Studio Visit: Valentin Löllmann
the acclaimed german designer and artist valentin löllmann establishes a studio in maastricht that defies all the conventions of a creative workspace.
“‘You don’t need to have all the answers immediately; you find them along the way’ ”
'I would love for someone who has nothing to do with art and happens to drive by to think: hey, what’s that unusual place? And to be inspired or motivated by it in their very own way,' says Valentin Loellmann (1983) about his unique workshop on the outskirts of Maastricht, which is decked out in a vibrant earth tone. The gigantic concrete building, with its geometric window framework and bronze-gold external staircase, immediately catches the eye. In 2019, he purchased the property, an old gas factory from 1912. The site spans roughly 7000 m2, transformed into a Mediterranean garden adorned with Roman pine trees. Amidst the greenery stands a sculpture by his father, a ceramic artist. 'I grew up in a creative family,' Valentin affirms.
Born and raised on a farm with horses and a vegetable garden just outside the German city of Basel, Valentin studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Maastricht. After graduating, he quickly gained international acclaim with his enchanting, sculptural artworks designed for everyday use. His handmade furniture and art pieces, characterized by flowing silhouettes, often feature dark woods such as charred oak and smoked walnut paired with polished and patinated metal. His award-winning work has been showcased at renowned fairs like Art Basel, PAD Paris, and Salone del Mobile in Milan. In addition to his signature design pieces, he also creates interior designs on commission. Notably, he designed the Aesop store with custom-made washbasins in a monumental 17th-century building in Amsterdam.
Loellmann's studio rises from a surrounding pond. This pond was actually the starting point for the transformation of this place, the designer explains. 'Water is a very important element. It brings tranquility and transforms the entire interior.' Through the generous south-facing windows, a reflection plays across the walls and ceilings all day long. The light, the reflection, and the movement of the water are constantly changing. It's a very natural addition to the building, and that's what I love about it. On the water, sound is carried further, amplified, and then muted again. When you sit outside on the terrace, it feels like an entirely different world – as if you're by the sea or a swimming pool. Bodies of water have a lot of weight and power, and you can sense that when you're near,' he explains. Plants drape over the adjacent glass building – 'still under construction' – giving the entire space the appearance of a hanging garden. Nature is an essential part of Valentin's artistic being. 'But that seems self-evident,' says the designer. 'Nature subconsciously affects us all. Personally, I don't thrive in busy environments or cities; they just make me restless. My inspiration has to come from within, which is why I need a calming, natural environment. I never seek inspiration from external sources. I work intuitively, based on how I feel.'
His workdays vary. Although he can now leave the craftsmanship to his talented team members, that’s not how Loellmann thrives. ‘We have a lot of business matters to handle. But I generally try to spend as little time in the office or on the computer as possible, preferring to get hands-on every day. I need to do the physical work and see immediate results – even if it’s just cutting a plank in half, which might spark a new idea – otherwise, I get frustrated. We don't use templates; every piece is unique, so we're constantly coming up with something new.’ He likes to play music while working: jazz, which he grew up with, live piano – ‘sometimes we invite pianists for mini-concerts’ – but also other genres.
While Valentin describes Maastricht as a charming, small city with a close-knit community, it wasn’t his intention to stay. ‘I don’t actually have much affinity with the Netherlands,’ he admits. ‘I ended up here by chance because of my studies, but I’ve always worked abroad. Dutch Design isn’t necessarily my thing, and I was never part of that scene. I’ve always worked a bit under the radar here. Until now, that is. With this distinctive building, which almost forms the "entrance to the city" when you walk or drive to the town's center, I'm being asked by locals and visitors to explain what this building is for and what I'm establishing here.'
A few years ago, he was planning to move to London or Paris, both bustling metropolises conveniently close to his client base. But that trajectory shifted when he conceived the idea of a versatile space to foster inspiration, and the city of Maastricht presented him with an opportunity. 'They suggested this building, a national monument. Initially, I was reluctant because monuments like these usually come with a plethora of regulations. But they left the keys with me and said, "Why don’t you take a look...?" It truly was a ruin, but as soon as I stepped inside, it clicked. It’s a building with tremendous history, yet because it had been empty for so long, the energy felt quite neutral. What ultimately surprised me was how cooperative the city was, how open they were to my plans to completely reinvent the place. Perhaps they were just relieved that someone dared to take on a project of such scale.'
It was indeed a risky venture that demanded substantial investment. 'Economically, it seemed absurd to keep pouring money into something without expecting returns. But I managed to pull it off, and it has been received with great enthusiasm,' recounts Valentin.
For this project, location isn't the only important factor. Valentin and his team have been secretly working on a 'digital version' of his atelier. Exactly how this will come to fruition remains to be seen. This virtual studio will provide access to Loellmann’s unique world of experiences, designed to spark the imagination. 'No AI, where existing images are used to create something new. It’s quite the opposite. But as a designer, you’re always looking ahead, and I want to bridge the gap between the physical and the digital,' he explains.
Back to reality. After three years of restoration, the bustling workshop on the ground floor has come to life. However, the ultimate vision for the entire building is still a work in progress. 'That's also not the intention at all. It's a work in progress, and that’s part of the chaotic, creative process. You don’t need to have all the answers immediately; you find them along the way.'
Envision an entirely new setting on the top floor, crafted to be both innovative and sensually stimulating. This space is designed to inspire groundbreaking ideas and encourage visitors to undertake something truly novel. It’s an environment that beckons the inception of fresh, unprecedented initiatives and endeavors. Most of all, it should be an autonomous hub for community building. 'This is the true future of this building,' says the designer. 'Not retreating to an isolated island like a hermit, but sharing a space that invites collaboration and discussions on how we can make better choices for future generations.' There is no nameplate on the door, no doorbell, and for now, you can just walk in spontaneously. But in time, they will also start hosting special events there.
'My work is not accessible to everyone,' Valentin explains. 'I am grateful for my loyal clientele, many of whom are collectors, which allows me to do what I do here. However, I have grown tired of working exclusively for a small elite. My business is thriving, I have a substantial bank account, but money is not my driving force. I want to create something with a purpose, something that is accessible to a wider audience.'
His team is busy setting up offices, galleries, incubation spaces, and meeting places for the top floor. Loellmann says, 'We didn't apply for any subsidies; I funded everything with my own financial resources. It's a risk, but it also means I am not pressured to have a fixed plan. That freedom is very important to me, and to the development of this space.'
How does he manage it all? He smiles: 'I am someone who isn't risk-averse and who loves an adventure. At the core of what I do in my daily work is making the impossible possible. You are constantly looking for solutions. My business, and this building, have grown significantly, which brings with it a sense of responsibility. I do feel that pressure, but fortunately, I tend to take things lightly and don't take myself too seriously.' That approach clearly has paid off.
valentinloellmann.de
