The initiators of nextcity.nl are Maike van Stiphout (maike@dsla.nl) and Mathias Lehner (mathias@nextcity.nl).

ir. Maike van Stiphout – landscape architect (WUR)
Maike is director of the Amsterdam-based DS landscape architects since 1993. Since September 2014 she is Head of the Landscape Architecture Department at the Amsterdam Academy of Architecture. She wants to build a bridge between architects, landscape architects and experts from ecology and biology, but also, for example, manufacturers of building materials. Her mission is to enlarge the interest in including nature within spatial developments as the basis for a new building practice. More info: www.dsla.nl

architect Mathias Lehner MSc (TU Delft & Vienna)
With a passion for the ecologic, economic and social value of architecture Mathias develops a vision for resilient future cities within an international network. He is strategic advisor to Zaanstad Municipality and founding director of the multidisciplinary design office legu in Amsterdam. He was head of the architecture centre Podium, head of the international program at the Royal Institute of Dutch Architects BNA and head of the Next Step Program for young talent. Mathias is lecturing at various universities in the Netherlands and abroad. More info: www.mathiaslehner.nl