Creating three-dimensional worlds

De passie van Hans Kuijten

Door: Binnenwerk-online.nl | Tekst: Eva van Ooijen | Beeld: Peter Baas

When you walk into Hans Kuijten's studio in Nuenen, Brabant, you're immediately struck by the welcoming atmosphere. Natural tones, robust materials, a great vibe, and a warm welcome. And that's exactly what Hans likes to incorporate into his projects. At his sturdy drawing table, filled with markers and sketches, his ideas come to life. This is where he puts his inspiration on paper. And he does it with passion, a lot of passion! Where does that come from? As a young boy, Hans was already a big fan of Walt Disney and built a cardboard version of the Efteling theme park in his grandfather's old shoe factory. It won't surprise you that after his studies in "spatial design" at Sint Lucas, he started working for exhibition and set builders. From there, his journey to the top of Dutch interior design began.

HANS, YOU'RE A WELL-KNOWN FIGURE IN THE DUTCH WORLD OF INTERIOR DESIGN. HOW WOULD YOU INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO SOMEONE WHO DOESN'T KNOW YOU YET?

"I'm a friendly and easy-going designer from Brabant who, in addition to my work, enjoys spending time with family and friends. But I'm also someone who is very passionate about my profession. I'm truly switched on twenty-four hours a day and I'm always busy creating, discovering materials,

seeking inspiration, and spotting opportunities. I see myself as someone who wants to convey that in the most natural way possible. We are all human beings, and I believe in equality. When you step inside here, the feeling should immediately be good. Cozy, a homely atmosphere with a touch of luxury. That's who I am, and that's what I want to project."

WHERE AND HOW DID YOUR PASSION FOR THIS PROFESSION ORIGINATE?

"I've been drawing, sketching, crafting, and tinkering since I was very young."

Later, I also built carnival floats and sets for clubs and associations. From my earliest memories, I've been creating worlds in three dimensions. I built models of the craziest things, especially in the field of entertainment. I still enjoy doing that.

"Amazing, theme park design. That's where I started, in the world of set design. I still think theme parks and attractions are incredibly cool."

WHERE DOES YOUR FASCINATION WITH AMUSEMENT PARKS, ATTRACTIONS, AND SET DESIGN COME FROM? “My bookshelf is full of books by Walt Disney. He is at the foundation of storytelling. Telling the storyline from A to Z, the story behind it. I'm still a huge fan of Disney. I think those parks are absolutely amazing. As a little boy, I already built sets and little shops, even a cardboard Efteling (a Dutch theme park) in my grandparents' shoe factory. That was a huge playground for me. Later, I worked for stand and set builders where I sketched, drew, and built. About twenty years ago, I focused on designing interiors, using my practical knowledge as my greatest asset. You can't tell me that something is impossible. And if something really can't be done, I also know why not. That's how I design; I don't build castles in the air.”

WHAT IS TYPICAL OF HANS KUIJTEN'S STYLE?

“When it comes to interiors, it's very basic with natural tones. Natural materials and a touch of luxury or hotel chic. If there's a lot of color involved, I get really nervous. It's beautiful, but it's just not my thing. On the other hand, it also depends very much on the project. We are currently working on the set design for the Seventh Sunday festival. That project actually involves a lot of color.”

WHICH MATERIALS ARE CURRENTLY TRENDING?

“Walnut and other dark wood types. Real wood or veneer and natural stone such as marble. In terms of colors, dark brown tones and beautiful blacks. Often combined with colorful marbles. Or alternatives that are better suited to resist acids, such as solid surface or granite.”

WHAT IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PROJECT YOU HAVE EVER CREATED?

“A year ago, I was asked to create the most legendary venue in Eindhoven at the Philips Stadium. The final result of this ‘home game’ can now be admired. I am incredibly proud that we have achieved this with a great team. For me, such a project is only truly complete when everything is perfect, from the initial sketches to the design and finishing touches. The complete experience and the world surrounding it. I also think the Old Dutch Sports Bar & Restaurant in Breda is really cool. The atmosphere there is even a bit more raw.”

DO YOU SEE ANY OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS FOR THE MARKET IN THE SHORT TERM?

“The prices of raw materials and supplies are really skyrocketing. I see that as a threat. I also notice that manufacturers are less booked up in advance than before. In terms of opportunities, I think there's still much more to be gained. For example, by collaborating more and combining different sectors. I'm currently working on this myself with Hans Kuijten Projects, building a network of preferred suppliers so that we can collaborate even better and expand our network.”

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

“Walt Disney, when it comes to storytelling. In terms of interior design, Piet Boon. How he went from being a bricklayer to where he is now. Although he's not super innovative in terms of design, he does have a very distinct signature style. You really choose his style, not so much him as a person. I also think Wolterinck is amazing; he's more on my side of the spectrum. But also Kabaz in Laren. And I have a lot of admiration for Marcel Wanders, even though it's not at all my style, I think what he does is really cool. That's true art.”

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

“Drawing itself is definitely my thing. But I also really enjoy the materialization and everything surrounding it. Getting to know the client and having those conversations. I really want to understand what motivates someone so I can incorporate that into my design. That's where storytelling comes into play again. It doesn't feel like a job; I'm building my life's work. Every stage I go through contributes to the Hans Kuijten brand.”