ZJA
ZJA is an Amsterdam-based architectural and structural engineering firm, founded in 1990, serving government and infrastructure clients across the Netherlands, Belgium, the UK, and South Korea on complex bridges, stations, airports, and public buildings using computational and formfinding design methods.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1990
- HeadquartersAmsterdam, Netherlands
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What ZJA does
ZJA (legal name Zwarts Jansma Architecten) is an Amsterdam-based architectural and structural engineering firm founded in 1990 by Moshé Zwarts (1937-2019) and Rein Jansma (1959-2023). Following the founders' passing, the company operates under five architect-partners: Rob Torsing, Reinald Top, Ralph Kieft, Erik Smits, and Kay Oosterman. ZJA delivers integrated architecture-plus-engineering services for complex infrastructure, public transport, and public buildings, including bridges, railway stations, airport terminals, parking structures, coastal defenses, sports venues, and mixed-use developments. The firm distinguishes itself through proprietary computational design, parametric design, and formfinding methodologies, allocating 10-15% of staff time to experimentation and research.
The firm's service portfolio spans Architecture and Engineering Services as a core offering, supplemented by named modules: Computational Design Services (parametric/generative methods), ZJA Structural (structural engineering), Formfinding (experimental physical and digital modeling), Sustainability Services (climate-adaptive and circular design), and Papers (research publications). Notable proprietary technical concepts include the Elevated Light Rail Transit (ELRT) structural system featuring 200-meter maximum spans supported by Y-shaped columns with hybrid steel-truss and pre-tensioned cable construction.
ZJA generates revenue through project-based professional services fees on architecture and engineering commissions, secured primarily via competitive government tenders (Rijkswaterstaat, provinces, municipalities, De Vlaamse Waterweg), architectural selection processes (Schiphol Airport renewal), direct enterprise commissions (NS Stations, Eurostar, ProRail), and international research commissions (KRRI for ELRT). Customer segments are concentrated in government infrastructure clients, with a secondary segment in public facilities and sports. Geographic operations span the Netherlands, Belgium, the UK, and South Korea. Marketing relies on project portfolio, international awards (WAN, Frame, Architecture MasterPrize, Architizer, Dezeen), Arcam exhibitions, academic publications, and an active social media presence.
ZJA firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ZJA
- Legal name
- Zwarts Jansma Architecten
- Website
- https://zja.nl
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1990
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- ZJA is an Amsterdam-based architectural and structural engineering firm, founded in 1990, serving government and infrastructure clients across the Netherlands, Belgium, the UK, and South Korea on complex bridges, stations, airports, and public buildings using computational and formfinding design methods.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ZJA industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Architectural Services
- NAICS
- Engineering Services (54133), Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services (5413)
- SIC
- Services-Engineering Services (8711), Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Building Information Modeling (BIM) & Digital Design Services (BPAHAKAK)
Keywords
Where ZJA is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Amsterdam
- HQ country
- Netherlands
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
ZJA business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Architectural and Engineering Services: ZJA generates revenue through commissions for architectural design and engineering services on complex infrastructure, public transport, and public facilities projects. As a professional services firm, revenue is derived from project-based fees for design, structural engineering, and related consultancy services on major construction and renovation projects.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
ZJA product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ZJA provides integrated architectural and structural engineering design services for complex infrastructure, public transport, sports facilities, coastal defenses, and public buildings, including bridges, train and lightrail stations, airport terminals, parking structures, and road infrastructure. The firm combines computational and parametric design, formfinding methodology, and structural engineering expertise to deliver innovative public infrastructure commissioned by government and enterprise clients across the Netherlands, Belgium, and internationally.
Product overview
ZJA is an architecture and engineering firm offering an integrated portfolio of services centered on complex infrastructure and public buildings. Their core offering encompasses architectural design for bridges, stations, stadiums, and other exceptional projects, complemented by specialized modules including computational and parametric design, structural engineering (ZJA Structural), formfinding methodologies, and sustainability consulting. The firm is distinguished by its inventor's mentality and self-critical techno-optimism, allocating 10-15% of staff time to research, experimentation, and playful exploration of form and structure. Notable projects include the Eurostar UK Terminal at Amsterdam Central Station, Schiphol Airport renewal, the Elevated Light Rail Transit system in South Korea (recipient of the WAN Future Award 2023), Climate House renovation, and extensive bridge infrastructure across Belgium and the Netherlands.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Architecture and Engineering Services
- Computational Design Services
- ZJA Structural
- Formfinding Services
- Sustainability Services
Quantifiable outcome
- 200-meter maximum span achieved for elevated lightrail system while maintaining structural stability
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use ZJA
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
ZJA technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
ZJA partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
28 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, supporting and core.
- Luis Vidal + ArchitectsflagshipJoint Venture between ZJA Architects & Engineers and Luis Vidal + Architects (global architectural studio headquartered in Spain) appointed as architects for Schiphol Airport renewal. Awarded three of four airport areas addressing passenger experience, environmental performance, and concession offering including Schiphol Plaza, lounges, airport piers/gates, and landside passenger/parking areas. Combined worldwide airport expertise with local Dutch knowledge.
- DELVA Landscape Architecture | UrbanismsupportingDELVA Landscape Architecture | Urbanism joins Luis Vidal + Architects | ZJA Architects & Engineers for Schiphol renewal project specifically for landscape design of the airport areas.
- KAAN ArchitectencoreKAAN Architecten appointed as lead architect for the overarching design vision for Schiphol Airport renewal, working alongside ZJA/Luis Vidal JV for specific airport areas.
- Paul de Ruiter ArchitectscorePaul de Ruiter Architects appointed for design of departure halls, baggage halls, and security/customs filters for Schiphol Airport renewal.
- Beacon (Benthem Crouwel Architects and NACO)supportingBeacon (Benthem Crouwel Architects and NACO) appointed as airport consultant for Schiphol Airport renewal project.
- Superimpose ArchitectureflagshipSuperimpose Architecture is architect of the interior of the passenger area for Eurostar UK Terminal Amsterdam Centraal, while ZJA is architect of the UK Terminal. Commissioned by NS Stations, Eurostar and ProRail. The terminal integrates ZJA's architectural exterior with Superimpose's contemporary white interior design.
- BoschSlabbers Landscape ArchitectscoreLong-standing partnership with BoschSlabbers for integrated landscape and architectural design on projects including N206 Tjalmaweg, A4 Delft-Schiedam, station area Bruges, and various cycling infrastructure projects.
- South Korean Railroad Research Institute (KRRI)flagshipKRRI commissioned ZJA and consortium partners (Woosung D&C, Dong-A Engineering, C&SC CO, SIDstudio, IV-Infra) for research project on innovative elevated lightrail system for South Korean metropolitan areas. Research conducted 2018-present with successful testing and mock-up development.
- GS E&CflagshipGS E&C joined the consortium with ZJA, Woosung D&C, C&SC, SIDstudio, and IV-Infra for the elevated lightrail system research project commissioned by KRRI.
- Woosung D&CcorePart of the consortium developing the elevated lightrail system concept for South Korea, collaborating on architectural and structural design development.
- Dong-A EngineeringcorePart of the consortium developing the elevated lightrail system concept for South Korea, providing engineering expertise.
- C & SC COcorePart of the consortium developing the elevated lightrail system concept for South Korea.
- SIDstudiocoreSIDstudio responsible for structural design of the elevated lightrail system, collaborating on innovative structural concepts.
- IV-InfracoreIV-Infra provided structural engineering expertise for the elevated lightrail system research project.
- ArcadissupportingArcadis part of THV Arcadis-Sweco consortium for Wijnegem bridge project commissioning party (ZJA's client). Also structural constructor for Eurostar UK Terminal project.
- SwecosupportingSweco part of THV Arcadis-Sweco consortium for Wijnegem bridge project commissioning party. Also installation advisor for Eurostar UK Terminal.
- THV Artes RoegierssupportingPrincipal contractor for bicycle bridge Tessenderlo project, working with ZJA's architectural design.
- Victor Buyck Steel ConstructionsupportingSteel contractor for Tessenderlo bicycle bridge, fabricating the bridge structure to ZJA's design.
- MoutonsupportingStructural engineer for Suikerbrug Veurne project, collaborating with ZJA's architectural design.
- OmgevingsupportingLandscape architect for Suikerbrug Veurne project.
- TM Furnibo-PersynsupportingContractor for Suikerbrug Veurne bicycle bridge project.
- BoskaliscoreBoskalis responsible for phased construction of station area Bruges project, working with ZJA and BoschSlabbers design team.
- Frank van HullecoreFrank van Hulle collaborated with ZJA on integrated design for cycling highways within MoveR0 project around Brussels Ring Road.
- De WerkvennootschapcoreDe Werkvennootschap is the organization of the Flemish Government driving 'Working on the Ring' project. ZJA part of MoVeR0 consortium (Sweco, Arcadis, ZJA, Frank van Hulle, Cluster, Mint) for cycling highways design.
- BoskaliscoreBoskalis is principal contractor for N206 Tjalmaweg project, executing ZJA's architectural design.
- ABTsupportingABT responsible for structural design of Climate House Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam renovation, working with ZJA's architectural design.
- BOOM LandscapesupportingBOOM Landscape responsible for interior design and layout of Climate House Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam renovation.
- DesignwolfsupportingDesignwolf contributed to interior design and layout of Climate House Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam renovation.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
ZJA competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- UNStudio: Amsterdam-based architecture firm renowned for computational/parametric design and large-scale infrastructure (stations, bridges, mixed-use). Closest Dutch peer to ZJA's parametric design + infrastructure specialization.
- Mecanoo: Dutch architecture firm of similar scale (~250 staff) specializing in public buildings, transport hubs, and infrastructure (e.g. Delft Station, Kaohsiung Station). Closely comparable to ZJA in client type, project scale, and integrated design-engineering ethos.
- MVRDV: Rotterdam-based architecture firm with strong computational design practice and major public/infrastructure commissions. Comparable to ZJA in Dutch roots, parametric methodology, and complex public-sector project profile.
- Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects: Nordic (Aarhus) architecture firm with strong public infrastructure and transport portfolio (e.g. Gothenburg Central Station). Comparable to ZJA in size, mixed-use public-sector focus, and integration of architecture with engineering.
- Benthem Crouwel Architects: Amsterdam architecture firm focused on transport and public infrastructure (stations, terminals, mobility hubs); co-partner with NACO as 'Beacon' on the same Schiphol renewal. Direct infrastructure-architecture peer of ZJA.
- KAAN Architecten: Dutch architecture firm appointed alongside ZJA at Schiphol (as lead vision architect). Comparable Dutch studio with infrastructure, cultural, and public-building portfolio at similar scale.
- Paul de Ruiter Architects: Dutch firm with sustainability-focused infrastructure and public-building practice; appointed alongside ZJA on Schiphol. Closely comparable in size, Dutch public-client base, and integrated design-engineering approach.
Broad incumbents
- Zaha Hadid Architects: UK-headquartered global practice and pioneer of computational/parametric architecture. Comparable to ZJA on technology philosophy (referenced explicitly in ZJA's team profiles) and infrastructure ambition, but at global scale.
- Foster + Partners: Global architecture incumbent with extensive transport and infrastructure work (airports, metro stations, bridges). Comparable practice area but vastly larger scale and broader portfolio than ZJA.
- BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group): Global architecture firm with strong computational/parametric DNA and large transport/infrastructure projects (Vltava Philharmonic, transit hubs). Comparable on technology approach but operates at much larger scale and global footprint.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
ZJA social profiles
Digital presenceZJA financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ZJA leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
ZJA funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ZJA M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about ZJA
What does ZJA do?
ZJA provides integrated architectural and structural engineering design services for complex infrastructure, public transport, sports facilities, coastal defenses, and public buildings, including bridges, train and lightrail stations, airport terminals, parking structures, and road infrastructure. The firm combines computational and parametric design, formfinding methodology, and structural engineering expertise to deliver innovative public infrastructure commissioned by government and enterprise clients across the Netherlands, Belgium, and internationally.
Is ZJA a public or private company?
ZJA is a private company. It is classified as management employee owned and is currently operating.
When was ZJA founded?
ZJA was founded in 1990. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is ZJA based?
ZJA is headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, in the Europe region.
How does ZJA make money?
One revenue line is on record: architectural and Engineering Services.
Who are ZJA's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are UNStudio, Mecanoo, MVRDV, Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, Benthem Crouwel Architects, KAAN Architecten and Paul de Ruiter Architects. Broad incumbents are Zaha Hadid Architects, Foster + Partners and BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group).
Does ZJA have an API?
No public API is recorded for ZJA.
What industry is ZJA in?
ZJA's product category is Architectural Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAHAKAK, Building Information Modeling (BIM) & Digital Design Services. Its NAICS code is 54133 and its SIC code is 8711.