Architecture
11/12/2015
Meeting Raymond Niesen
Loft.lu went to meet Raymond Niesen, owner of Burotrend and Beckstreet Five : two major players in furniture design in Luxembourg. Over a cup of tea, we discussed the evolution of design in Luxembourg, the values of his companies and his passion for art and collecting.
Burotrend was founded in 1984 by Raymond Niesen and Guy Lamesch, two colleagues eager to set up on their own. Already working as decorators in an office equipment company, their plan was to offer much more design-oriented office furniture while giving ergonomics an important place. « We wanted to develop our convictions to move away from the constraints of the sixties and seventies ». Thus, for 32 years, Burotrend has established itself as the specialist in office fitting and offers designer and high-end furniture (desks, armchairs, chairs, partitions, storage spaces…) to professionals.
Burotrend, 32 years of exacting standards
If Burotrend has been active in the Luxembourg market for 32 years, it is largely because its team works with passion. « We love our work. Every order is a success. We are satisfied when the customer is ». Among Burotrend’s landmark projects is the Cité Judiciaire, furnished entirely with USM furniture. And more recently, Burotrend won the BGL BNP Paribas project, with some 2200 workstations to fit out.
Burotrend works with respect for designers. « You will not find counterfeits at Burotrend. Here, we fight to offer the genuine article, the original design, so of course it comes at a price, but it retains its value over the years ». While Burotrend is constantly looking for new design, timeless pieces can also be found there. « We still sell products today that were conceived in the 50s. Thus, the Eames Chair dates from 1956 but moves through the ages without showing its age. It is a masterpiece of design ».
Similarly, Burotrend does not skimp on quality. « Our quality criteria are very high : craftsmanship, choice of leather, cushioning, wood finishes, metal treatment… everything must be perfect. We take care to surround ourselves with manufacturers who have the same exacting standards as we do ». Thus, Burotrend works with trusted suppliers such as Vitra, Bene, Fritz Hansen, Knoll…
Burotrend was founded in 1984 by Raymond Niesen and Guy Lamesch, two colleagues eager to set up on their own. Already working as decorators in an office equipment company, their plan was to offer much more design-oriented office furniture while giving ergonomics an important place. « We wanted to develop our convictions to move away from the constraints of the sixties and seventies ». Thus, for 32 years, Burotrend has established itself as the specialist in office fitting and offers designer and high-end furniture (desks, armchairs, chairs, partitions, storage spaces…) to professionals.
Burotrend, 32 years of exacting standards
If Burotrend has been active in the Luxembourg market for 32 years, it is largely because its team works with passion. « We love our work. Every order is a success. We are satisfied when the customer is ». Among Burotrend’s landmark projects is the Cité Judiciaire, furnished entirely with USM furniture. And more recently, Burotrend won the BGL BNP Paribas project, with some 2200 workstations to fit out.
Burotrend works with respect for designers. « You will not find counterfeits at Burotrend. Here, we fight to offer the genuine article, the original design, so of course it comes at a price, but it retains its value over the years ». While Burotrend is constantly looking for new design, timeless pieces can also be found there. « We still sell products today that were conceived in the 50s. Thus, the Eames Chair dates from 1956 but moves through the ages without showing its age. It is a masterpiece of design ».
Similarly, Burotrend does not skimp on quality. « Our quality criteria are very high : craftsmanship, choice of leather, cushioning, wood finishes, metal treatment… everything must be perfect. We take care to surround ourselves with manufacturers who have the same exacting standards as we do ». Thus, Burotrend works with trusted suppliers such as Vitra, Bene, Fritz Hansen, Knoll…
Beckstreet Five, a natural extension
Nearly 12 years ago, Burotrend diversified and created Beckstreet Five, a company offering designer furniture to private customers. Catering to connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike, Beckstreet Five presents the finest creations in classic and contemporary furniture. When Mr Niesen created Beckstreet Five, it was first and foremost a question of visibility : « Burotrend is based in Hollerich; people do not come here by chance but rather by appointment. Our beautiful designer objects were not displayed to their best advantage, and we looked for a showcase for them in town ».
But Raymond Niesen quickly saw the potential of such exposure and decided to offer his services to private customers. Today, Beckstreet Five employs two interior architects who support clients in decorating their interiors. For Raymond Niesen, it is ultimately an activity that complements Burotrend’s : « a bank director who asks us to fit out his offices and is satisfied with our services thinks of us when he needs to furnish his home. A relationship of trust develops. Similarly, Beckstreet Five’s private customers come back to us to fit out their business premises. It works both ways, and that is why it was important to do it ».
A man of passion
Mr Niesen is passionate about design and art in general. At just 16, he began training as a decorator. « Since then, I have always been confronted with shapes, colours, trends… it was part of my life. I have constantly been in search of good design and true design ». Raymond Niesen has a bit of an artistic side himself, but he is above all a collector. « I collect art, particularly contemporary art. And naturally, I also collect designer furniture. I have one main principle: whenever production of a model stops, I keep the last example ».
As his tastes are very eclectic, he cannot say which style of design he feels closest to. « My heart is divided; there are fabulous Scandinavian products, brilliant Italian products… and Asian countries are now also showcasing great talents ». But, on digging a little deeper, one senses a passion for the leading names in design : Le Corbusier, Eames… « These designers were able to imagine pieces that have become legendary because they offer a perfect balance between what is beautiful and, above all, well made. Owning one brings a certain pride. It is a passion; more than that, it is love ».
Nearly 12 years ago, Burotrend diversified and created Beckstreet Five, a company offering designer furniture to private customers. Catering to connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike, Beckstreet Five presents the finest creations in classic and contemporary furniture. When Mr Niesen created Beckstreet Five, it was first and foremost a question of visibility : « Burotrend is based in Hollerich; people do not come here by chance but rather by appointment. Our beautiful designer objects were not displayed to their best advantage, and we looked for a showcase for them in town ».
But Raymond Niesen quickly saw the potential of such exposure and decided to offer his services to private customers. Today, Beckstreet Five employs two interior architects who support clients in decorating their interiors. For Raymond Niesen, it is ultimately an activity that complements Burotrend’s : « a bank director who asks us to fit out his offices and is satisfied with our services thinks of us when he needs to furnish his home. A relationship of trust develops. Similarly, Beckstreet Five’s private customers come back to us to fit out their business premises. It works both ways, and that is why it was important to do it ».
A man of passion
Mr Niesen is passionate about design and art in general. At just 16, he began training as a decorator. « Since then, I have always been confronted with shapes, colours, trends… it was part of my life. I have constantly been in search of good design and true design ». Raymond Niesen has a bit of an artistic side himself, but he is above all a collector. « I collect art, particularly contemporary art. And naturally, I also collect designer furniture. I have one main principle: whenever production of a model stops, I keep the last example ».
As his tastes are very eclectic, he cannot say which style of design he feels closest to. « My heart is divided; there are fabulous Scandinavian products, brilliant Italian products… and Asian countries are now also showcasing great talents ». But, on digging a little deeper, one senses a passion for the leading names in design : Le Corbusier, Eames… « These designers were able to imagine pieces that have become legendary because they offer a perfect balance between what is beautiful and, above all, well made. Owning one brings a certain pride. It is a passion; more than that, it is love ».
