Our way of working

A woman presenting to two other women in an office

we bring ideas to life

Our approach revolves around collaboration, creativity, and dialogue. Every project starts with a thorough understanding of the client’s wishes and goals. From the initial sketch to the final delivery, we ensure a smooth process and clear communication. With a creative and innovative mindset, we create sustainable designs that are both aesthetic and functional.

ZENBER Architects takes an integrated approach to design projects. Our team of (interior) architects, designers, draftspeople, and consultants work through four steps to achieve the final result.

ZENBER is a member of the BNA (Royal Institute of Dutch Architects) and operates in accordance with the Dutch DNR 2011 regulations.

01.
INVENTORY PHASE

A successful project starts with a good conversation. We take the time to listen to the client's wishes, ideas and vision. Together, we explore the possibilities and lay the foundation for a strong collaboration. In this phase, we identify and analyse the housing demand. We engage with users through conversations, interviews and workshops.

We conclude this phase with an ambition and vision document, supplemented with a program of requirements.

Kick off, discuss ambitions together
Workshops and Interviews
Toolbox session with 3D models/model
Creating support among users
(Signed) Program of Requirements (PvE)
Interieurarchitecten die met een maquette aan het werk zijn
02.
VisIon & integration study

After the inventory phase, ZENBER's experts will set to work on drawing up an integration study. In this phase, we bring the first ideas together with the building. Each (existing) building offers unique challenges and opportunities. We translate the program of requirements and the housing demand into a first functional design.

The phase is completed with a test fit or a sketch design.

Analysis of (existing) building
Incorporate housing demand and processes
Test fit/integration study
Sketch design
Global construction cost estimate
Een close-up van een hand die een blauwdruk tekent
03.
Design

In this phase, we refine and perfect the design. We combine our expertise in (interior) architecture with technical knowledge and coordinate it with external advisors. We translate the client's identity into the design by carefully selecting colors, materials, custom furniture and lighting.

This phase includes the preliminary, final and technical design.

Design in floor plans, custom elements and 3D impressions
BIM model, technical development and specifications
Look & feel, colors, materials and identity
Construction cost estimation and budget monitoring
Coordination with external advisors
Permit documents
Twee mannen aan het werk achter hun computer
04.
Implementation phase

The idea comes to life during implementation. We think along with you when selecting executing parties, provide input on the information note and assess offers. In addition, we check the sketches of the executing parties and monitor the aesthetic and technical quality as defined in the design. The implementation always involves challenges; we act as a sparring partner, think proactively and offer creative solutions.

The result is a building and interior that seamlessly matches the identity, wishes and goals of the organization.

Advising on information notes and quotes
Check the sketches of executing parties
Management and construction management
Aesthetic guidance on construction
Attend construction meetings with executing parties
Een man met een witte veiligheidshelm die door een leegstaand pand wandelt

Frequently asked questions

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Veel gestelde vragen

Do you make test fits?

We are happy to think along from the first phase of a project. With a test fit or integration study, we quickly assess how the program of requirements fits into an existing or new building.

Are you making a program of requirements or a housing vision?

Sure. With interviews, toolbox sessions and workshops, we gather input from the organization. We translate this into a (signed) program of requirements or housing vision document.

We have a few properties in mind. Can you contribute ideas?

Of course. At ZENBER Architects, we can use a test fit combined with an analysis of the building to find out which housing best suits your needs and ambitions.

What is the scale of your assignments?

We work on both compact and large-scale projects, for clients in business, (semi) government, education, healthcare and hospitality. With our expertise, we are happy to help you with your housing needs.

How do you deal with sustainability and circularity?

In each project, we focus on sustainability goals that we determine in advance with the client. Want to know more? Contact us or check out our sustainability page for more information.

How is the look & feel determined?

Our way of working focuses on dialogue and cooperation with the client. Through workshops, interviews and discussions with users, we gather valuable input. Together, we develop a vision that serves as a starting point for the atmosphere and look & feel of the design.

Do you have architectural knowledge?

Our team consists of interior designers, architects and BIM modellers with an architectural background. Thanks to this broad expertise, we can also provide renovations, reuses and architectural interventions.

Wat is de schaal van jullie opdrachten?

Wij werken aan zowel compacte als grootschalige projecten, voor opdrachtgevers in het bedrijfsleven, (semi-)overheid, onderwijs, zorg en hospitality. Met onze expertise denken we graag mee over jullie huisvestingsvraag.

Hoe gaan jullie om met duurzaamheid en circulariteit?

Bij ieder project richten we ons op duurzaamheidsdoelen die we samen met de opdrachtgever vooraf bepalen. Meer weten? Neem contact met ons op of bekijk onze duurzaamheidspagina voor meer informatie.

Hoe wordt de look & feel bepaald?

In onze werkwijze staan dialoog en samenwerking met de opdrachtgever centraal. Door workshops, interviews en gesprekken met gebruikers verzamelen we waardevolle input. Samen ontwikkelen we een visie die dient als vertrekpunt voor de sfeer en de look & feel van het ontwerp.

Hebben jullie bouwkundige kennis?

Ons team bestaat uit interieurarchitecten, architecten en BIM-modelleurs met een bouwkundige achtergrond. Dankzij deze brede expertise kunnen we ook renovaties, herbestemmingen en bouwkundige ingrepen verzorgen.