Unknown Architects was founded in June 2012 by Daan Vulkers and Keimpke Zigterman, two architecture students. During their study at the Technical University in Delft, they became curious about working with clients, an aspect that is not involved in their study. As a part of an honours programme they started a virtual project for a renovation of a monument in Leiden which involved a client. They tried to translate the ambitions and wishes of the client in a design proposal. This cooperation turned out to so rich that it evolved in their first commission, completed in November 2012.
Unknown Architects continued to show a great interest in the involvement of clients in the design process and highly value their input in this process. While designing they try to get to the bottom of what the client wants by researching and rejecting a broad range of possibilities, until left with what they think is the essence. The designs therefore balance on the edge of dreams and reality while trying to achieve this essence. Sometimes this results in turning conventional schemes around as it did with the decor for the Canja ensemble.
Unknown Architects is currently involved in a number of design studies and the execution of a garden studio in Amsterdam.