studio_vandensteen

I am a designer working in both architecture and furniture. A strong focus on structure, scale, material, and craftsmanship connects these disciplines in my practice. I primarily work with solid wood — a natural, tactile material that reveals its own character. I believe a design should clearly show how it’s made and what it’s made of. No hidden structures, no unnecessary layers. The structural idea is always the starting point: it should be intelligent, efficient, and allow for variation.

I deliberately move away from industrial production. Staying close to the making process is essential. By working directly with the materials, each piece becomes unique and personal. You can feel it was made by hand, with care and attention. I see imperfection not as a flaw, but as a quality that gives an object identity and warmth.

Whether it’s a piece of furniture or a building, I strive for clarity and honesty. No excess, no decorative elements, just thoughtful, honest design. Honest in form, material, and in the way it’s made. Within simplicity, I aim to create work with character and soul. To me, furniture is architecture — playing with scale, blurring the line between object and space.