What is Ollie's background?

I never planned to end up here. Architecture was my starting point I got my Master's and it shaped everything that followed. Those years taught me more than just buildings; they helped my build upon my unique approach to design and a refined sense of taste that I apply to everything I touch.

[/] About Me

I never planned to end up here. Architecture was my starting point. I got my Master's and it shaped everything that followed. Those years taught me more than just architecture; they gave me an approach to design and a sense of taste that I apply to everything I touch. Whether it's coding a website, designing a poster, or building a plinth for a designer store, that architectural thinking influences how I frame problems and create solutions. The principles of proportion, balance, and user experience translate well across disciplines.

[+] Rotterdam & Finding My Place

Rotterdam became home almost by accident. While working at architecture firms here, I taught myself to code during COVID, evenings and weekends. What started as small curiosity quickly became an obsession. I've always had trouble sticking to just one creative outlet. I've built film sets, made light installations, self-published travel photography zines, and lately I've been literally knee-deep in recycled plastic experiments. The common thread? I love making things that serve a purpose.

[+] Collaboration

Working with others brings out my best work. The collaborations with MaMA and other Rotterdam cultural spots have been some of my most rewarding projects. I don't approach websites as just code or aesthetics. I bring my past learnings and mindset of creating spaces people can intuitively navigate. Nothing makes me happier than watching someone use something I've built without needing instructions.

[+] Programming

Code is where architecture meets logic. Every project starts with understanding the problem deeply, then building something that works elegantly. I write code the same way I approach design: clean, purposeful, and built to last.

Most of my programming work lives in the projects section. Sample-sync tackles the chaos of architecture material sample management through QR code tracking. StayCloseBy cuts through the noise of massive platforms by focusing hyperlocally on Rotterdam room sharing (coming to Amsterdam soon). Each project forced me to think differently about how people actually use technology.

I work primarily with JavaScript, React, and Node.js, but I pick tools based on what the project needs, not what's trendy. Sometimes that means vanilla JS, sometimes it means diving into new frameworks. The goal is always the same: build something that works without getting in anyone's way.

[+] Photography

Photography keeps me honest. It forces me to look at the world as it is, not how I wish it was. When I'm not in front of a screen, you'll find me walking or riding with my camera, trying to capture moments that tell a story. I'm still figuring things out, still learning, and still looking for projects that matter. Rotterdam is home base, but I'll go wherever interesting problems need solving.

[~] How I Work

I focus on understanding the true goals before starting any project. My approach is methodical, ensuring a clear strategy upfront to avoid wasting time later. I ask tough questions to uncover potential issues early, preventing failures that could arise from overlooked assumptions.

With a diverse background in architecture, photography, and coding, I bring a broad perspective to problem-solving. This range allows me to approach challenges from unique angles, drawing from multiple disciplines for innovative solutions.

I'm direct in my feedback because I prioritise outcomes over politeness. If something isn't working, I'd rather address it immediately. My technical expertise ensures I build functional, reliable solutions, not just visually appealing ones.

I prototype quickly and test early. Showing unfinished work fosters better collaboration and faster iterations, so we can move forward without getting stuck in perfectionism. I value efficient communication, preferring quick, focused conversations over long email chains.

I know my limits and collaborate with specialists when needed, but what I offer is a combination of cross-disciplinary insight, technical precision, and a commitment to creating practical, effective solutions.

[*] Experience

> Fabricaition Plasticiet {current}
> Technician at MaMA {current}
> Product owner at Redacted {temporary}
> Marketing advisor at Redacted {current}
> Co-Curation of Ptah Collective (2023)
> Technical Engineer at De Zwarte Hond
> Junior Designer at Mei architects and planners
> Master, Architecture at University of Melbourne (2019)
> Intern at Mei architects and planners
> Master, Architecture, TU Delft (2018)
> Junior Architect at H2o Architects
> BSc, Environmental Design at University of Tasmania (2015)

[~] Projects

[#] Contact me

Q: Where is Ollie based?

Rotterdam became home almost by accident. I split my time between Rotterdam and wherever projects take me. I work best when I can balance remote work with in-person collaboration. When I'm not traveling, you'll find me at Glasfabriek, usually with headphones on and a coffee nearby.

You can reach me at [email protected] north_east

My Instagram is located here north_east

My LinkedIn is located here north_east

My X (formerly known as Twitter) is located here north_east

I split my time between Rotterdam and wherever projects take me. I work best when I can balance remote work with in-person collaboration.

When I'm not traveling, you'll find me at Glasfabriek north_east
usually with headphones on and a coffee nearby.

[&] Photography

Classic gallery can still be accessed from this link, but a new one will be created soon. Stay tuned! here north_east

[|] Furniture

Classic gallery can be accessed here north_east

store Medium store Web Store download Free Download

Hi, I'm OllieMíček