WdKA has borne the name of its former student Willem de Kooning (1904-1997) since 1998. Born in the north of Rotterdam and after taking a degree in 'Decorative Art' (which we call 'Design' these days), De Kooning left for New York at the age of 22 and became one of the leading lights of Abstract Expressionist painting of the 1940s and 1950s. A world-class artist – the 100th anniversary of his birth was widely celebrated around the world as well as of course by WdKA.

WdKA's master's degree courses are provided by the Piet Zwart Institute. It is named after the Dutch designer Piet Zwart (1885-1977). Piet Zwart became not only a jack of all trades, but a master in them at that. He designed postage stamps, poster advertisements, books, interiors and furniture (including the famous ‘Bruynzeel kitchen’) and was an accomplished photographer and painter. In the 1920s, he also taught at the Rotterdam Academy. He was justifiably officially proclaimed 'the' Dutch designer of the 20th century.

WdKA is proud to be associated with Willem de Kooning and Piet Zwart – they were far ahead of their time and they applied their creative talents to break down the boundaries between 'autonomous' art and 'applied' design. They were both also strongly internationally oriented, which has made them inspirational examples to everyone who works or studies at WdKA and/or the PZI.