De Zwarte Hond is a design agency specializing in architecture, urban planning, and strategy, with offices in Groningen, Rotterdam, and Cologne. Founded in 1985, the company has grown to include approximately 100 professionals, including architects, urbanists, and other creatives.
The agency is led by a diverse management team, including CEO Ellen Schindler, who brings strategic vision and international experience from her previous role at Kossmann.dejong Exhibition Architects. Jeroen de Willigen, partner and creative director, has extensive experience in urban development projects and has served as a city architect in Groningen. Other key figures include Eric van Keulen, business director, and Matthias Rottmann, who heads the Cologne office and specializes in large-scale infrastructure projects.
De Zwarte Hond's approach combines social commitment and craftsmanship to create high-quality projects that are sensitive to their context and user needs. Their designs aim to enhance the quality of life for residents, neighborhoods, and cities, often incorporating subtle individuality and smart use of space. Projects range from transforming former factory sites into new districts to creating high-rise buildings that connect neighborhoods.
The agency emphasizes the importance of implementation, taking responsibility not only for design but also for the entire realization process. This holistic approach reflects their commitment to creating places that truly touch people, blending architecture and urban planning seamlessly into their core work. Through their projects, De Zwarte Hond aims to enrich society economically and culturally, contributing to social development and diversity.