Meet Interior architect & Contractor
Vlassak Verhulst.
Maxime Verhulst &
Karen Theunen
Vlassak-Verhulst
What can you tell us about Vlassak–Verhulst for those who aren’t familiar with your
work?
Maxime: My father and a close friend founded Vlassak- Verhulst back in 1970. What started out as a small, local construction firm with big dreams, has evolved into a well-established name in the world of high-end residential architecture. I’ve personally been leading the company for over twenty years now, and I’m proud to say that we’ve had the privilege of bringing more than a thousand unique homes to life.
What makes your approach so distinctive?
Maxime: It’s our integrated, all-in-one method. We deliberately chose to unite every discipline under one roof – from design to technical planning to construction and finishing. This enables us to guide every project seamlessly from first sketch to final handover. “If you can dream it, we can build it.” That not only guarantees aesthetic consistency, but also complete peace of mind for our clients.
Karen: We apply that same philosophy to interior design. For us, interior architecture isn’t a separate field. It’s a natural extension of the overall architecture. That’s how we create living spaces that are both functional and emotionally resonant, with soul, subtlety and great attention to detail.
How large is the company today?
Maxime: Our team includes more than a hundred passionate professionals – from designers and interior architects to engineers, craftsmen and project managers. What connects us all is a shared love for the craft, a deep respect for materials and techniques, and an unwavering pursuit of perfection – in every aspect of the job.
Striking that balance between design, comfort, innovation and enduring beauty – that’s where the true power of interior design lies for us.
What stood out to you most about the Nobu Residences Park Meadows Amsterdam
project?
Karen: Nobu breathes tranquillity and understated luxury. It’s a contemporary project with international appeal and the opportunity to tailor every element to perfection. That combination of refinement, comfort and natural materials fits our design philosophy to a tee.
Maxime: We feel right at home in this high-end residential segment. Projects like Nobu, with its spacious villastyle apartments, offer the freedom to truly build with personality and quality.
What kind of projects are you currently working on?
Maxime: In Belgium, we’re contributing to “Laurel” in Terhulpen – a remarkable collaboration with architect Marc Corbiau. It’s a rare blend of space, light and nature. For this project, Vlassak-Verhulst is designing the full interior of every individual residence – fully customised to the future owners. The same goes for the prestigious “Nispen – Laren” development in the heart of Laren, in the Netherlands. Here, we managed the entire process—from the initial design to construction and bespoke finishing—delivering a truly high-end residence tailored to perfection.
Karen: We’re also realising exclusive villas in Belgium, the Netherlands and beyond. In Belgium, we focus on premium areas around Brussels, Antwerp and Knokke. In the Netherlands, you’ll find our work in the green belts around cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht and The Hague. Every single project is finished down to the finest detail – from technical systems and flooring to custom cabinetry, furniture, window treatments and accessories.
What does your creative process usually look like?
Karen: It all begins with a personal conversation. We want to understand deeply who our client is, how they live, and what truly matters to them. Based on that, we match them with the right interior architect from our team. That personal connection is essential.
Maxime: From that point on, we take care of everything. We manage the entire journey – architecture, engineering, interior – and make sure it’s not only smooth and efficient, but also inspiring and worryfree. Ultimately, it all comes down to one moment: when a client enters their new home for the very first time and you see that genuine emotion and awe in their eyes. That moment when everything just clicks – that’s still the most rewarding part of our work.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Karen: Our clients are our greatest source of inspiration, their stories form the foundation of every interior we design. Travel is another important influence; exploring other countries often introduces us to new materials, textures, artisanal techniques, or surprising combinations of colour and form. Art also plays a key role, not just as an object in a room, but as a lens: art teaches you to see, to nuance, to evoke emotion. And of course, we keep a close eye on international trends, but we’re not blindly guided by them. We carefully filter what’s relevant and align it with our own vision and pursuit of timelessness. Striking that balance between design, comfort, innovation and enduring beauty, that’s where the true power of interior design lies for us.
