The former Eindhoven courthouse, designed by engineer J. Kruger B.I. and built 1962, has the characteristics of the Delft School as well as the building style of the New Traditionalism. The Delft School (1925-1955) advocated purity of craftsmanship and the use of regional materials, while striving for a return to the building styles of the Middle Ages. The function of a building should be expressed in its look. Public buildings like city halls and churches should be monumental to emphasise its function and impress the simple visitor. The old courthouse was built of brick and some windows and the entrance have deep alcoves that refer to the Middle Ages. Inside the citizen is impressed by the grandiosity and the play of symmetry and asymmetry. This symmetry, which is part of a more traditional building style and of the style of the Delft School, is alternated with elements of asymmetry; which is where the New Traditionalism manifests itself. The alternation of building materials, brick façade and the use of reinforced concrete, also shows the mix of these two styles.

At the end of 2004 de judges of the courthouse went to a new accommodation, making the 'old' building at the Stadhuisplein 3 in Eindhoven available. Peer van Ling, of THVL Architects was commissioned to transform the building into a place to exhibit design. A number of subtle interventions were needed to create a certain abstract background and quiet in a room which has a lot of detail in itself. The brick relief wall 'Sodom and Gomorra' by the artist Theo van Amstel, that referred to the former function of the building was hidden behind a taut white wall that can be used for projections in the new Designhuis. The offices were transformed into abstract boxes that do the most justice to design objects. Before, the premises could not be visited by more than twenty people at a time because of the fire hazard, now there are emergency exits, a stair well and a transparent elevator that make it possible for about 700 people to visit the Designhuis at one time. With all the adaptations the original style of the building has been preserved as much as possible without making concessions to the new function of a place for exhibitions and a meeting place. Old and new have been braided together, which fits well with the concept of the Designhuis.

The renovation of the former courthouse was commissioned by the City of Eindhoven. The Designhuis was realised in cooperation with contractor Hurks Construction & Real Estate. Mansveld Electrical Engineering B.V. provided electrical engineering and lighting.