How it started
Niek started collecting in his early childhood. Seashells and stones became West-Germany ceramic vases and finally 20th century art and design. Although accepted to study at the Design Academy Eindhoven, he chose architecture at the Technical University of Delft. The large architectural scale enabled him to design and think on a broader level, while his interest in furniture allowed him to zoom in. In 2011 he started his own company, selling vintage and contemporary design and realizing interior projects.
COLLECTOR
Next to his bachelor and master studies, Niek expanded his knowledge and explored other views by taking on internships for The Rijksgebouwendienst and leading Dutch architecture magazine De architect. As part of his masters he participated in a project by Belgian architecture firm De Vinck Vylder Taljeu and in 2013 he studied at Parsons the New School in New York. In his own time he was asked to furnish buildings for the Dutch government and collaborated with upcoming dutch designers Mae Engelgeer and Dirk vamper Kooij to create custom pieces for these projects. His professional knowledge developed further with experiences working at Gagosian Gallery New York and taking courses at Sotheby’s London and The Node Center for Curatorial Studies in Berlin.
CURATOR
The narrative has always been the focus point in Niek’s work, taking the architectural space as a starting point and adding elements and objects within that space to tell a story. In 2011 Niek worked on his first museum exhibition, assisting with the curation of a show dedicated to the furniture collection of the faculty of architecture of Delft. After this first exhibition about chairs, others followed with Berlage Godfather of Dutch Design (Beurs van Berlage, 2016), Design is my Religion is my design (in collaboration with Cuypershuis, 2017) and Dreamland (Art The Hague, 2020). His interest in writing led to articles for WOTH, Residence Magazine, COLLECT Magazine and The Dutch Design Foundation.
THE MILLEN HOUSE
In 2021 Niek decided to bring together all these experiences and interests and create something new: The Millen House. Not just a shop or gallery but a place to get inspiration, to browse or purchase amazing curated items and to learn more about the story behind these items. So when are you coming for coffee?
CLIENT ADVISORY
The Millen House can help you curate your interior. Over the years Niek has worked on the the concept and realisation of both private and commercial projects in New York, Paris, London, Ibiza, Amsterdam and more. Niek advises on the spacial concept, interior design and art curation, working as creative director or sparrings partner. The Millen House has an extensive international network of dealers and collectors. Looking for a specific item? We can help you find that one unique piece for your project or collection.