We had a very enjoyable supper in September with Meta Knol (director Museum De Lakenhal) and Ninke Happel (architect-partner Happel Cornelissen Verhoeven Architects). Meta is principal of Ninke for the conversion and extension of her museum in Leiden. The client and architect together at table provide a fascinating conversation at restaurant Huson.

Meta as director intensively interferes with the task formulation. To obtain original solutions for the particular museum she wanted to give architects without much experience with museums an opportunity. Ninke recognise after reading the tender immediately possibilities. She immediately put together a team. After some urging and decisive acting she managed to persuade the British architect Julian Harrap to participate. She was put on the shortlist. She eventually won the tender with a special design. She beat SeARCH.nl, Hoogevest Architects / UN Studio, Architect K. van Velsen and the Belgian office 51N4E. Ninke happy. Meta happy.

Meta has as principal engrossed in the process of procurement. By taking responsibility she knows she's going to get a better building. Ninke is not discouraged from European tenders. By being keen and by careful reading them she sees opportunities instead of frustration. Upon completion of the new Lakenhal in 2018, there is a nice book written by these girls I expect.