As soon as Erik Knops graduates from Erasmus University of Applied Sciences, he makes his dream come true by starting his own business. With the vision of creating luxury, custom-made gardens that reflect the personal style and wishes of clients. Designing gardens combined with construction was a true passion and brought a lot of experience with it.
Joined BNI (Business Club De Watertoren), which allowed Erik to significantly expand his network in a short time. After a year of chairmanship, he ultimately completed a three-year term.
Joining a vibrant network is actually just very beneficial for every young entrepreneur, as it offers opportunities for collaboration, growth, and sharing knowledge and experience.
When Erik was still a player, he made a promise to himself, namely to become a sponsor of his old love, Rugby Club Tilburg. A connection that remains to this day and will never fade!
Knops Garden Design creates the new design for the two commercial buildings of "Villa Media in Tilburg". The challenge was the extensive parking and the limited green space.
Knops succeeds in making a statement with large multi-stemmed mature trees. To this day, this remains a characteristic green spot in the heart of downtown Tilburg.
With the design of a high-end villa garden "White Statements", Knops distinguishes itself with a unique design in the style of architecture.
The white arch element above the swimming pool becomes the basis for general recognition. This project will also appear in the later mentioned books and marks the first collaboration with VSB Wellness, which has proven to be a loyal partner to this day.
Wiel Knops, Erik's father, is increasingly contributing to the company. Initially, he helps with the realization of projects and later takes on the role of facility manager within Knops HQ.
This year, Knops also welcomes several interns, such as Mark and Sofie, who are still present at Knops to this day and have developed into key figures within the agency.
Knops is asked to design the outdoor space of "Bas Truck" from Veghel. This allows Knops to add a new scale to the already extensive portfolio. Customers and employees can still enjoy the sleek, yet certainly practical design every day.
Anne Knops, Erik's wife, will also take on the complete administration and planning from this moment on. This brings more peace and structure within the company and offers the opportunity to grow further.
Start of the design and construction of an exclusive garden ''Sculpted Zen'' at a thatched villa in Brabant. This garden, with a thoughtful play of lines and entirely in Ibiza style, marks the first real collaboration between parties such as Zout Ontwerphuis, Vermeer Architecten, and Geras Aannemersbedrijf. Of course, VSB Wellness must not be missing here.
Additionally, the friendship that has developed between the owners and Erik is of great importance; this has, years later, also contributed to the business successes of Knops Tuindesign.
With the thatched villa, Knops Tuindesign appears in the first book published by Hoog-Design, featuring the edition "Exclusive Garden Design". This is a crowning achievement for Knops and a recognition of the firm in the garden design world.
The project is also presented in other prestigious publications such as "The Art of Living" and "EXCELLENT Magazine", further strengthening Knops' position in the garden design sector.
Over the years, the agency grew into a leading player in the high-end segment of garden designs, characterized by creativity, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
This required not only an expansion of the team but also of the space. A partner and well-known entrepreneur of Erik opened his doors for this opportunity.
Knops Garden Design is participating in the first Art of Living event. Together with 25 partners, they are creating the beautiful inspiration garden 'Elements in Focus'.
This will be a resounding success, where Knops demonstrates that anything is possible and highlights the latest trends and innovations in garden design and construction.
This marks a turning point for Knops Tuindesign. Until now, the agency practiced both realization and design.
With the knowledge of realization in hand, it is time for the next step: only the design, but with guidance towards realization. The large network helps to make this step, and this is not happening without success.
Time for team expansion. The first designers are being hired and also interns are moving up to permanent positions within the agency.
The realization of the villa garden “Serene Luxury” is starting. This project in collaboration with Vermeer Architecten elevates both parties to a higher level. Total architecture at its finest.
With the beautiful thatched villa and the centrally placed swimming pool, this project captivates many high-end followers. Crowned in various books and magazines, it has proven to be a highlight of the year.
Start of the corona pandemic. A very exciting time for Knops as well. Many clients are facing tough times and in the first weeks, assignments even start to fall away.
However, the growing agency knows how to adapt and soon realizes that a new target group is emerging. The Netherlands cannot go on vacation and starts working on their gardens.
A period of high demand presents itself. Knops manages to keep the growing team together and takes steps towards the most exclusive projects throughout the Netherlands.
Hippogarden! If there has been a lot of talk about a project, it is this one. Knops distinguishes itself by creating a garden design with a swimming pond and pool house.
The most remarkable element is, of course, the pink hippo, strategically placed. This striking design has attracted a lot of attention in the media, both from enthusiasts and critics.
Knops invests in various software and workflow improvements. Knops is also taking steps towards further alleviating processes by expanding in drafting work. As a result, even the most complex projects are successfully completed.
A year in which Knops Tuindesign became the owner of its own business premises in Waalwijk. A special step. With a well-known and trusted construction team, a design was created and the renovation began.
A look back at the past years shows that the developments have not been in vain. The important shift from construction to solely designing has led to knowledge of realizations and a true connection with the construction. The growth of Team Knops and all the processes surrounding it are central to the opportunities at this company.
Erik Knops becomes a jury member for the graduates in Garden and Landscape Architecture in Brussels. This role strengthens the ties between the program and Knops Garden Design, and the first graduate is already working at Knops.
Knops has been crossing borders for some time now, with among others the project "Romantic Mediterranean" in Málaga, Spain. The design involves existing architecture with 17 levels, but this is outdated. Knops breathes new life into it and designs a true paradise that will be realized by local parties in the coming years.
Knops designs a high-end villa garden with a unique swimming pool that you can even see into! This challenging project, "Lucid Luxury Garden", is being realized by Knops together with Vermeer Architects, Geras Construction Company, and VSB Wellness. This project is extensively covered in various trade magazines and media, particularly due to its extension in total architecture.
On Ibiza, the team at Knops Tuindesign designs the unique multilayered garden "Seaview Wellness". An exclusive design where luxury, nature, and the sea view come together in harmonious fashion.
The design "Tender Lines" is finally coming to life! This project, which brings architecture from the inside out, emphasizes soft lines that enhance the design. With an infinity pool and a matching infinity mirror pond, this will become a true work of art in the outdoor space.
The opening of a new, modern office to support the company's growth and enhance the creative processes. Focused on inspiration and the experience of Knops, this provides the opportunity to grow within the doors and offer a true experience to the customers.
In 2024, Knops Tuindesign made a significant step in expanding the team, contributing to the further growth and professionalization of the agency, and its ability to tackle increasingly complex and larger projects.
WANT TO BE PART OF OUR FUTURE? WE CAN'T SAY NO TO TALENT
Owner Erik Knops is invited to Stockholm to give a presentation about his design agency, projects, and approach. This is for a selection of over 70 (landscape) architects. A huge honor and a fantastic opportunity to share his vision and creativity with an international audience!
Knops travels with Eric Kuster's team to Geneva for a new high-end project. In the coming years, we will surely see a lot more of this!
In collaboration with Eric Kuster, Knops is heading to Marbella for various new projects, including one of the largest foreign projects to date: designing a true compound. This project promises to be a unique mix of luxury and functionality, and we can't wait to see the result!
