CLAESSENS ERDMANN - Key Persons
Design, creation and construction, furniture, shops, interiors or buildings... I love making beautiful things. When working on projects, it's always gratifying when drawings are clear and processes run smoothly, and when all details fall into place and deadlines are met. If issues come up, I step in and resolve any problems. My grandparents owned a tobacco shop and my father was the manager of a glassware and crockery shop. So I was exposed to retail from an early age. After studying architecture at Delft University of Technology, specialising in functional design, I worked for Albert Heijn Store Development for eight years before joining CE. Now, more than two decades later, I'm still as inspired and committed as ever. I have contributed to a wide range of projects, including Schiphol's innovation test lab, the Mizuho Headquarters, and the rollout of Nike Stores and Five Guys.
Job Titles:
- Public Relations Project Manager
As the only non-designer on the team, I'm thrilled to be able to support a group of amazing designers as project manager. Each day I'm surrounded by creative and passionate professionals who firmly believe design should be purposeful and made for people. Alongside my job at CE, I work as a Pilates and yoga teacher. Having the opportunity to combine these two worlds is energising and rewarding.
I drew my first home at the age of two. So deciding to pursue a career in architecture did not come as a surprise. After receiving a Bachelor's degree in architecture from the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, I started working for a design firm. This is where my passion for interior and retail was born. My overall aim is to achieve the best possible result for our clients. A vital part of the process is asking myself what the purpose of the drawing or presentation is and for whom the information is intended. I always test myself with this question: 'If this was somebody else's proposal would I find it clear and complete?' My work needs to meet these requirements. I recently worked on AFAS Headquarters, Nike Stores and Holland Casino.
"Seek beauty; that's the only important thing." And, what is beauty? It is capable of provoking sensory, intellectual or spiritual pleasure. I am from Mallorca and I studied Interior Design there. I have worked with different architects and companies, who allowed me to learn and work on different types of projects with different tasks. I strive to do well-designed projects because a project that works well is also beautiful. I believe it is beautiful to meet delivery deadlines and be precise in the execution. It's beautiful to work as a team and create a good atmosphere with colleagues and clients. And it is beautiful to give new solutions to clients and help them achieve personalized, satisfactory and exciting results. I continue to pursue beauty, now at Claessens Erdmann, with clients like Foot Locker and Nike. Shall we look for it together?
Each project is like a puzzle to be solved. My challenge is to find materials that will bring the concept and the design to life. It is what my colleague and our creative director David Chaloner calls 'the beauty of imperfection'. I don't strive for perfection. It's the imperfections that make something unique. Handmade should always be visible and celebrated. These details are what makes the space personal and inviting. As a stylist, I contribute to nearly every project in some way.
Creation is a powerful ability. We can create a parallel between imagination and reality by making our own unique creations. From a young age, I was encouraged to do two things that made me decide to become an architect. The first was to always look at things from a different perspective. Second, I was encouraged to be practical in solving problems. Looking back, I have always been very curious and analytical. I rely on these traits to get me out of my comfort zone and experience new things. As an architect (MSc in Architecture), I have worked in various roles in the European and American markets for the last 10 years. Besides designing, I was responsible for planning, implementing and coordinating projects. As a part of Claessens Erdmann, I work on FootLocker, Amstel Hotel and Ralph Lauren projects.
During my studies in Architectural Engineering at Democritus University of Thrace, Greece, I expanded my interests and it became apparent that architecture is the field that I envision following in my career. The complex process of designing while combining functionality and aesthetics is what connected me with architecture. Every project fascinates me and my priority is to deliver excellent outcomes always with an eye for detail. Currently, I am working on Foot Locker projects.
Job Titles:
- Architect & Interior Architect Partner
As a designer, I love it when a piece of furniture or a building or space only grows more interesting and beautiful the longer you look at it. When you see a special detail or material and get it. Like when you look at a piece of art in a museum. It's about learning to see not just with your eyes, but with all your senses. There is something deeply satisfying about touching something as opposed to just looking at it. I love feeling the softness and suppleness of leather or the grainy texture of wood. Or hearing the sharp clanging and banging of metal, or the low and dull thuds of rubber. Making use of and reinforcing the characteristics of a material will only enrich the design. Projects that I have worked on include AFAS, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Dura Vermeer, Mizuho, Holland Casino and the Van Gogh Museum.
After studying architecture, I worked as an architect in Portugal for years. I focused on the design of houses and public buildings. I want my designs to improve people's lives and enhance the experiences they have in interior spaces. Over the years, several important people in my life have told me never to stop learning. And indeed, learning is what makes me the happiest. So give me a challenge and I will take it on. These are some of the projects that I have worked on: Mizuho Headquarters, Nike Stores and Five Guys. I also photograph all CE projects.
Job Titles:
- Consultant Public Relations
Ever since I was young, I have been changing the environment around me. In my own living environment and on a larger scale in the built environment. I draw my inspiration from design, architecture and the dynamics of urban life. After studying urban planning at the University of Amsterdam, I worked as a (retail) consultant at, successively, BRO and DE LIJN/INBO. Thereafter as a concept developer for buildings and urban areas at Red Concepts. After developing the concept for the museum Humanity House in The Hague, I made the switch to this museum and platform in the City of Peace and Justice. Since 2021, I have been working within Claessens Erdmann on visions and concepts for pleasant and dynamic places in cities, from our sister company Re:publiek. In doing so, I easily switch between different levels, connect parties, and bring visions to life in concrete action plans.
I can get really excited about letter shapes and compositions. And also about the greater visual story captured in our 3D projects. Every architecture project starts with a concept from which visual rules are extracted. These rules are the foundation of a visual language. I apply these 'ingredients' in digital or print format for wayfinding or packaging. The established rule of thumb 'form follows function' is the starting point for my designs. I also like to incorporate an element of fun. Years ago, I moved to Amsterdam from Stuttgart. I fell in love instantly, both with the city and my Graphic Design and Art course at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy. Some of the recent projects I completed are: the packaging for Julia's and the Jan Linders brand, and the in-store communication for Kruidvat, REWE To Go and the Van Gogh Museum shop.
The relationship between form and technology fascinates me. Both in the built environment and the way people use it. I believe that correct implementation and precise, finely detailed execution are the key to realising successful projects. After studying architecture at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, I focused on the technical aspects of interior and exterior design. Alongside my work in this field, I also attended the Academy of Architecture for three years. Projects I'm currently involved in include the new Holland Casino in Utrecht, and the stores of Ace & Tate and Nike.