About

We give meaning to space through profound form and function.

We are Powerhouse Company, an international architectural firm rooted in the heart of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, with offices in Oslo and Munich. Since our establishment in 2005, we’ve grown into a multidisciplinary, forward-thinking team of over 100 talented professionals.

Founder Nanne de Ru is joined by an esteemed leadership team, including Paul Stavert, Stefan Prins, Sander Apperlo, Johanne Borthne, Albert Takashi Richters, and Emma Scholten.
Together, we are forging ahead into the future of architecture, driven by a shared passion for innovation and design excellence.

Our portfolio consists of a diverse range of projects that reflect our dedication to timelessness, beauty, and the quality of life for the users of these projects. Our work includes transformation projects, villas, future-proof workspaces, residential complexes, custom interior designs, and impactful public projects. From awe-inspiring residences that seamlessly blend with nature to sustainable mixed-use developments that redefine cityscapes. We carefully craft our projects into well-balanced designs through in-depth research of the historical and future context.

Timeless design is a powerful form of sustainability – it creates value that lasts beyond trends and stands the test of time.

Nanne de Ru

Our head office is based in Floating Office Rotterdam

Mission

We create meaningful spaces that enhance people's lives.

Together with our clients, we seek to transform a vision into a reality that shapes a future where architecture transcends the ordinary. We design spaces that are living testaments to the delicate balance between constraints and opportunities.

Approach

The true essence of a project emerges through a collaborative journey with our clients and partners.

We firmly believe that excellence is the result of a collaborative effort. This approach is equally true both within our team and beyond. By actively engaging with our clients and understanding their social, economic, and sustainability goals, we coalesce their vision with our expertise. We foster a vibrant ecosystem of creativity by embracing opportunities for co-creation with other design practices across different disciplines. By working hand in hand with fellow architects and designers, we create meaningful, long-lasting partnerships. We don’t merely build structures; we craft narratives, weaving together the aspirations of our clients with our passion for timeless, elegant, and purposeful design.

Sustainability

Creating sustainable buildings through innovative and intelligent design.

We take a holistic approach to sustainability, considering environmental impact at every stage of the design process. From mass timber buildings to revitalizations and material upcycling, sustainable practices are woven into the fabric of our work. Our goal is to create well-designed buildings that minimize environmental impact while enhancing the well-being of both users and the broader ecosystem.

Team

Behind every iconic project is a talented team of architects, designers, and thinkers.

Our international team consists of visionary architects, designers, and thinkers, all dedicated to ensuring that each project stands as a testament to our commitment to excellence, from concept to construction supervision. The collaborative approach we take with clients and partners is also reflected in our internal culture, where diverse expertise and collective problem-solving drive innovation and exceptional outcomes.

Awards

Our projects have been recognized with several prestigious awards over the years.

2024
BNA, Identity and Icon Value
2022
Architectenweb, Office Building of the Year
2022
FRAME Awards, Large Office of the Year
2021
Drentse Architectuurprijs
2021
Prix Versailles, World's Most Beautiful Passenger Station
2019
WAF, Best Completed Villa
Also seen on

The Powerhouse Company Management Team

Contact

Get in touch

Rotterdam

Antoine Platekade 1000
3072 ME Rotterdam
The Netherlands

Munich

Bavariaring 26
80336 Munich
Germany

Oslo

Waldemar Thranes gate 84c
0175 Oslo
Norway