Composed; In a city where space is scarce and ideas are constantly evolving, existing buildings are increasingly being given a new lease of life as creative workplaces. Former garages, chapels, or theaters are being transformed into inspiring spaces where working, meeting, and creating come together. The character of these places remains palpable: high ceilings, robust materials, and unexpected floor plans give each workplace its own identity. Reusing existing buildings not only creates space for new ideas, but also a sustainable way of developing. In this way, a new work culture emerges from the past, where history and creativity reinforce each other. Read more here.
In her home in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid, Marian Cramer developed a gallery practice that deviates from the classical model. Here, working and living are not separate domains, but together form the framework within which art is displayed, discussed, and followed. The proximity of the home changes the way we look at art: less formally, more personally, and with room for time. For Marian, it's all about taking time, looking, and guiding artists over the long term. Read more here
Aernoud Bourdrez operates in a world where art and law constantly intersect. As a lawyer, he represents artists, but as a collector, he allows himself to be shaped by them. His office is a studio full of stories, his practice a search for unexpected solutions. In this portrait, he explains how art sharpens his gaze and gives conflicts new directions. And why an X-ray from Jackass is more than just a curiosity to him.
Spotlight: 'Aatje'. In the heart of Amsterdam's creative and lively Wittenburg district stands a building full of character. It is the former studio and home of renowned artist Aat Veldhoen, known as a pioneer of graphic art in the Netherlands and a leading figure in the Amsterdam art scene of the 1960s and 1970s. In recent years, Eilandenboulevard has developed into a sought-after place to live and work, with a mix of historical charm and creative activity. Take a look at this unique building and find inspiration in the neighborhood guide.
Ten years of Shortlist Amsterdam: an anniversary with simple recipes for success. Amsterdam has matured as a food city, and Shortlist Amsterdam has grown with it over the past ten years. Sisters Famke and Floor van Praag are celebrating the anniversary of their cookbook series about great restaurants with a brand-new edition full of simple recipes for success. Classics with character, recipes that any home cook can make, and restaurants that guard the soul of the city. Read more here.
Light is never just light. For Dimitri Saddi, founder of PSLab, it is a language with which you tell stories. From their studios in Amsterdam, Antwerp, Paris, London, Bologna, Berlin, and their home base in Beirut, the team works on lighting plans that do not start with a lamp, but with people. "Everyone has their own relationship with light," says Dimitri. "It touches on habits, memories, and emotions." In this edition of The Edit, Dimitri, Taco (Amsterdam), and An (Antwerp) delve deeper into their way of working: how dialogue, technique, and reflection come together in a lighting plan that is never generic, but always a Immediately translation of someone's life. Be inspired
Meet the entrepreneur, in this series interior designer Anita Fraser. Anita has a passion for architecture, design and creating spaces that envelop its inhabitants with positive energy. In her work, she is constantly looking for the right balance between form, function and materiality. After a career as a process lawyer, she studied interior design at the University of Arts London. She now collaborates with other designers, architects and Project developers to refine both living and working spaces. Read and view more here
Meet the entrepreneur, in this series Maud Moody. Toscanini has been a household name in Amsterdam for forty years. Not only because of the tasteful, homely Italian cuisine, but also because of the people behind the business. Maud Moody, one of the founders, tells how it all started – and how a holiday in Rome led to one of the city's most beloved restaurants. Read the whole story
Looking inside, a stately mansion gets a new soul. Vivian Hartog, brand strategist and designer of Griffe Studio, was involved from the start in the transformation of Birkenstock's Benelux headquarters on Sarphatistraat. What was once a classic mansion is now a place where history and contemporary design meet - with great attention to detail, materials and atmosphere. Read and see more here
The art of craft. In The Edit – The art of craft, we highlight craftsmen who work to preserve and restore historical heritage. Their dedication to artisanal techniques, from marble stucco to gilding, shows that heritage is only truly future-proof when tradition and craftsmanship come together. One of those craftsmen is Barry Zardoni, a restoration plasterer pur sang. Read and view more here
Spotlight: 'The Gentleman'. Working in the historic heart of Amsterdam, on the Grachtengordel-Zuid – who wouldn't want that? This inspiring area buzzes with creativity and attracts a diverse mix of artists, writers, designers, and entrepreneurs. With cultural hotspots such as De Bazel, FOAM, the Rijksmuseum, and the Kleine Komedie within easy reach, this location offers the perfect balance between working and networking.
Be inspired by the dynamism of the neighborhood and the tranquility of an exclusive workplace in a monumental canal house. The hidden gem? A sunny south-facing garden with elegant gravel paths and classic boxwood hedges – an oasis of greenery in the middle of the city. Read more here
The Creative Advantages of Working in Amsterdam; Amsterdam is much more than a city of canals, bicycles, and tulips. It is a vibrant hub for creativity, innovation, and collaboration. For companies, startups, and independent creatives, this city offers a unique breeding ground for ideas to flourish. But what makes working in Amsterdam so special? Read more
Meet the entrepreneur, in this series designers Xander Vervoort and Leon van Boxtel of x + l design. In their online store, they present handmade products that they have made themselves. Most are one of a kind. Loose objects and limited series that go together with handmade finds from their travels. Xander and Leo love the irregularity in the products: the human touch gives it an extra dimension.
Read and view more here
The table and bench are by Dutch designer Joep van Lieshout. Robust and sculptural. The colors have been specially adapted: the same bright white as in the showroom, with accents in Birkenstock's deep blue.
A stately mansion gets a new soul
The new Birkenstock Benelux office and showroom are located on Sarphatistraat in Amsterdam, in an imposing building dating from 1868. What was once a classic mansion is now a place where history and contemporary design meet — with great attention to detail, materials, and atmosphere. The renovation was carried out by DME with a sustainable approach. The interior was designed by Griffe Studio, which successfully translated Birkenstock's identity into a warm, inspiring environment.
From brand to space – Translating identity
Vivian Hartog, brand strategist and designer at Griffe Studio, was involved in the transformation of Birkenstock's Benelux headquarters on Sarphatistraat from the very beginning. Not only as a designer, but also as a strategic thinker: "We don't just design an office. We create a world in which the brand comes into its own – from the front door to the interior. "For example, the cabinets in the showroom are inspired by the profile of the iconic Birkenstock sole." That brand feeling is carried through in every detail: the classic staircase was restored and balcony railings were designed to aesthetically match the oval shapes of the front door. "These kinds of choices make all the difference. They take the design to a higher level and create calm and unity in the space."
The Aesthetics of Sustainability
Sustainability beyond technology and energy labels. It is also about aesthetics, choices that last for generations, materials that are preserved and brought back to life. Vivian Hartog, brand strategist and interior designer at Griffe Studio, brings this sustainable vision to life in collaboration with DME and Broersma Werken. Together, they form a powerful trio in which branding, development, and commerce elevate each other to great heights.
The top floor is a place to unwind. Here you will find Verpan's 'Welle' benches — playfully shaped and upholstered in various shades of Birkenstock blue. They invite you to make a phone call, work, or simply relax.
Conscious choices are sustainable
Vivian advocates Sustainability aesthetics and quality. "Sustainability not just about recycling and installing a heat pump. It's also about designing something that is future-proof: high-quality wooden floors, marble countertops, wood carvings that you restore Location demolishing. Reuse, preservation, and finishing are all part of that vision." You could say: "Back to the first shell, the foundation, and how we can preserve and recreate it. With the goal of restoring its monumental status Amsterdam allure."
A balance between classic and modern
The interior deliberately seeks to play with the contrast between old and new. Monumental elements and artistic forms are combined with light colors, natural materials, and the characteristic Birkenstock blue. That blue pops up in unexpected places—and gives each room a bright accent. The furniture, fabrics, and accessories have been carefully selected: think open-weave jute curtains, cork details, wool carpets, and custom cabinets in the shape of the famous Birkenstock sole. Everything exudes craftsmanship, simplicity, and quality. Exactly what the brand stands for.
Organic and inviting
On the first floor, the dining table forms the heart of the space. Not just any table, but a design by Charlotte Perriand: sculptural, organic, and finished in deep blue lacquer that subtly references Birkenstock blue.
Surrounding it are custom-made benches, shaped to match the lines of the table. Soft, round, inviting. This gives the space an informal and warm feel, like a place to get together, discuss things, or just relax for a moment.
In a separate meeting room are Elbow Chairs by Carl Hansen — chairs in oiled oak with dark brown leather. Timeless design with comfort, which can also be used flexibly with other tables in the showroom.
The upholstery plays an important role: the walls are covered with natural fabrics, the curtains have an open structure — almost like linen or jute. Everything feels airy and natural, matching Birkenstock's no-nonsense look.
Art hangs throughout the building. About 80% is by Dutch artists, supplemented by a few strong works from the rest of Europe.
Showroom – A calm foundation, time and time again
The collection is presented in a tailor-made way. Literally. The so-called fixture system is inspired by cubism — with clean lines and modular volumes. This creates an exciting contrast in the monumental space: modern and classic reinforce each other here.
This system is designed to move flexibly with the seasons. A shelf in a different color, a display case to highlight a collaboration — the stage for the shoes changes with the collection. Felt, glass, and wood are the basic materials. The result is a space that can be reinterpreted again and again without losing its tranquility.
Credits:
Photography: Maarten Willemstein for Birkenstock