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Ries Meertens
Business coach for architects & designers - Leadership & entrepreneurship - Experienced entrepreneur and sparring partner - Senior coach, lector & trainer - Strategy, positioning & sales - Management & organisation -
Professional Background
Ries Meertens is an accomplished coach and mentor specializing in elevating leadership and entrepreneurship within the creative industry, particularly for those involved in architecture and design. With over 25 years of professional experience as a designer and co-owner of various prominent agencies, Ries has cultivated a wealth of knowledge and expertise that he now extends to creative professionals striving to realize their ambitions. He understands the intricacies of running a successful business within this niche market, providing insightful, practical solutions for enhancing business operations and leadership capabilities.
At present, Ries operates as a business coach for architects and designers at his own practice, Coaching Creative Companies, where he offers tailored coaching sessions, strategic advice, and in-company training. His engaging and straightforward approach has earned him the trust of over 150 clients since 2010, demonstrating a proven track record of helping individuals and teams overcome challenges and develop their businesses efficiently and effectively.
Ries’s philosophy centers on practical insights, business management tools, and a no-nonsense mentoring style that prioritizes clear, actionable outcomes. He believes that leadership can be designed, organizations can be professionalized, and most importantly, work can be enjoyable again.
Education and Achievements
Ries’s educational journey is a testament to his commitment to personal and professional development. He studied Industrial Design at the esteemed Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam, a cornerstone that laid the foundation for his career in design. Furthering his expertise, he pursued a variety of additional studies including a Certificate in Lean-Learn Management at LearningWaves and a foundational training in Agile/Scrum at the Agile Scrum Group, enhancing his management capabilities in the fast-paced creative landscape.
He has also completed a masterclass in Contextmapping at Muzus Academy and executive education courses focused on the office market at the Amsterdam School of Real Estate, demonstrating his dedication to fusion of design thinking and strategic business acumen.
Ries's extensive educational background equips him to address a myriad of topics related to entrepreneurial scaling, leadership strategies, and organizational development in the creative sector.
Notable Contributions
- Coaching and Mentorship: As a dedicated business coach, Ries has mentored architects, designers, and design teams, helping them navigate complex business challenges through personalized coaching and guidance.
- Lecturing: Ries has shared his expertise as a lecturer at various esteemed institutions, including a role as a lecturer for the master elective “Build your Design Consultancy” at TU Delft. Additionally, he has served as a business coach with the BNO (Beroepsorganisatie Nederlandse Ontwerpers), contributing to the professional development of designers and enhancing their strategic capabilities in business.
- Leadership Roles: Ries has held significant leadership positions such as Managing Partner at Kraaijvanger Architects, where he demonstrated his ability to marry creativity with business acumen effectively.
- Founding Member: As a co-owner and founder of MMID, a full-service design team, he played a crucial role in establishing the firm’s reputation within the design community, showcasing his ability to blend business strategies with design innovation.
Through his impressive career thus far, Ries Meertens has established himself as a key figure in the creative industry, recognized for his expertise in coaching, mentorship, and strategic development. His passion for helping businesses thrive is evident in every facet of his work, making him a sought-after partner for architects and designers seeking to enhance both their leadership capabilities and business operations.
