Meet our new colleague: Benjamin San A Jong. Ben joined our team in April as a designer. After completing his studies in Built Environment, he was eager to put his degree into practice.
Ben found that architecture offers the ideal combination of technical and creative skills. He initially studied Building Engineering in The Hague, but switched to the Built Environment program in Amsterdam during COVID-19 due to the challenges of online learning. During his studies he joined our firm as an intern and later on, he also completed his graduation research with us.
His graduation research focused on redesigning public space in Venserpolder, Amsterdam Southeast. This project built on a study we conducted in collaboration with VU Amsterdam, exploring how to create a better living environment where people can meet.create a better living environment where people can meet.
A place to grow as a designer
“As someone who grew up in Amsterdam Southeast, I have witnessed from a young age how architecture and urban planning can directly impact quality of life – both positively and negatively. The fact that lyongo architecture consciously invests care and attention into every project, aiming to create architecture with a positive impact, makes it a place where I can learn a lot and grow as a designer.”
In 2024, Ben already interned at our firm, so he is familiar with many of our projects. One project that inspired him is the Mangrove City Park in Willemstad, Curaçao: “I think the park is a beautiful project because it shows that as an architect, you are not limited to designing buildings. Defining space does not always have to be done using concrete and steel.”
Looking ahead
“Currently, I am working on the design for Waterfort Plaza in Curaçao together with Maya and Usama. In collaboration with Studio Akkerhuis, we are developing a sketch design for this new project. I am also involved in a renovation project in The Hague: the Curaçaohuis. Recently, we had a site visit to see how the project is progressing.”
Over the coming months, Ben will be working on these two projects. He will support the architecture team and will continue with his studies later on. “It is very interesting to be involved in such diverse projects. Later this year, I plan to continue my studies and pursue a Master’s in Architecture.”
