Founded in 1993 by Dutch architects Antoni Folkers and Belinda van Buiten after several years of working across Africa, the practice has developed a diverse body of work across Africa and the Netherlands, with Tanzania becoming a key part of its portfolio. Through innovative design and a strong sensitivity to local context, the studio has built a reputation for socially responsive and research-driven architecture.
FBW Urbanists + Architects is founded on long-standing collaborations, a shared passion for design and nearly three decades of architectural experience. Continuing the legacy of FBW Architecten, the practice brings together built, social and research-based work across a range of scales through a small and dedicated team of professionals. In 2025, the team established FAUA Studio in Zanzibar, Tanzania, strengthening its presence in East Africa and enabling closer collaboration and project delivery across the region.
Multidisciplinary, research and experience based
We form a multidisciplinary team that strives to challenge and expand the boundaries of architecture and urban space. Through our multinational background and wide palette of projects, we have accumulated a lot of experience and established a broad and trusted network of collaborators and professionals worldwide to deliver good quality projects, from designers to engineers and contractors. However, we continuously broaden our outlook towards developing appropriate and innovative responses through comprehensive research and experimentation taking inspiration from both African and European lifestyles.
Sustainable and green outset
We believe in creating designs that increase human sensitivity, meaning and responsibility towards our natural and built environment. This means we place high value in designing environmentally sustainable through working with the landscape, integrating green and using materials inherent to the location and history of a place.
Open dialogue
Our plans develop in close dialogue with the client and society. Our role, therefore, is never explicit, but instead based on customisation and a balance between control and participation. We are passionate builders that work with local parties, and contribute to the success of a plan together with good patronage.
Context sensitive
We utilize strategic and experimental design methods that interpret the conditions of the site and its users in innovative and transparent terms.
We aim to create designs with a powerful identity, strongly related to the specific context, but also resilient and open enough to respond to uncertain futures. We believe that through uncovering the hidden qualities in the culture and background of a place a more resilient and sustainable design can be established.
