Steward Ownership: building a better world through architecture and urban design
25 years ago, Arnoud Olie and Pieter Brink founded B+O Architecture. For the past 20 years Arnoud has solely directed the office towards a multi-disciplinary architectural firm with extensive expertise within the various disciplines of architecture. At B+O, our work is rooted in the belief that architecture shapes more than just physical spaces—it impacts communities, lives, and the environment for generations. After 25 years, and guided by our commitment to innovation, sustainability and social responsibility, we have embraced Steward Ownership as a way to ensure our mission is being expressed and continued in sustainable fashion.
What Steward Ownership Means
Steward ownership at B+O reflects our dedication to purpose over profit. It is a model that ensures decisions prioritize long-term benefits for people, society, and the environment, safeguarding the integrity of our work and enabling sustainable growth.
- Mission-driven leadership: Every project aligns with our goal to create positive, lasting impacts through architecture. From climate-adaptive construction with a minimal environmental footprint to thoughtful urban design, we focus on work that matters.
- Generational thinking: Our work is guided by a long-term vision, ensuring what we build today contributes to a better world for generations to come.
- Profit for purpose: Financial gains are reinvested into our mission, supporting innovation, social causes, and the professional development of our team.
How Steward Ownership shapes our work
Our stewardship principles manifest in all aspects of our practice:
- Sustainable solutions: We arrive at future-proof solutions, materials with minimal ecological footprint and climate-proof strategies to minimize environmental impact.
- Community-focused design: Through collaboration and open dialogue, we ensure every project enriches the lives of its users and aligns with community needs.
- Innovative and inclusive projects: Whether designing a single house or large-scale urban developments, we strive for solutions that reflect diversity, inclusivity, and adaptability for the future.
The importance of Steward Ownership
In a world often driven by short-term profit, B+O takes a different path. Our steward ownership model empowers us to remain mission-focused and independent, protecting the quality of our work and the well-being of those we serve.
- Futureproof leadership: Stewardship is not just about current leadership—it’s about cultivating a culture of responsibility where every team member contributes to shaping the organization’s future and its projects.
- Sustained impact: By reinvesting in our projects, team, and community, we ensure B+O continues to thrive while staying true to its values.
At B+O, we are not only creating architecture; we are working towards a better world. Through steward ownership, we safeguard our mission and invite our team, clients, and partners to join us in this journey towards meaningful, lasting impact. Together, we are crafting spaces—and legacies—that endure.