MVRDV co-founder Jacob van Rijs on the changing role of the architect

In a video interview for Itinerant Office's series Past, Present, Future, Jacob van Rijs, co-founder of MVRDV, reflects on the evolving role of architects. He recalls a early client meeting where the fledgling firm faked a larger office by asking neighbors to answer phones. Founded in 1993 by van Rijs, Winy Maas, and Nathalie de Vries—all former OMA and Mecanoo employees—MVRDV initially focused on Dutch context and density analysis, culminating in the 1998 manifesto Farmax. Van Rijs argues that the architect is no longer seen as a god-like creator; other forces shape construction, and many projects proceed without architects. He notes the profession is changing rapidly, and new graduates may find their studies out of step with reality. He advises aspiring architects to decide independently what type of architect to become, as 'The Architect' no longer exists. He predicts a growing role for big data and AI in practice.