Aiden T

Founded in 2006 by Dutch principal designer Arjan Nijen Twilhaar, boutique interior design firm Aiden T begins every project “with a spark—a feeling we want the space to evoke”. This is because, in Nijen Twilhaar’s words, design is not just about how a space looks, but “how it makes you feel”, an instinctive reaction backed by research and reflection.

The firm is made up of just four designers and two drafters, constituting quite the lean team. They work closely with their curated network of contractors and suppliers, carefully choosing manpower and products according to the unique needs of each project and to the fulfilment of the homeowner’s vision. “Our role is to act as a true consultant, guiding clients through the design process with complete transparency and flexibility,” Nijen Twilhaar shares.

In his design process, he finds himself drawn to tactility and materiality. Moreover, he has always held a firm belief that good design should be sustainable and long-lasting, often looking to the past for inspiration and distilling it to its essence before reimagining it with a modern point of view. “It’s about creating something honest, enduring, and deeply personal.”

What sets Aiden T apart is the team’s willingness to break from convention. Every project is rooted in research and driven by a clear narrative that the designers carry through from concept to completion. Craftsmanship plays a central role in their interiors as well, whether it’s in the shape of antique pieces or something bespoke. “I’m always the proudest of the projects that stretch boundaries and the clients who trust us enough to let the process unfold naturally,” the founder tells us. “That shared sense of creativity and curiosity is what keeps our work evolving.” Currently, the firm has a wide variety of projects in the works, from corporate and medical interiors to new build homes involving everything from façade design to detailed space planning.

Looking back, Nijen Twilhaar sees how starting his own firm gave him the freedom to shape his own path and explore “a more fluid way of working”. It also opened the door to projects and collaborations that continue to keep his work fresh and meaningful. “We’re now developing sustainable building materials with the goal of integrating them into homes that reflect a sense of quiet luxury,” he shares. These include ceiling details made from rice husk, tiles crafted from human waste, and rugs produced from recycled PET. In addition to this, the team is also working with traditional craftsmen to create bespoke features that honour heritage while embracing innovation. “Honestly, I still believe our most exciting work is yet to come.”