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Which place do you currently call home and where  do you work on your projects?

They say home is where your heart is, and to me that’s where my family, cat and music is. Right now, that would be Bruges. Although me and my husband have always dreamed of moving to California, we currently live and work here.

My creative outlet is my little atelier, a cozy room with big windows and plants in between the city and the forest, smelling of clay, wood, and paint, filled with pieces of paper and notes everywhere, drawings, and pieces of stone and gems that inspire me. I just love to sit here late evenings, with a cup of tea and music, in the summer in my garden atelier, getting lost in all things creative that challenge and drive me.

Where is your studio located & how does it look?

My studio is located in Bruges, Belgium. It’s a mix of furniture, art, and ceramics. I see my pieces as personalities, they all have their story to tell. Some are loners, others need the company of other pieces to feel whole, like my Totem series: a series of objects that—when not in use it can be placed upon each other to form architectural sculptures in the room.

Are there any projects that are personally important to you—whether recently completed or currently in progress?

I’m currently working on a series which are inspired by my identical twin sister—questioning balance and reasoning with poetry, yet working with “double” forces. That will be a very important collection to me.

Do you have a favorite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?

One of my favourite places to relax and linger is the library of Bruges: it has a really genuine vintage feel, and the smell of the books and calmth of the place just really soothes me. I have a father who’s a real vintage music and book collector, so I guess it reminds me of home, where we played in between the vinyl of Elvis and the Rolling Stones and old Disney Movies and Snoecks Books.

Another place I just love is Retsin’s Lucifernum, a unique place that never disappoints with it’s off the scale weirdness: you ring the door and enter an art universe with amazing music, crazy atmosphere, in an exceptional scenery. A true hidden gem in Bruges where you’ll feel inspired in every way possible.

Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?

I don’t like to complain because when I compare the political issues of Bruges to the rest of the world—well… this is luxury.

In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years—and what has not?

Yes, Bruges is a real life museum. Yes, we have more chocolate and souvenir shops than anywhere in the world. Yes, we need more art and boutique shops and new concepts and young starters. Yes, our politicians are very conservative and well-behaved and not very innovative. And they prefer to keep things as they are. I do feel like the young generation is ready to change things and I also joined an advisory council on spatial planning and urban development so I can help with the city’s image. In my dream, Bruges will become the next Young Art and Design hotspot of Belgium, with old and new architecture communicating to all layers and ages of society. I guess that’s why I stay here ;-).

Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers—whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?

The Veemarkt in Sint-Michiels is a unique project in a strategic location between the city and the forest. Building on the site’s unique identity, they are creating a vibrant, green urban village called BULA, where living, working, entrepreneurship and relaxation come together. It will be the biggest geothermal project in Belgium. Under the banner of “urban upcycling”, the building will be given a new function as a meeting place and co-working space. And the cattle market will certainly remain a market, because under the covered hall and on the three interconnected squares around it, there will be space for the weekly Sunday market and other local events. In addition, there will be a spacious neighbourhood park that will form the green lung of the site. On the edges of the site, they are providing space for entrepreneurs who add significant value to the local economy: businesses from the manufacturing industry, urban laboratories, start-ups, creative starters, etc. They aim to become a hub where cross-pollination between new and existing businesses can take place. My guess is this will be the hotspot of Bruges. The completion of the first buildings is planned for 2027.

Is there anything particularly innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?

In my opinion, Bruges is working very hard on climate change. The 2030 climate plan is ambitious: by 2030, they want to reduce local CO₂ emissions in Bruges by almost half (-49%). The targets include in-depth renovation, additional solar boilers, additional heat pumps, more connections to the heat network, more wind and solar energy, and a reduction of road transport and car kilometres. In Bruges, we have the most kilometres of bike roads in Belgium. By 2030, 40% of passenger cars will be fossil-free and 90% of buses will be electric.

Profiling itself as a climate neutral city while being this important as a heritage city, is very challenging and I thus consider Bruges to be very brave and innovative when it comes to paving the way for other major heritage cities.

Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?

To pic a favourite restaurant in Bruges is very difficult as we have so many, so I’m giving you a few: Onslow, Màs, Goesepitte 43, L.E.S.S Eatery, Sans Cravate, and De Mangerie. Each of them has the food, the atmosphere, the design, and the warmth and welcoming vibe. I love them all.

Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?

I love Lucy’s Winebar and also Quicke Shoes as they are very unique places with an outstanding selection and quality of products that you can only buy here.

What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?

Spotify for giving me the energy, Strava for motivating me to move, and Instagram for connecting me to my friends, inspirations, and audience.

Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?

I love Dezeen for keeping me up to date on what’s new in design, art and architecture. I also love Harper’s Bazaar for it’s fashion news, and to get inspired by Behance.

I keep up with politics, social and cultural issues by reading the newspaper and occasionally watching the news, although I prefer the newspaper over the tv, since I sometimes have the impression it’s only a bad-news-show.

Imagine you could be mayor for a year—what would you change?

More green in the city, public parks and vertical foresting, more design,(contemporary) art and architecture in the urban fabric. I would also introduce a road tax for anyone who uses the road more than a certain amount, so that we can at least partially close the huge gap in the Belgian budget… 🙂

One last question: If you could choose another place to live—regardless of financial or time constrains—which one would you choose?

Topanga Canyon, California, or Marin County, San Francisco Bay Area—two magical and inspiring regions where I left a piece of my soul.