The Studio
MAAK is a collaborative studio led by William Matthews and Bart Akkerhuis established in 2023. Both former associates at Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW), they played pivotal roles in designing iconic projects like The Shard in London.
Since launching their eponymous practice, they have continued to collaborate on high-end architectural projects and international design competitions.
MAAK represents the merging of their two practices, bringing together the expertise and talents of over 20 architects and designers from 12 different countries, all with a shared focus on creating exceptional projects for discerning clients.
With a team that thrives on cultural diversity, creativity, and enthusiasm, MAAK fosters an environment that is as open and welcoming as it is innovative. This unique blend of experiences results in exemplary work and high-quality service.
Bart Akkerhuis
Architect & Founder
Bart Akkerhuis is an architect, former associate of Renzo Piano and founder of Paris-based firm Studio Akkerhuis. He studied architecture at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. For over 10 years he worked for Renzo Piano Building Workshop, where he contributed to several projects including the KPN Tower in Rotterdam, The Art Institute of Chicago and the design and construction of the facade of Europe’s tallest tower, the Shard.
As Associate he led design of the 620m Yongsan Landmark Tower in Seoul.
Since establishing Studio Akkerhuis in 2014, the office has grown rapidly, working on a diverse range of innovative projects worldwide. In 2019 the Studio was awarded the prestigious World Architecture Festival Award. During the Gwangju Architecture Biennale, the studio was awarded the Iconic Awards 2024 for both Innovative Architecture and Innovative Materials.
Bart Akkerhuis is active as a lecturer, visiting critic and member of jury for projects and conferences across Europe. He received the Design Vanguard Award from the influential American magazine Architectural Record in 2016.
William Matthews
Architect & Founder
William Matthews has over 25 years’ experience in designing and delivering award winning projects around the world.
After studying architecture at the University of Sheffield he started his career in Paris at Renzo Piano Building Workshop. As a key member of the team for 19 years he worked on a range of internationally recognised projects, including the Fondation Beyeler, Potsdamer Platz, and The Art Institute of Chicago.
From 2001 to 2013 William led the design team of the London Bridge Quarter masterplan and Shard mixed use tower, from concept design to completion.
In 2013 he established his eponymous practice. William Matthews Associates is based in central London and is an expanding design led practice that has developed a reputation for innovative projects over a range of scales and building typologies.
William has contributed to several conferences in the UK and Europe and has lectured widely.
111 rue Saint Antoine
75004 - Paris, France
Phone
(+33) 1 84 79 99 00
169 Long Lane
SE1 4PN - London, UK
Phone
(+44) 20 75 66 00 71
The Modelshop
As an integral part of the studio, the model shop, directed by Jerôme Vuarchex, ex-model marker at Renzo Piano Building Workshop, produces architectural models for MAAK. This cohabitation between model makers and architects within the agency allows for us to work in synergy to quickly translate ideas into physical reality for various projects. The model workshop also works with external clients.
With the use of digital models forever becoming more and more common we prefer to mix this digital technology with the real physical model. This way of working we find essential for communication, design development and promotion of our various projects.
From realistic and detailed competition models to more conceptual study ones, we work with different scales and levels of fidelity. We favor wood for its authentic and natural character without excluding various materials such as cardboard, PVC and plexiglass.
Equipped with all the necessary tools, from the simple cutter to 3D printers, the workshop places as much emphasis on manual and artisanal work as on advanced technologies.
