Tom Bouman
(Falun, Sweden, 1960) DesignerTom Bouman’s career has taken him to Los Angeles and New York where he designed award winning catalogues for Museums and Art galleries. Being window designer for Maxfield and designing for the record industry, he made the cover of Lenny Kravitz’s famous second album as well as covers for INXS, Bob Dylan, DeeLite among many others. The eclectic Bouman has put the fun back into garden furniture, that’s for sure. Not held back by any design rules he made accessories as the Bambisitter and the ultimate Cathouse in 2005. And what about the Broomstik, Merengue and the Hüksed family? A striking range of pieces that has helped put Freeline on the map. Jeroen de Schaaf
(Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 1958) Managing DirectorJeroen de Schaaf started his career as the representative for Dutch Cheese (no less) in North America. After various functions in international sales he took over Freeline in 2000 and immediately started to change the company completely. Garden furniture design was then mainly based on practical solutions; design was non-existent. Jeroen wanted his own collection of high quality designs. He recognized the potential in his family. His wife, her sister and his brother-in-law where already working as designers. Jeroen created an environment for his designers to make head turning designs, while he did research for producing factories in South East Asia. Still very hands on in the production, sales, quality control and all other parts of improving the brand, Jeroen made Freeline into a proud company that has a following all over the world. Inge Schaap Rianne de Schaaf
(Woudrichem, The Netherlands, 1961) DesignerRianne de Schaaf was an obvious choice to help create the Freeline brand since she is married to Jeroen. She was working as an interior decorator/designer before she became known as the sculptor of the Freeline family. The Beskwere set, one of her first Freeline pieces, immediately won the innovation award 2004 in Cologne. The Plu’mo and Hotspot are her brainchildren, they also have her distinct sculptural quality. This year she produced the Twinz, a left and right side version of a cube chair, sitting together towards each other.
(Woudrichem, The Netherlands, 1963) DesignerChasing the American dream with Tom, Inge worked for 3 years as an Art Director for Virgin Records in Los Angeles before moving to New York to help revamp the art department of Atlantic Records. Upon her return in Holland she worked as Head of Creation for the HEMA department store, famous for their cool but no-nonsense communication. She welcomed the opportunity to renew her love for 3-dimensional design by working for Freeline. The Bik-eezy set has her name on it, this year completed by the Fluïd. But she’s more in love with her Croco, “it’s a great piece for petting” she said.