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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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 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
Filipe is from Portugal and is on a mission to create his own retreat deep down in the South of the country, with his own hands and with the tools of Tournevie!
Does: lending desk
Hélène Meyssirel
Hélène is a set designer and builder. She makes all kinds of things in metal, from tiny mechanisms to large structures. She has a passion for fairs and homemade interactive machines.
She also loves anything on wheels, and you may have come across her at Tournevie when she was making the bike trailers for Remorquable ASBL.
More info on her personal website.
Jagoda Hadyniak
Does: lending desk
Jon Strong
Does: repairs
Camille Prost
Does: lending desk
Volunteers Missing In Action
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
David is helped out at our lending desk in the early years while he was working on his own construction projects.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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 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
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 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
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
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
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 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.