VANTOT

For Dutch duo VANTOT, it’s all in the name. Literally translated from Dutch to mean ‘from to’, VANTOT focuses on the entire process, starting with a technique and ending with the product. The pair, Sam & Esther, strives to find new applications for innovations in everyday life, and it’s not only new-found technologies which have seized their interest. Serving as a guiding light in the duo’s work, antiquated techniques are put to good use in modern day outlets, mutually benefiting from today’s updated knowledge base. Take electricity. Although light bulbs have been around for centuries, innovations – such as the rise of the LEDs –  have made continuous evolution possible. And today, electronic devices operate on much lower voltages than ever before, significantly decreasing its hazardous aspects. While direct contact with electricity – and light – used to be a no go, recent developments illuminate completely new realms for the old technology. We have partners where we closely collaborate with for many years. They have all unique expertises and are willing to reset boundaries with us. We aim for long lasting relationships with them, creating knowledge and new opportunities together. You can think of the craftsman we work with while blowing the glass and the technicians of the innovative research centre for applying solar panels. This way we can stay a small organisation, with a big impact and flexible team to work with.  This way we always aim for the best possible team for the design. Next to that we have partners that believe in us and our work. They adopt the work or we develop new work together with them. Currently there are several brands who produce and promote our work world wide. As mentioned before we imagine our team not to be big. We would like to surround us with expertise. Anyhow we wouldn’t be where we are without our team. We are constantly surrounded by a product developer and sales strategist. Next to that we have every half year two internship positions available. Lighting design Indoor lighting Outdoor lighting Light installations Product design Create poetry Spatial design (interior) Research in crafts techniques Research in high-tech & innovative techniques Light experiences Solar integration ​ ​ From Wageningen, Esther Jongsma met Breda-born Sam van Gurp while studying in Eindhoven. After graduation, Jongsma and van Gurp fused their shared interests together, co-founding a workshop in 2015 in Eindhoven’s industrial district-turned-creative breeding ground, Sectie C. Working under the moniker Vantot, the duo conceives projects inspired by industrial processes and technical developments, while making sure to ground the creations with a dose of humanised innovation. Electricity is a prevalent fixture in Jongsma and van Gurp’s designs, and aligns with the pair’s belief that the role of a designer is to connect past and present craftsmanship as well as different industries. Bachelor in Design, Design Academy Eindhoven, 2014 Socratic Dialogue, 2017 Basis Didactische Bevoegdheid, 2017 Basis Kwalificatie Examinering, 2017 Winner – Design Intelligence Award, 2023 Nominee – Dezeen, Shortlisted Lighting Design, 2023 Winner – Dezeen, Emerging Designer of the Year, Envisions 2018 Nominee – New Material Awards, Envisions 2018 Winner – Wild Card Design District, 2017 Nominee – Creative Heroes Award, Envisions 2017 Nominee – Dutch Design Award, Best Design Research, Envisions 2017 Nominee – Keep an Eye Grant, Envisions 2017 Nominee – Pure Talent Contest, 2014 Nominee – Keep an Eye Grand, best project, 2013 Nominee – Milkyway price, best talent, 2013 Solo expositie, Club C, Sectie C during Dutch Design Week, 2021 Solo expositie, Kazerne Gallery Eindhoven, 2021 Dutch Design Week, 2012 t/m 2021 Londen Design Week, 2017, 2018 Dubai Design Week, 2018 Design District, 2017 Designkwartier, 2017 Solo expositie Milaan, 2017 IDS Vancouver, 2016 Starthing Something Beijing, 2013 Designwanted 2021  – Leds are stealing the spotlight thanks to Dutch Design duo VANTOT 1st dibs 2021 – This Dutch Design Studio Is Showing Off LEDs in a Whole New Light Metropolismag 2018 – Design Duo Vantot Wants to Reinvent How We Use LEDs Luceplan VDL Brauw Blackstone Westbroek Microsoft Twitter Municipality of Eindhoven Lowlands Paleis ‘t Loo Crown hotel Hyatt hotel H&H Porcurement LLC Finasi Momo Designgroup Coronado Interiors DCW Editions Eikelenboom BV