ZJA

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.

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

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

• Architectural design services
• Structural engineering services
• Infrastructure architecture
• Parametric design services
• Computational architecture

Headquarters

HQ city

Amsterdam

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. 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

Core 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

Named customers8 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

28 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, supporting and core.

• Luis Vidal + ArchitectsflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 April 2026Joint 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 | UrbanismsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 April 2026DELVA Landscape Architecture | Urbanism joins Luis Vidal + Architects | ZJA Architects & Engineers for Schiphol renewal project specifically for landscape design of the airport areas.
• KAAN ArchitectencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 April 2026KAAN 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 ArchitectscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 April 2026Paul 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)supportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 April 2026Beacon (Benthem Crouwel Architects and NACO) appointed as airport consultant for Schiphol Airport renewal project.
• Superimpose ArchitectureflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerSuperimpose 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 ArchitectscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-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)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerKRRI 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&CflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerGS 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&CcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of the consortium developing the elevated lightrail system concept for South Korea, collaborating on architectural and structural design development.
• Dong-A EngineeringcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of the consortium developing the elevated lightrail system concept for South Korea, providing engineering expertise.
• C & SC COcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of the consortium developing the elevated lightrail system concept for South Korea.
• SIDstudiocoreTechnology or IntegrationSIDstudio responsible for structural design of the elevated lightrail system, collaborating on innovative structural concepts.
• IV-InfracoreTechnology or IntegrationIV-Infra provided structural engineering expertise for the elevated lightrail system research project.
• ArcadissupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerArcadis part of THV Arcadis-Sweco consortium for Wijnegem bridge project commissioning party (ZJA's client). Also structural constructor for Eurostar UK Terminal project.
• SwecosupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSweco part of THV Arcadis-Sweco consortium for Wijnegem bridge project commissioning party. Also installation advisor for Eurostar UK Terminal.
• THV Artes RoegierssupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPrincipal contractor for bicycle bridge Tessenderlo project, working with ZJA's architectural design.
• Victor Buyck Steel ConstructionsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSteel contractor for Tessenderlo bicycle bridge, fabricating the bridge structure to ZJA's design.
• MoutonsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerStructural engineer for Suikerbrug Veurne project, collaborating with ZJA's architectural design.
• OmgevingsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerLandscape architect for Suikerbrug Veurne project.
• TM Furnibo-PersynsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerContractor for Suikerbrug Veurne bicycle bridge project.
• BoskaliscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBoskalis responsible for phased construction of station area Bruges project, working with ZJA and BoschSlabbers design team.
• Frank van HullecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrank van Hulle collaborated with ZJA on integrated design for cycling highways within MoveR0 project around Brussels Ring Road.
• De WerkvennootschapcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDe 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.
• BoskaliscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBoskalis is principal contractor for N206 Tjalmaweg project, executing ZJA's architectural design.
• ABTsupportingTechnology or IntegrationABT responsible for structural design of Climate House Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam renovation, working with ZJA's architectural design.
• BOOM LandscapesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerBOOM Landscape responsible for interior design and layout of Climate House Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam renovation.
• DesignwolfsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesignwolf contributed to interior design and layout of Climate House Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam renovation.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct 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

• Xx.com/zjarch
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCIBofUdPZGJGXmK_CHxrgRA
• Facebookfacebook.com/ZJArch
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/zja
• Instagraminstagram.com/zja_arch
• Pinterestnl.pinterest.com/ZJArch

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ZJA