainability, including site and building selection, the office concept, energy and installations, the use of materials, and detailed planning.

We also devote a great deal of attention to the quality of the indoor environment.

Various studies have shown that an improvement in the indoor environment raises labour productivity. The choice of materials and installations in particular has a direct impact on the indoor environment. Innovative thinking in the conceptual phase is essential especially in the case of building installations. As a specialist in this field we have extensive knowledge of the latest solutions and possibilities.

Heyligers architects has wide experience in obtaining sustainability certification, including LEED, GreenCalc+ and BREEAM, and the associated procedures.