Building a sustainable Netherlands

From hotels and houses to shops and skyscrapers, architect Diederik Dam has designed remarkable projects. His passion for beautiful buildings developed early, and despite doubts during his studies, he joined his father Cees Dam's practice. Together they run Dam & Partners Architecten, designing a beautiful and sustainable Netherlands.

From hotels and houses to shops and skyscrapers; architect Diederik Dam has designed special projects. The love for beautiful buildings was instilled in him from an early age and although doubts arose during his studies, he still went to work for his father Cees Dam. Together they run Dam & Partners Architecten and are building a beautiful and sustainable Netherlands. GASSAN spoke with Diederik Dam for the latest edition of GASSAN Magazine.Text: GASSAN
Image: GASSAN

Your father is renowned architect Cees Dam, your mother was a graphic designer and even your grandfather was an architect. Did you want to follow in their footsteps as a child?

“I wasn't involved with it at all as a child. I was dragged past all kinds of beautiful buildings and saw it as a natural part of my life. Later, when I had almost completed my architecture studies, I only thought about whether I really wanted to be an architect.”

Do you feel like you were pushed in that direction?

"Pretty. I went to Delft on autopilot to study architecture. I had no idea what I was actually getting into. I understand why my parents pushed me in that direction. On the one hand, there is nothing more beautiful than when your children continue what you have built, but on the other hand, it is also about the autonomy of your children and what makes them happy. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy with what I do, but I was only 17 years old when I went to college. What do you know when you're 17?”

Do you do that in a different way with your children?

"Of course. As a parent, one of our main tasks is to expand the world of our children. When my children started studying something other than architecture, I even felt some relief. But I also know that they both enjoy working with me, so we have to find new forms and see how we can or cannot work together.

What do they study?

“Our eldest, our daughter, has just completed her master's degree in Graphic Branding & Identity at the UAL in London. She went into graphic design, just like my mother. My son is still studying, he is doing Science, Business & Innovation at the VU in Amsterdam. He is interested in architecture and building, but on the innovative side; how the world is changing and whether he can play a role in this, in line with architecture.”

Why did you choose to become an architect?

“I love my profession and designing and I am proud of what I do and have done. But when I almost finished my studies at the age of twenty-two, I was very determined to quit and become a film director. I made a lot of animations during my high school years and I decided to switch. My friends told me that I had to persevere a little longer so that I could obtain a university degree. They were right and I finished it.

Did you immediately start working for your father after graduating?

“After my studies, I was unexpectedly offered two jobs in New York. I could start there in six months and would work as a bridge for my father until then. Long story short; I never left again. I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with that story, because I think it's a loss that I didn't go to New York. If I could do it over again, I would have done it differently. There is much more to see in the world.

The entire interview with Diederik Dam can now be read in the latest edition of GASSAN Magazine. Read it here.