ABOUT US

HOUTMAN+SANDER was established in 2006 in Den Bosch, The Netherlands. Andre Houtman (1968) and Margriet Sander (1973) have been working for over 15 years in the discipline of landscape architecture. Similarities and differences make their cooperation interesting: a shared vision and passion, but complementing knowledge and skills.

HOUTMAN+SANDER is small and personal. The partner also makes sketches and both directors and contractor get the same spokesperson. The planning process is clear and continuous.

Andre Houtman was born and raised on the outskirts of Utrecht Ridge. He wanted to become a forester. He also drew a lot. As a 9-year-old, he asked fellow townsman Rien Poortvliet how he could become such a good artist. “Practice, lots of practice…” was his advice. He never became a ranger, but he did take Rien Poortvliet’s advice: after the Agricultural College and School of Horticulture and Landscape, he attended the Academy of Architecture. There, he grew a passion to work with other disciplines such as urban planning and architecture. At HOUTMAN+SANDER, Andre is the first one to have brainwaves. He sketches, makes designs and presents them.

Margriet Sander inherited her sobriety on the outskirts of Groningen and Drenthe. She has a great sense of responsibility and a perfectionist attitude. She used to consider becoming a math teacher, but now combines mathematical thinking with her passion for landscaping. She specifies rough plans until finesse. She takes care of the details of design, checks specifications and approves materials. Margriet is curious and always looking for new materials and innovative developments. That’s how HOUTMAN+SANDER’s plans become reality.