““At Tapp, we envision cities where technology serves people—not the other way around. We’re building a future where public spaces are intelligent, inclusive, and shaped by the communities who use them. By uniting physical infrastructure with digital insight, we empower cities to respond to real human needs—with transparency, adaptability, and equity at the core. Our mission: to democratize innovation in urban design, so every voice shapes the city of tomorrow.””
About the founder
Tom van Arman is a Dutch-American architect and urban designer living in Amsterdam.
Tom van Arman is an urban technologist and the founder of Tapp, where he leads a new kind of city-making—one that puts people, data, and design on equal footing. With a background in architecture and a passion for civic innovation, Tom has spent over a decade using emerging technologies to tackle urban challenges. From real-time data projects to inclusive mobility pilots, his work helps cities become smarter by staying human.
As a vocal advocate for ethical tech and participatory design, Tom brings together architects, coders, policymakers, and communities to co-create solutions that are as democratic as they are digital. Under his leadership, Tapp transforms urban spaces into responsive, sustainable systems—designed not just for efficiency, but for equity, transparency, and impact.