Tjip Studio is a Belgian design firm founded in 2012 by Jakob Vyncke and Thomas Meesschaert. As a professional interior architectural design studio, Tjip has always adhered to the belief of "obtaining fresh ideas and creating respectable designs through endless creativity".

Yinjispace：How do you see the popularity of minimalism?

For us, minimalism is timeless. We start from a sober canvas: a clearly-defined floor plan that sets out simple lines and a circulation that feels natural. We add authentic, sober materials that become more beautiful with time. This interpretation of minimalism appeals to many people because it exudes a tranquility. The places we design are places where people can relax and unwind. We always approach a project very sincerely and soberly. Above all, the result must feel good. Nothing should demand attention. Form, material, nature and light are in harmony. 

This interpretation of minimalism has always existed, and we believe it always will. Today, minimalism has become much more accessible to a large group of people. That won't change anymore, because in today's rat race, nature and our interiors are often the only places where we can surround ourselves with tranquility.

Yinjispace：In your work: how do you see the relationship between space and material?

Tjip：In our designs, you recognize a natural flow. Nothing feels forced. You don't feel our hand as an interior designer because first and foremost we work hard to create a floor plan that feels right. In a second phase, we add materials to the project such as wood, stone, quiet colors and natural tones that create a timeless whole. We always choose the materials to suit the place, the project and the people we are designing for. The materials we use get a beautiful patina from using them. That way, the design evolves in time. 

Yinjispace：Your favorite design master? How does he influence your design thinking?

Tjip：We find the work of Studio Mumbai and Norm Architects very inspiring. Their approach goes beyond designing what is between four walls. It is about nature, environment, architecture and interior design. Everything is brought into harmony with each other. Purity prevails, the ballast has been thrown overboard. Their projects have nothing to do with prestige and luxury in the sense of expensive materials. The beauty lies in the essence and harmony of surroundings, forms and materials. This is also what we find so impressive in the work of Axel Vervoordt. He creates a beautiful dialogue between space, materialization, modern art and antiques. What all of these designers have in common is the quest for sincere architecture and interior design.

Yinjispace：How to solve the relationship between space and nature? The relationship with light?

Tjip：Nature is the most beautiful work of art there is. Therefore, we want to integrate interior and nature with each other. Materials and colors from the environment find their way inside. In a project with a view of the North Sea, for example, we used many off-white tones that are reflected in the sea, sand and shells. For a house in the middle of the forest, we would use a completely different material and color palette. We also pay a lot of attention to the way nature is framed from the home. Beautiful views of nature are central to the design. The same applies vice versa: we make sure you get beautiful views of the project from nature. 

The way daylight enters our projects is particularly important. Every design starts with determining the north. That way we can determine which light enters which space at a certain time of the day. But it goes beyond that. Evening and night are also important. Often we come home when the sun has already set. With artificial light we want to create the right atmospheres in the evening as well. The artificial light should enhance and enrich the materials in the different spaces. 

Yinjispace：How many people are there in your studio? How many projects are completed each year on average?

Tjip：We are a team of four people. Ten years ago Jakob Vyncke and Thomas Meesschaert founded Tjip. Now Hanne Tommelein and Soetkin Taghon have joined our team. We complete about 10 interior projects a year.