Hans Endendijk

Furniture maker

©Inge de Groot

©Endendijk

©Inge de Groot

©Endendijk

Crafting with a love of technology

Hans is a versatile furniture maker
He innovates by pushing technical boundaries
Surprise is important to his aesthetic

Problem-solving and innovation are key words in the design ethic of furniture maker Hans Endendijk. Born into a family of designers, artists and art lovers, Hans had the genetic blueprint for becoming a designer and maker. Raised with the idea that everything can be understood by dismantling and reassembling objects and machines, the way was paved for him to become a furniture maker. Hans was apprenticed to a master for three years, and produced furniture for luxury interiors, including for a private yacht. The first piece he made was a coffee table with curved shapes brought together with coloured wood glue. Hans is well-known for using wood, metal, synthetic materials, electronics, digital imaging, photography, and 3D printing techniques.

Interview

©Inge de Groot

©Inge de Groot

What are your sources of inspiration?: I like to observe objects that seem to push the technical boundaries of a material. I look at use of light in everything around me. Specifically, I am inspired by nature, art in all its forms and mechanics.
What is something people don’t know about your craft?: I need to know exactly what materials can do before being able to come up with technical solutions to create the shapes I want. A typical example is the process that led to the Paperclip chair. Through experimentation I gained control over the forces at play.
What is a memorable highlight in your career?: Getting recognition for my work in Milan, from the Rossana Orlandi gallery with its impressive network. This gallery in the heart of Milan is the springboard for many successful designers and I am very happy that I was included among them.
What is the secret to your success?: My designs continue to surprise. People are often surprised by a small detail or extra functionality that they did not initially suspect, and this is like a small gift. I master many techniques, so I include many solutions in my work.

Hans Endendijk is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1998