“EU 40 under 40″ ,  “Emerging architect of the year” & “Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory”

During the short existence of the studio, Julius Taminiau Architects, also known as Atelier T.A.O. , has been firmly established and was recently selected for the (I) Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory, (II) longlisted by Dezeen as “emerging architect of the year”, and (III) the European 40 under 40 Design Award.

This global recognition mirrors the studio’s diverse portfolio, with projects across the UK, USA, Germany, France, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Our ambition – or actually we believe it’s our obligation – is to use environmental & human-friendly materials and construction methods and bring back nature (to the city), improving biodiversity and well-being. We have a holistic design approach with meticulous attention to detail and aim to create a sustainable architecture, combining low tech and high tech solutions to minimize the carbon footprint without losing sight of aesthetics, making architecture that is healthy, durable, timeless and beloved for many years.

Philosophy

Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the world has become more complex. Industrialisation, globalisation, digitalisation, commercialisation, and so on have changed the world completely.

In our designs, we always try to filter this complexity (and often consequential contradictions) into the pure and essential. In the end, architecture is about the improvement of people’s lives and the environment, as far as architecture can contribute to this. By means of organisation—materials cut out from nature, formed by the natural elements: light, wind, water, and fire—but also beauty. The rational and the emotional.

To give—physical and psychological—shelter for both people and nature and protect from, or deliberately expose them to, the elements: light, wind, water, and fire, a design arises.

Our designs are often related to the analogy between music and architecture. Music is organised sound. Architecture is organised light. Music has—like architecture—structure, proportion, and composition. Architecture needs—like music—rhythm, melody, and soul.

Next to music, philosophy and art—as an inspiration—are very important in our designs; they are the connectors of culturally influenced logic and emotion. From these rational and emotional starting points arises a prioritised layering.

Team

To deliver the highest quality, we believe it is essential to be involved from the initiation to the completion of a building. This starts with the formation of a highly talented and dedicated team (clients, developers, consultants, subcontractors, suppliers, manufacturers, etc.) based on trust. Successful architecture is the condensation of the spirit of people; beauty is the outcome of unification. We believe that trust, communication, and collaboration are the most critical factors in a successful design.

“Only a compound can be beautiful, never anything devoid of parts; and only a whole; the several parts will have beauty, not in themselves, but only as working together to give a comely total. Yet beauty in an aggregate demands beauty in details: it cannot be constructed out of ugliness; its law must run throughout.” — Plotinus

Team members : Julius Taminiau, Helena Mokhtar, Veerle Vogels, Jubal Green, Venetia Kollia, Thea Cali, Lee Pinju, Stefani Vozila, Yangwook Kang, Stefan Aldev, Tom Martin, Claire Besset, Auguste Gasperaityte, Paloma Goez, Felix Balling, Gabriela Novuli, Olga Strzalkowska, Myles Crouch, Eleanor Moselle, Sofia Manieri, Zoe Papadopoulos, Stephanie Den Hollander, Teresa Hernandez Lorente  ( current & former )

Julius Taminiau 

Julius Taminiau, the founder of Julius Taminiau Architects (JTA), graduated in 2011 from the Faculty of Architecture at the Technical University of Delft.

After his graduation, he worked for DSDHA and Carl Turner Architects in London, where he developed his love and expertise in craftsmanship, detailing, and social engagement. During this time, Julius gained extensive experience working on various scales and complex projects in both “permanent” and temporary architecture, liaising with high-profile commercial, governmental, and private clients and numerous consultants.

Next to architecture, music plays a vital role in his life. It started with playing the violin and later included performing as a DJ/producer while organizing cutting-edge parties that combined music and art. Eventually, Julius chose architecture; however, he keeps a deep interest in music and art.

More generally, Julius believes this multidisciplinary interest results in a rich, layered architecture. He looks for connections with art, music, philosophy, anthropology, nature, and even gastronomy, creating a more connected and profound architecture.