Partner, Architect, and Urbanist Bertrand Schippan (Dunkirk, FR - 1981) developed his career at several international offices including FGP Atelier, Ateliers Jean Nouvel, and West 8 prior to joining MVRDV in 2006. This diverse range of experience in different settings, and his equally international educational background, which includes Ecole Nationale Supérieur d’Architecture in Lille, the Escuela Tecnica Superior de Arquitectura of Coruna, and the Technische Universiteit of Eindhoven, has molded a versatile approach to the design task. At MVRDV, Schippan has played an integral role in projects of various scales – from single buildings to masterplans – by continually testing and challenging existing theories and methodologies to refine his own professional practice, and inspiring others under his leadership.

Among many MVRDV projects, Schippan’s decisive contribution to the Project of Grand Paris (2008) is clear evidence of this. Having strategically supported MVRDV’s endeavours in France, he has been fundamental to the establishment of the office’s Paris headquarters, and has overseen projects such as La Part Dieu in Lyon (2021), Gaité Montparnasse in Paris (2022), and several residential buildings in Bordeaux. Since 2024, Schippan is also responsible for MVRDV's projects in the Middle East.

Outside of practice, Schippan is active in academia, guiding graduate students in architecture and urban planning.

“You have to explore all ideas before you can affirm that the choices you make are the best ones. Don’t be afraid to push them to excess, or even be radical, in order to bring out the positive aspects of every idea.” - Bertrand Schippan