mei architects and planners

Robert Winkel is the energetic leader of Mei and manages of a growing team of designers and experts. He founded Mei architects and planners in 2003 and succeeded in growing the office to an award-winning international firm specialized in redevelopment, urban planning and innovation in architecture. As chief designer, he is the driving force behind all projects at the office. In some projects he takes an active part as initiator / developer.

Mei is recognized as a leader in transforming existing, often monumental, buildings into mixed-use and loft concepts. Examples include the Cheese Warehouse in Gouda, and Fenix I and Jobsveem warehouse in Rotterdam. Moreover, Mei is internationally acclaimed and awarded for completing striking new-build projects and urban designs, such as the Schiecentrale 4B, De Verkenner in Utrecht, and McDonalds pavilion at the Coolsingel in Rotterdam.

Next to running the office, Robert holds various external roles of social importance. He is chairman of Environmental Quality Commission in Amsterdam, supervisor of Rotterdam – the Hague Airport and chairman of the Quality-team Feyenoord-City in Rotterdam. On a regular basis he serves as a visiting critic on numerous universities and colleges and he is a frequently asked juror for various awards, as the Gouden Piramide state prize and ARC Awards.