Experiencing historic architecture: Schwitzke & Partner design the Kapten & Son store in Amsterdam

Following retail projects in numerous German cities, as well as in Roermond and London, Schwitzke & Partner are now also supporting Kapten & Son’s European expansion in Amsterdam. For the new location on Kalverstraat in the heart of the old town, the Düsseldorf-based architectural practice developed a site-specific concept that deliberately highlights the distinctive architecture of the historic commercial building. The team was responsible for the project from the initial analysis through to the design and detailed planning, right through to implementation. The opening is scheduled for 24 July 2026.

With an internal width of just around 3.5 metres, the building reflects the typical plot structure of Amsterdam: narrow façades and deep floor plans. These distinctive features formed the starting point for the design. A key element is the preserved atrium at the front of the shop. The approximately 6.50-metre-high atrium extends over two levels and brings natural light deep into the building. This creates surprising visual connections that lend a sense of spaciousness and lightness to the narrow floor plan.

A high-quality brand experience has been created across approximately 45 square metres of retail space, which brings the Kapten & Son identity to life in a physical space. The focus on the essentials, the carefully planned lighting and the deliberate use of the existing architecture lend the store a distinctive character. The ancillary areas on the ground floor and first floor have been functionally organised as storage and office spaces.

“Every Kapten & Son store evolves in line with its location. In Amsterdam, our aim was not to view the building’s distinctive structure as a constraint. It is precisely these narrow, historic merchant’s houses that give the store its identity and create a unique customer experience that works perfectly in this very location,” says Lukas Schwitzke, Managing Director of Schwitzke & Partner.

With around 150 shops, Kalverstraat is one of the busiest shopping streets in Amsterdam. Its historic merchant’s houses continue to shape the cityscape to this day and formed the basis for the bespoke concept.

Schwitzke & Partner have been supporting Kapten & Son for several years as the brand expands across Europe. With Amsterdam, the European store portfolio is growing to include a further location. It is an evolved concept that reflects the identity of Kapten & Son and, through its interpretation of the respective location, unfolds a distinctive architectural quality.