Bea Joppen in Sabato
Bea Joppen is featured in the 3 October 2026 edition of Sabato. In the magazine’s Kennis van maken series, journalist Jorik Leemans speaks with Bram Verheyen about our family atelier, the pleasure of discovering how furniture is built, and the enduring value of working by hand.
The interview traces our beginnings to the family kitchen, where Bea started the business twenty years ago. While Bram did his homework at the table, she reupholstered furniture beside him. That early curiosity eventually brought him into the atelier, where he now works alongside Bea, his sister Fien and our team.
At the heart of the conversation is a fascination with design. Taking a chair apart reveals decisions that usually remain hidden: how its structure supports the body, how its components connect, and how upholstery gives it its final shape. From a rare Seagull Chair to the construction of Vico Magistretti’s Maralunga, these discoveries continue to make our work rewarding.
The feature also explores our collaborations with contemporary designers, including Linde Freya Tangelder of Destroyers/Builders and Tim Vranken, alongside recent projects for FUNK and Fuzz. Each brings a different set of questions to the workshop, creating opportunities to exchange ideas and develop our craft.
Looking ahead, Bram reflects on the place of handwork in an increasingly digital world. His confidence lies in specialist knowledge, curiosity and the care that goes into making something well. These are the values behind our work, with the aim of giving furniture many more years of use.
Publication: Sabato, 3 October 2026
Text: Jorik Leemans
Photography: Alexander D’Hiet