A global focus on sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity drives the current market trends in architecture and urban design. As cities grapple with rapid urbanization, climate change, and social challenges, architects and designers increasingly seek innovative solutions prioritizing environmental impact, community engagement, and equitable urban development. Integrating technology, data-driven design processes, and a multidisciplinary approach are shaping the industry, enabling the creation of resilient, adaptable, and people-centric spaces. Inger Kammeraat is a dynamic leader and the Managing Partner of MVRDV, an innovative architectural firm renowned for its groundbreaking designs. Embracing these trends, firms like MVRDV are at the forefront of reimagining urban landscapes to meet the evolving needs of society. With a keen eye for creative processes and a passion for pushing boundaries, Kammeraat shares how she spearheads MVRDV's mission to transform urban landscapes through sustainable and visionary architectural projects.

Tell us about the prior industry experience that you bring to the table. What are your key areas of expertise as a business leader?

In my journey, I have accumulated experiences ranging from design to organizational and from sustainability to managerial aspects. Starting with an educational foundation in architecture, followed by years of working on diverse projects in architecture firms in the Netherlands, and on a variety of projects in Mozambique and Uganda. These experiences have equipped me with a good understanding of people and project management in the broadest sense. Moreover, my prior engagements have given me the expertise to look at things in a holistic manner and honed my skills in fostering collaborative relationships with clients, stakeholders, and industry professionals.

As a business leader, I have a strong focus on organizational innovation, integrated sustainability, and team development. I firmly believe in the power of architecture to transform urban landscapes and enhance the quality of life for communities, as well as the professional responsibility we need to take upon ourselves. Furthermore, I am adept at leading diverse teams, harnessing their collective talents, and fostering an environment of creativity and collaboration. My ultimate goal is to create visionary, forward-thinking architectural solutions with a positive impact on the built environment.

Please provide an introduction to MVRDV. Tell us about your responsibilities as the firm's Managing Partner.

MVRDV is a globally renowned architectural firm founded in 1993 by Winy Maas, Jacob van Rijs, and Nathalie de Vries. With offices in Rotterdam, Shanghai, Paris, Berlin, and New York, we tackle contemporary architectural and urban challenges worldwide. Our collaborative approach involves extensive research and consultation with clients and experts, resulting in bold and influential projects shaping our cities' future. From mixed-use buildings to urban plans, our innovative designs have received international acclaim and numerous awards, reflecting our commitment to sustainability, efficiency, and transformative design solutions.

"I firmly believe in the power of architecture to transform urban landscapes and enhance the quality of life for communities, as well as the professional responsibility we need to take upon ourselves"

As the Managing Partner of MVRDV, I am entrusted with numerous responsibilities that drive the firm's success and shape our vision for the future. My role encompasses strategic decision-making, business development, and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence within our team. Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of my approach, and I strive to integrate eco-conscious practices into our projects to create sustainable, resilient, and future-proof spaces.

What major business challenges do you face as a leader, and how do you overcome them?

One major challenge I encounter is navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the architectural and urban design industry. This includes staying abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and regulations and ensuring our firm remains innovative and competitive in a highly dynamic market.

To overcome these roadblocks, I embrace a proactive, positive, and adaptive approach. As a leader, I keep focusing on my own professional development, actively seeking opportunities to expand my knowledge and expertise. By fostering a culture of innovation and research also within our firm, we encourage our team members to explore new ideas and push boundaries. Communication and collaboration play a vital role in fostering an open and supportive work environment. By embracing change, remaining agile, and leveraging our collective strengths, we navigate these challenges and drive the success of our projects and MVRDV.

How will women's representation in global business grow? What steps should companies take to increase women in top leadership roles?

As a business leader, I experience the positive impact of working with diverse teams. We fortunately see change in companies taking proactive steps to bring more women into top leadership positions and more in general, to work with diverse teams. This change is observed in inclusive hiring practices, promoting gender diversity initiatives, providing equal opportunities for career advancement, offering mentorship and sponsorship programs, and fostering a supportive work culture that values and empowers everyone. Additionally, creating flexible work policies and addressing unconscious biases is crucial in ensuring a level playing field to excel and contribute to the success of organizations.