Pioneering in the interior design world since 1992

It's about making each project personal and unique

In the Dutch interior design world, Nijboer Interieur & Design has been a household name for more than thirty years. The company, founded by René Nijboer, started small but grew into a leading player in custom interior design, with special attention to both design and execution. What began as a one-man business focused on private projects, is today a multifaceted company that provides high-quality custom solutions to the business market, residential projects and the hospitality sector.

"What drives us is creating unique interiors that exactly match the customer's needs," says Nijboer. "From day one, we have focused on personal touch and craftsmanship. This is reflected in every project, from a home to large commercial spaces and hospitality establishments."

Growth and professionalization

The company's growth came with challenges. In the early years, Nijboer faced health problems and, earlier than planned, was faced with the choice of hiring staff. "In 1994 I discovered I had kidney problems, which made me realize I could no longer do it alone," he says. "That step of building a team eventually proved essential to the growth of the company. It allowed us to continue to expand without compromising on quality." Fortunately, Nijboer received a new kidney, which gave him a new perspective and the company a new impetus. The company now has sixty employees and Nijboer has built a management structure that gives him more freedom while maintaining the company culture.

In 2017, Nijboer decided to partner with Van Keulen, a major player in the interior design industry. Van Keulen, which has much larger production capabilities, gives Nijboer the space to focus on what makes the company unique: high-quality customization with an eye for detail. "Our strength is in making each project personal and unique," says Nijboer.

Craftsmanship and design under one roof

What really sets Nijboer Interieur & Design apart is the combination of design and execution. Nijboer has a team of five in-house architects, which allows for the complete design and construction
process under one roof. "For many customers, it is a godsend that we also do the designs," says Nijboer. "This creates a closer collaboration and keeps us close to what the client really wants. Our architects always think from the client's wishes, and not just from their own vision."

The company's portfolio includes diverse projects, from the Muziekgebouw aan het IJ to luxury homes and the Johan Cruijff ArenA. This wide range of projects, both in the Netherlands and internationally, illustrates the versatility and reliability of Nijboer Interieur & Design as a partner in custom interior design, both for companies, the hospitality industry and private clients.

Working sustainably as a core value

Sustainability has been an integral part of Nijboer Interieur & Design's operations for many years. The company continually invests in environmentally friendly solutions, such as solar panels, recycled wood and energy-saving techniques. "Sustainability is not a choice, but a responsibility," Nijboer emphasizes. "Even large customers such as government agencies set sustainability as a condition. We see it as an opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable world." Examples include using recycled sheet materials and processing our own waste wood to generate energy.

In addition to sustainability, Nijboer Interieur & Design sees another theme in the interior-
industry. The increasing diversity in materials and customer requirements, both with large corporate clients and private clients. Modern designs use many different materials, such as steel, glass, polyester and brass. "Clients are increasingly aware of what is possible thanks to platforms like Pinterest. This requires a versatile approach and a team with knowledge of different disciplines," says Nijboer. Therefore, more office staff is needed for the complex preparations and supervision of each project.

Company culture and young talents central

The company is also committed to training new professionals and is a member of ROC Salland Twente and CBM to attract new apprentices each year. "That cooperation is essential. We train young people together with fellow companies and thus ensure a continuous supply of professionals," explains Nijboer. Within the company, the informal working atmosphere plays a major role. The interior builder offers its employees a four-day work week of nine hours a day, which Nijboer says is highly appreciated. "In addition, the atmosphere is important with us: there is no hierarchy, everyone works side by side."

Nijboer Interieur & Design has built up an impressive portfolio. Recent projects such as the interior design of Van der Valk hotel Eindhoven-Best and the Alchemist restaurant in Copenhagen show what the company is capable of. "For Van der Valk, we designed the lobby, bar and custom benches, working closely with the owners. That cooperation was great, and the end result is quite something," Nijboer says proudly. The Alchemist restaurant, with its artistic concept, was a unique opportunity for the company to provide innovative and creative solutions. "There we created a floating table and an impressive dome on which images are projected. Such projects, where every detail has been thought of, show what we stand for as a company." 

Although René Nijboer is no longer alone at the helm of his company, he remains heavily involved in the development and growth of Nijboer Interieur & Design. "We will continue to do what we do best, make beautiful things, grow quietly and maintain our craftsmanship," concludes Nijboer.