The setting up of VMX Architects not only marked the beginning of an ambitious office, but also coincided with an important political change in the conditions under which architecture was produced in the Netherlands. The Dutch government’s hands on building programme was abandoned in the mid 1990’s which left an opening for privatisation and a free market – a new context with new responsibilities for an architect. Educated in a period of social responsibility, although fully aware of the current situation, VMX strives to give a new meaning and content to architecture. After the first exploratory years of studies and competitions, the office is now in a position where ideas are also tested in reality. During the past years more than twenty projects have been realised. VMX approaches architecture from a pragmatic and optimistic stance. The office develops designs on the basis of a given situation, bearing in mind economic and cultural conditions. Practical issues such as programme, function and location are important elements in the design process. VMX sees it as their task to search for strategies that reach a creative integration. The work of VMX Architects expresses the option of architecture as custom made. Working under strict perimeters the office does not build ‘more of the same’ but builds specific and unique solutions.