ONE WEEK ABOUT Driving Dutch Design by curator Patrick Aarts Sen (BNO). Over the next few days, we show the Drivers of 2025, Dirk Ettema is one of them.
Fewer, better things
Reducing our impact on the world by surrounding ourselves with fewer, but better objects: ones that have been chosen with care and build to last a lifetime. My name is Dirk Ettema and this is my goal as designer and creator of bespoke furniture and interiors under the label ‘dirk’.
In my designs, I like to stretch the possibilities of what wood can do. In the workshop, I combine modern machines and production techniques with a love for traditional hand tool woodworking. Thanks to my background as an industrial product designer, I am equipped with an extensive knowledge of the constructive and physical properties of the materials and processes I work with. The mixture of technical knowledge, modern techniques and traditional craftsmanship gives me the opportunity to explore new forms.
Having my own studio allows me to take on the complete process, from the very first ask of the client up to the installation. I try to engage my clients in every step, so they get to know the production journey as well as receive a tailor-made end product. In addition, I try to share my passion for the craft by giving woodworking courses. Altogether, I hope to renew the appreciation for durable, unique objects build with skills and passion.
Driving Dutch Design programme
This year I participated in the Driving Dutch Design programme. As an industrial designer, I am used to a very technical and client-serving approach of the design process. I am trying to create more room for my own language as a designer. Driving Dutch Design has helped enormously in analyzing my dreams and figuring out how to incorporate these into a long-term strategy for the company. On top of this, I have gotten to meet a whole class of other designers whom I now consider my friends. The conversations with the other drivers bring at least as much knowledge and insights as the program itself.
Driving Dutch Design
Driving Dutch Design is the professionalisation and networking programme of the Dutch design sector that helps driven designers get started in the world of creative entrepreneurship. Besides Design your business and Design your identity for startups, in 2025 there is also DDD Next Level for mid-career designers.
The organisation is in the hands of the BNO and the programme is supported by Stichting Stokroos and the Cultuurfonds, thanks in part to the Ahrend Fonds.
