5 Things We Learned... Francine Meerveld
Francine Meerveld runs FELD – an interior architecture studio – in the very cool A Lab community of Amsterdam Noord. Although the city has a variety of creative spaces, A Lab is perhaps my favorite as it brings together start-ups in design, art, and tech to foster collaboration between diverse creative talents. I met Francine last spring to hear about her experience in A Lab and chat on the design scene in Amsterdam. Her warm and friendly energy is well reflected in her work, which embodies playful, bold, and graphic interior designs. Although she started her career in marketing and branding, Francine switched gears to build a career in interior architecture. After working in London and at companies such as Merkx + Girod, Francine founded FELD in Amsterdam, which designs and builds multi-disciplinary projects in commercial and residential sectors.
Here are 5 Things We Learned about Francine.
What made you...you?
At age 29, I experienced a great turning point. At the time I had a nice job in marketing, but it wasn’t something that truly had my passion. Literally through a dream, things changed. I woke up and thought: “What on earth happened to the ideals you had as a kid - fantasizing about your future working life?” That insight was the start of drastically changing direction - following my heart - leading to where I am right now.
When are you happiest?
The moment when architectural design and the clients’ needs come together in synergy. I love the feeling of working in the “flow”: developing a project, creating, recreating and, whilst doing so, forgetting time.
Would you rather have a muse or be a muse?
Being a muse of course! Well, seriously haha - for me personally I don’t see the urgent need of being a muse, but if you look at it from a business perspective, it’s a huge benefit when realized projects appeal to relevant target audiences.
Who do you admire?
Our office is based in a creative hub and I don’t have to look far to meet people I admire. Last week for example, a guy explained his personal wish to have a multi-use sports jacket. He turned this wish from research into a proper business model - now selling high-quality, technical sportswear. To me, that is all about characteristics. I admire people that go out there, show guts and dare to persevere in doing what they believe in.
What is important?
Remembering to enjoy the ride when working towards your goals. For me, it means taking time to paint, experiment, travel, dance - taking time to play!
