Our Team


active Team

Olivier Beys

Jumpstarted Tournevie in Brussels. When he's not working at the European Parliament on circular economy related challenges, he's probably riding a bike, eating hummus or helping out at Tournevie.

Does: communication, administration, networking, lending desk and more.

Contact him here.

Thomas Opsomer Tournevie's Premier Tool NinjaWith a decade as a Makita product specialist under his belt, Thomas can name each single part of a hammer drill in Latin. From the very start, he steered Tournevie towards the most durable tools. He curre…

Thomas Opsomer

With a decade as a Makita product specialist under his belt, Thomas can name each single part of a hammer drill in Latin.

From the very start, he steered Tournevie towards the most durable tools. He currently divides his time between iFixit, Tournevie, and contract work under the brand name Toppunt - a not-so-subtle hint at his perfectionist side.

Does: tool procurement, repairs, technical support & training

Contact him here.

Maarten Depypere Engineer On the RoadAfter getting his PhD, he wandered around the world, before settling in Brussels and spearheading Tournevie, among other things.Having returned from yet another tour around the world, he is back with a healthy do…

Maarten Depypere

After getting his PhD, he wandered around the world, before settling in Brussels and spearheading Tournevie, among other things.

Next to his involvement in Tournevie, he is now working for Aksent vzw, a non-profit creating a positive social impact in Schaarbeek and Evere.

Does: lending desk, administration, IT development and more

Contact him here.

Jana Žůrková Alice in the Wonderland of ToolsCzech girl trying to find her way around Brussels. Luckily enough her way led through Tournevie, where she enjoys meeting local people and learning the basics of "toolosophy".Job-wise, she's dedicated to …

Jana Žůrková

Czech girl trying to find her way around Brussels. Luckily enough her way led through Tournevie, where she enjoys meeting local people and learning the basics of "toolosophy".

Job-wise, she's dedicated to having people reuse things which other people intend to get rid of, also known as waste.

Does: lending desk, visual communication

 
Willemien Meijer The carpentressWillemien has moved south from the Netherlands and is planning on learning carpentry and everything there is to know about woodworking. In the meantime, she helps out at Tournevie lending desk to be in tune with the m…

Willemien Meijer

Willemien is a young woodworker with six years of experience restoring and making furniture, with a focus on wood. She uses different techniques to give the furniture a playful character.

After two years of set construction at the Brussels opera 'La Monnaie', she works at Tournevie as coordinator of the tool library and gives training courses in woodworking.

Does: lending desk coordination and course trainings

Contact her here

Michel Van der Auwera The retired handymanMichel has travelled the high seas of tools & construction work in a lifetime career that has provided him with just the right skills for volunteer work at Tournevie.Michel comes all the way down from St…

Michel Van der Auwera

Michel has travelled the high seas of tools & construction work in a lifetime career that has provided him with just the right skills for volunteer work at Tournevie.

Michel comes all the way down from Sterrebeek, located outside of the Brussels Capital Region, which goes to show his commitment!

Does: lending desk

Diego Muñoz García Zeroanodino from MurciaDiego has studied Fine Arts in Granada, Spain, and Sculpture in Liège. After travels in Germany he has landed in Brussels a few years ago.  He combines all kinds of different techniques in visual arts, as hi…

Diego Muñoz García

Diego has studied Fine Arts in Granada, Spain, and Sculpture in Liège. After travels in Germany he has landed in Brussels a few years ago.

He combines all kinds of different techniques in visual arts, as his personal website amply testifies.

Does: lending desk

Rabih

After a career in international humanitarian aid and having worked in challenging circumstances all over the world, Rabih has settled in Brussels for now.

He’s now managing the tool library and the overall administration of the organisation.

Does: lending desk, coordination, finances

Contact him here.

 
Stéphanie Bouteille The Tool Maiden of OrléansStéphanie migrated from France, not for fiscal reasons, but to pursue a career in the thriving Brussels music industry.After running the show at Botanique, she now commands control over contemporary musi…

Stéphanie Bouteille

Stéphanie migrated from France to pursue a career in the thriving Brussels music industry.

After running the show at Botanique, she now commands control over contemporary music production at Ars Musica.

Does: accounting and managing our instagram account.

Alex Andersen The Danish PolyglotAfter retiring from a career in translating, Alex decided to stay in Brussels. He's one of those with a knack with tools, and drops by to lend his experience to our members.You can find him at the Tournevie antenna i…

Alex Andersen

After retiring from a career in translating, Alex decided to stay in Brussels. He's one of those with a knack with tools, and drops by to lend his experience to our members.

Does: lending desk

Francesco ZeniDoes: lending desk

Francesco Zeni

Francesco was and still is one of our power users. He borrowed so many tools that he decided to give his time in return after (most?) of the work was finished.

He works for the Commission in legal affairs. But, contrary to stereotypes, legal experts such as Francesco also know how wield tools expertly!

Does: lending desk

Andreas Frijdal Il dottore olandeseAndreas travels on and off between Tuscany, Italy and Brussels, Belgium, where he hibernates in winter. He also built his own house, so rest assured that he knows a thing or two about (our) tools. Since the corona …

Andreas Frijdal

Andreas travels on and off between Tuscany, Italy and Brussels, Belgium, where he hibernates in winter.

He also built his own house, so rest assured that he knows a thing or two about (our) tools.

Does: lending desk

 

Aron Zuiker

After his carpentry internship Aron wanted a job only 1-min walking from Tournevie. Now he is working on the future European electricity grid and tries to squeeze in the occasional furniture building project in the workshop.

Does: lending desk

Veronica ArduinoDoes: lending desk

Veronica Arduino

Veronica is another volunteer who first joined us at Ixelles, both as a member to carry out the various DIY projects in her apartment, and to help Tournevie out.

Hailing from Italy, she can help out members in Italian, adding yet another language on offer during our opening hours :)

Does: lending desk

Marta Hadyniak

Polish girl was supposed to be in Brussels for a short while moment ended up staying.

She works at the European Parliament, and in her free time Marta pursues different creativie opportunities in life. She ended up in Tournevie to learn more about tools and to feel intimidated when using them.

Does: lending desk

Filipe Torrado

Does: lending desk

 

Jagoda Hadyniak

Does: lending desk

Jon Strong

Does: repairs

Camille Prost

Does: lending desk

 
 

Volunteers Missing In Action

Jan Keustermans The Self-Educated Tool WizardProbably holds a world record in acquiring tool wizardry mostly on his own - and thanks to a lot of YouTube videos.After dabbling in studies in politics, and a stint in the federal government, has spread …

Jan Keustermans

Probably holds a world record in acquiring tool wizardry mostly on his own - and thanks to a lot of YouTube videos.

After dabbling in studies in politics, and a stint in the federal government, has spread his wings in search of grassroots experiences elsewhere in the world.

Texas Vandervliet The adbusting Eddy MerckxTexas can often be found prowling the Brussels streets to 'creatively modify' the ubiquitous ads befouling our bus stations and beautiful facades.If not, he's probably scuttling about on two wheels to and f…

Texas Vandervliet

Texas can often be found prowling the Brussels streets to 'creatively modify' the ubiquitous ads befouling our bus stations and beautiful facades.

If not, he's probably scuttling about on two wheels to and fro the many projects he is involved in. And occasionally, he goes biking to China, because why not?

Is now heavily involved, among other things, in Remorquable, a bike trailer sharing service much like Tournevie!

Damiaan De Jonghe Tournevie's Bike AficionadoCoined the brand name and conjured the Tournevie logo into existence.When he's not communicating about the car gridlock in Brussels, he's often found in the RSCA Football stadium or drinking good coffee.

Damiaan De Jonghe

Coined the brand name and conjured the Tournevie logo into existence.

When he's not communicating about the car gridlock in Brussels, he's often found in the RSCA Football stadium or drinking good coffee.

Michiel Van Meervenne The Groovemeister and Master FarmerMichiel is our dedicated food expert and co-founder of Kriket, Belgium's first ever cricket bar.He also knows a trick or two about Brazilian funky forró mixed with a taste of baião and Maracat…

Michiel Van Meervenne

Michiel is our dedicated food expert and co-founder of Kriket, Belgium's first ever cricket bar.

He also knows a trick or two about Brazilian funky forró mixed with a taste of baião and Maracatu with a pinch of Samba de Gafieira. That's right: exotic music.

After being involved in the very beginning of Tournevie, he moved on develop a new culinary delicacy: Kriket. Head over to his website for more!

 
Piet Baeten Grandmaster of 'Het Koekskesmachien'Piet is what we call a 'handige harry'. In addition to being a highly educated engineer, he also knows his way with many a tool in our inventory.He's got a knack for crafting and mending all kinds of d…

Piet Baeten

Piet is what we call a 'handige harry'. In addition to being a highly educated engineer, he also knows his way with many a tool in our inventory.

He's got a knack for crafting and mending all kinds of devices and helped our members with the utmost kindness and sobriety during opening hours.

He left Brussels to in the footsteps of love and the countryside (insofar a 'countryside' exists in Flanders...)

Mikhail Vanderperren The nimble handymanMikhail was our 'gun for hire'. If you need help fixing up something around the house, he's your man. Luckily for us, he also offered his services to Tournevie.He is now back to his professional activities, so…

Mikhail Vanderperren

Mikhail was our 'gun for hire'. If you need help fixing up something around the house, he's your man. Luckily for us, he also offered his services to Tournevie.

He is now back to his professional activities, so if you feel inclined:

Contact him here.

Laurent Di Nardo Il principe della riparazioneLaurent knows every nut and bolt of the tools we have on offer. No wonder he's involved in setting up repair cafés and tool maintenance at Tournevie.Italians rejoice: when he's around during opening hour…

Laurent Di Nardo

Laurent knows every nut and bolt of the tools we have on offer. No wonder he's involved in setting up repair cafés and tool maintenance at Tournevie.

Italians rejoice: when he's around during opening hours, he'll explain you in detail how to break a wall or sand your table interamente in italiano! (though French speakers need not worry ;p)

Anthony Hermans The adventurous entrepreneurAnthony is driven by projects making a tangible difference. When he's not on the job, he enjoys sports and adventure to rejuvenate himself.You'll find him travelling back and forth between Belgium, Nicarag…

Anthony Hermans

Anthony is driven by projects making a tangible difference. When he's not on the job, he enjoys sports and adventure to rejuvenate himself.

You'll find him travelling back and forth between Belgium, Nicaragua and Morocco, to create healthy and environmentally friendly housing solutions.

At the moment, Anthony is more often than not abroad, but you might run into him from time to time if he's around!

 
Harm Deleu Party Captain of this buccaneer (s)crewHarm is one cool dude. He really is. Great guy. When he's not ramping up the entertainment level at Tournevie, he is working (professionally) in the social sector in Brussels.Harm is also our dedicat…

Harm Deleu

Harm is one cool dude. He really is. Great guy. When he's not ramping up the entertainment level at Tournevie, he is working (professionally) in the social sector in Brussels.

Harm is also our dedicated Georgian diplomatic officer. For more details, we refer to the man himself.

David Alonso The wandering renovatorDavid is carrying out construction work at his place, causing him to hitch a couch at his friends' places, hence his nickname.

David Alonso

David is helped out at our lending desk in the early years while he was working on his own construction projects.

Manon Verhaegen The Italian ExileManon joined us in autumn of 2017 for an internship. She left in February 2018 to pursue her studies at the magnificent Università degli Studi di Firenze!

Manon Verhaegen

Manon joined us in autumn of 2017 for an internship. She left in February 2018 to pursue her studies at the magnificent Università degli Studi di Firenze!

Aurélie Rigolle The Spanish ExileAurélie joined us in autumn of 2017 for an internship. She left in February 2018 to pursue her studies at the splendid Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona!

Aurélie Rigolle

Aurélie joined us in autumn of 2017 for an internship. She left in February 2018 to pursue her studies at the splendid Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona!

 
Olivia Demonie The inquisitive interviewerOlivia used Tournevie as a guinea pig for a full-blown study into the wants and woes of volunteers in social start-ups.When she's done with her scrutiny, she will spread her wisdom of volunteer management in…

Olivia Demonie

Olivia used Tournevie as a guinea pig for a full-blown study into the wants and woes of volunteers in social start-ups.

When she's done with her scrutiny, she will spread her wisdom of volunteer management in Brussels and beyond. Get in touch with us if you want to know more about her thesis.

Gaëlle Smedts The committed engineerAfter supporting a great deal of citizen's initiatives in Brussels and Belgium, including Tournevie, Gaëlle has embarked on a new adventure in Cologne, Germany.Viel Glück!

Gaëlle Smedts

After supporting a great deal of citizen's initiatives in Brussels and Belgium, including Tournevie, Gaëlle has embarked on a new adventure in Cologne, Germany.

Viel Glück!

Agnes Loonis The Finance WizardAgnes was with Tournevie since the beginning, mostly working behind the scenes to keep our finances and accounts spic and span: an underestimated and invaluable contribution!

Agnes Loonis

Agnes was with Tournevie since the beginning, mostly working behind the scenes to keep our finances and accounts spic and span: an underestimated and invaluable contribution!

Audrey Cottin The adroit artistAudrey is refurbishing her apartment in an old post office building with her very own hands. Phew!If that's not praise-worthy enough, she's also managed to build a new human being, gracefully known as Éole, at pretty m…

Audrey Cottin

Audrey is refurbishing her apartment in an old post office building with her very own hands. Phew!

If that's not praise-worthy enough, she's also managed to build a new human being, gracefully known as Éole, at pretty much the same time!

The birth of her child is also the reason why she’s taken some well deserved time off.

 
Jelle Vancoppenolle The Pocket Rocket Master Blaster guyDon't ask Jelle for any handyman advice. He'd only tell you to weld a brick wall or make a fire pit out of wood.However, he will gladly assist you with a smile during opening hours and supply y…

Jelle Vancoppenolle

Don't ask Jelle for any handyman advice. He'd only tell you to weld a brick wall or make a fire pit out of wood.

However, he will gladly assist you with a smile during opening hours and supply you with copywriting tips. Even … no, especially if unasked for.

Lennart Berto The Savvy Soundsystem SpecialistLennart came all the way down from the Netherlands to start off his studies in Brussels, but is now pursuing a more hands-on path in life. He is now tinkering (and building) equipment.Does: counter work …

Lennart Berto

Lennart came all the way down from the Netherlands to start off his studies in Brussels, but is now pursuing a more hands-on path in life. He is now tinkering (and building) equipment.

Samuel Stevens Pedal to the metal!Samuel studies ‘Agogiek’, a type of pedagogy education at the VUB. He joined us in spring of 2019 and helped out at the lending desk!

Samuel Stevens

Samuel studies ‘Agogiek’, a type of pedagogy education at the VUB. He joined us in spring of 2019 and helped out at the lending desk!

Izabela Czarna The queen of flower powerIzabela hails from Poland, and upon discovering our old plant-tool hybrid workshop in Rue Haute, quickly set about to rescue our ailing plants.That means she adds well-needed care for our flora in addition to …

Izabela Czarna

Izabela hails from Poland, and upon discovering our old plant-tool hybrid workshop in Rue Haute, quickly set about to rescue our ailing plants.

That means she adds well-needed care for our flora in addition to a radiant demeanour in the workshop. PS: feel free to ask her anything about Samuel Beckett!

 
Itzel Lusenti LuskeItzel joined us at the start on behest of Anthony, when we still muddling about and experimenting in our first location at MicroMarché.

Itzel Lusenti

Itzel joined us at the start on behest of Anthony, when we still muddling about and experimenting in our first location at MicroMarché.

Elias De Keyser The energy guyIf Elias is not working hard to provide energy and (energy) flexibility solutions, he’s busy introducing deposit refund systems for cups, blogging or showing people around on his Sustainability Tours through Brussels! W…

Elias De Keyser

If Elias is not working hard to provide energy and (energy) flexibility solutions, he’s busy introducing deposit refund systems for cups, blogging or showing people around on his Sustainability Tours through Brussels! When we were in Molenbeek, Tournevie was one of the stops during his tours.

Gael Renard Tool Grandmaster of 1080 'Molem'Gael is building his own dedicated workshop emporium in Molenbeek. He was taking care of our consumables for a while, but has now moved on with his own projects!

Gael Renard

Gael is building his own dedicated workshop emporium in Molenbeek. He was taking care of our consumables for a while, but has now moved on with his own projects!

Wouter Jacobs The Seed GuardianWouter is running a successful seed library in Uccle. When he's not tending to the future of out botanical wealth, he can oft be found helping out at that our tool library.Loves hot tea & coffee, and will put in an…

Wouter Jacobs

Wouter is running a successful seed library in Uccle. When he's not tending to the future of out botanical wealth, he can oft be found helping out at that our tool library.

Loves hot tea & coffee, and will put in an extraordinary effort to get a good sip!

 
Michiel Nys The young padawanMichiel joined us in autumn 2017 for an internship and stayed on for a few years (!) more. He’s into nineties underground electronic music and is on his way to finish his studies in agogics.

Michiel Nys

Michiel joined us in autumn 2017 for an internship and stayed on for a few years (!) more. He’s into nineties underground electronic music and is on his way to finish his studies in agogics.

Yannick Schandené The open source incarnateAfter taking the lead of antenna in Ixelles for two years, Yannick decided to focus his energy entirely on Fermenthings, a shop selling only fermented products.   He was also involved in the cinema industry…

Yannick Schandené

After taking the lead of antenna in Ixelles for two years, Yannick decided to focus his energy entirely on Fermenthings, a shop selling only fermented products.

He was also involved in the cinema industry, was a driving force behind Pic Nic The Street and Canal Park, and started Vélo M2, a modular cargo bike system.

Amos Bok The architectAmos organized collective workshops in Ixelles , thanks to the education in architecture under his belt. He combines abstract concept design and practical nitty gritty work.He now pursues a career with a team of architects spec…

Amos Bok

Amos organized collective workshops in Ixelles , thanks to the education in architecture under his belt. He combines abstract concept design and practical nitty gritty work.

He now pursues a career with a team of architects specialized in alternative construction techniques in Mons !

Etienne Eudes The Delivery ExpressÉtienne worked for Urbike, a cooperative specializing in urban deliveries on cargo bikes, and helped out at the Tournevie lending desk, before leaving for a 5 month bike tour to Romania. And what happens after that …

Etienne Eudes

Étienne worked for Urbike, a cooperative specializing in urban deliveries on cargo bikes, and helped out at the Tournevie lending desk, before leaving for a 5 month bike tour to Romania.

And what happens after that is anyone’s guess, himself included :)

 
Jeanne Luong The Nimble Tool LibrarianJeanne is the prime example of a true gem for volunteer based organisations. Upon joining, she quickly got committed to Tournevie and didn't hesitate to take the lead during opening hours. Our message to all citizens of Brussels: be more like Jeanne!

Jeanne Luong

Jeanne is the prime example of a true gem for volunteer based organisations. Upon joining, she quickly got committed to Tournevie and didn't hesitate to take the lead during opening hours. Our message to all citizens of Brussels: be more like Jeanne!

Vera SchlusmansDoes: lending desk

Vera Schlusmans

Vera was involved prior to the covid crisis in helping out at the lending desk and in the workshop. When the pandemic struck, she decided to be a bit cautious. Hopefully we’ll see her again if one day we have managed to tame the virus!

Alexandre MusscheDoes: lending desk and looking for new spaces

Alexandre Mussche

Alexandre works for design agency Vraiment Vraimentraiment.com/ and helped out at the desk for a while. He also partnered up with Tournevie for a big construction project (of street furniture) in Tourcoing. His agency is based in Brussels and Paris, well-recommended by Tournevie!

Elvis Tiomeni Tankeu The Lumbering PlumberElvis is one tall guy. A tall guy with bulging muscles and plumbings skills, hence his nickname.He migrated from Cameroon to Vilvoorde recently. Talk to Elvis for all your work on sinks, faucets and what not…

Elvis Tiomeni Tankeu

Elvis is one tall guy. A tall guy with bulging muscles and plumbings skills, hence his nickname.

He migrated from Cameroon to Vilvoorde a few years ago. Talk to Elvis for all your work on sinks, faucets and what not! He had to say goodbye to our opening hours due to complicated working hours at his newly found job (at the European Commission no less!)

 

Olivier Van Beirs

Olivier briefly joined the team end of 2021 to coordinate the library activities. He has traveled the world, did some woofing and worked previously for Vert d’Iris.

After his stint at coordinating, he continues his woodworking training and helped out every once in a while at the lending desk.

Xavier BlaesDoes: lending desk

Xavier Blaes

Xavier joined us as he was contemplating a career shift in academic research to more hands on work involving construction work.

While developing that project, he was also helping out at the Tournevie lending desk.

Philippe Loix Your Worst Nightmare in CourtAs a lawyer, Philippe knows the ins and outs of every law, every constitution, every statute, every court decision: you name it. You don't want to mess with this guy.Which is why our members can be reassure…

Philippe Loix

As a lawyer, Philippe knows the ins and outs of every law, every constitution, every statute, every court decision: you name it. You don't want to mess with this guy.

Which is why our members can be reassured that our tools are in safe hands. PS: bringing tools back in time is probably a good idea :)

When he’s around, he helps with legal affairs and organizing and helping out with parties and events.

Colm Healey

Actually, Colm is not a doctor. But has headed a company specialized in a specific type of medical devices. This goes to show that DIY brings people together from all walks of life!

Having moved to Brussels temporarily, the Irishman took some time to help us at the lending desk.

 
Ludo de Vleeschauwer The “Just”Ludo hails from the southern outskirts of Brussels, and goes back and forth in his sleek electric cargo bike. He has embraced the future. With a background in law, finance and even headhunting, he now combines all his …

Ludo de Vleeschauwer

Ludo hails from the southern outskirts of Brussels, and goes back and forth in his sleek electric cargo bike. He has embraced the future.

With a background in law, finance and even headhunting, he now combines all his skills in his hometown of Sint-Genesius-Rode. After his hours, he helped out at Tournevie.

Hugh Roche Kelly Tool Warrior from the Emerald IsleHugh is from Ireland and lives in Brussels. He is a hobbyist woodworker, and has worked as a technical director in performing and visual arts (whatever that means) for the past 12 years.You will fin…

Hugh Roche Kelly

Hugh is from Ireland and lives in Brussels. He is a hobbyist woodworker, and has worked as a technical director in performing and visual arts (whatever that means) for the past 12 years.

Hugh was coordinator of our workshop space and organized trainings.

François Malherbe

François first started helping out at Tournevie Ixelles but joined the rest of the team after our location in Ixelles closed down in 2021.

François works with computers professionally and will help you out in fluent Portuguese/Brazilian if you want!

Kees SengersDoes: lending desk, repairs

Kees Sengers

Kees retired a number of years ago. That’s why he’s the perfect man to help out during working hours. He helped out with logistics and odd jobs

 

Daniel Giltz

Daniel briefly joined to help out at the lending desk while being a user of the workshop. He also helped with repairs for some time.