DP6 founder Chris de Weijer steps down as partner

Founder Chris de Weijer is stepping down as partner of DP6 architectuurstudio after 25 years. The architecture he realized with DP6 is characterized by an elegant integration of functionality and ingenuity from which the design flowed naturally. 

In 1999 Chris started DP6 architecture studio together with partner Robert Alewijnse. Chris and Robert dreamed of a compact and agile design studio in which they would be substantively involved in all projects. As founder and director of Mecanoo architekten, he took a number of projects and eight employees with him to the new studio, which ensured a jump start for DP6. Especially after the firm won several large and prestigious commissions - such as the university building Radix in Wageningen - and with the experience of CineMec Ede, the way was cleared for large public buildings. 

“As a designer, Chris is always looking for the ultimate solution that merges functionality, material and technology in a way that is obvious to him, but highly inventive” says Dick de Gunst, who is currently leading DP6 with Richelle de Jong, Dardo Mantel and Robert Alewijnse. “Like the curved facades of the Walterboscomplex and its beautiful wrap-around sunshades: optimally tuned to direct the wind along them without turbulence, but meanwhile with an aesthetic elegance. The freely dividable floors give you a sense of freedom and a beautiful wide view of the Veluwe. Another great example is Radix in Wageningen, where innovative passive climate concepts are integrated into the architecture and contribute to optimal flexibility and a friendly atmosphere.”  

Richelle de Jong says about her long collaboration with Chris: “It is very clever how Chris guards the big picture and at the same time knows everything about a detail and how exactly that should be made. From his knowledge and logic he gets clients, users and others on board with his ideas. The fact that in the design process he is also always open to his team's ideas and has a great deal of confidence in them has, I think, become the basis of how we like to work, it is the basis of our office culture. We are incredibly grateful for what Chris and Robert started and built in 1999 and what he is now handing over to us.”

Chris de Weijer: “I am happy that the office is doing so well and I can hand it over with peace of mind. I will remain involved in the agency, finish the ongoing work and now have even more time for other activities.”