Kees-Sjeng van Roosmalen
Maritime roots & family heritage
My passion for the maritime world started early and was initially shaped by my family background. The Van Roosmalen family comes, like the name Sjeng, from Maastricht and has deep roots in maritime engineering, dredging, and the Dutch and Belgian sand and gravel industry. For generations, the family was connected to shipping, industrial development, and hydraulic engineering — sectors that played an important role in shaping the infrastructure, waterways and waterlandscape. Following this heritage, my father became a naval architect in dredging operations, and our home was often filled with drawings, models and technical discussions. Through him, I was introduced to engineering as something practical, tangible and purposeful.
A natural eye for detail
Alongside this technical upbringing, I developed a different kind of sensitivity through my mother. She owned a jewelry store, and I often joined her on visits to purchase fairs and fashion shows. This world of high-end design taught me to look closely at materials, craftsmanship, and the way small details define the quality of an object. It gave me an intuitive feeling for fashion, aesthetics, and the importance of refined finishes — a perspective that perfectly balanced my father’s world of large-scale engineering.
The spark for the superyacht & design philosophy
A family friend worked in interior construction at a superyacht yard. His stories and an actual visit to a superyacht opened a window into a world where craftsmanship, precision and beauty came together on a large scale. At the same time, I spent many weekends helping with home renovations, building huts and experimenting with materials. I enjoyed understanding how things were made and how they could be improved. My father encouraged that curiosity. He gave me books on architects like Palladio, Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier — people who shaped spaces with intention and clarity. Those early influences still guide the way I look at design, structure and the relationship between concept and execution.
Two decades of industry expertise
Today, after more than twenty years in the superyacht industry, that foundation remains central to my work. I have experience in design, engineering and execution, which allows me to understand projects from multiple perspectives and to connect the people involved — designers, engineers, furniture makers, suppliers and build teams.
A mindset shaped by movement
Sports play a quiet but meaningful role in how I approach my work. Swimming, cycling and running taught me the value of steady progress and endurance. Rowing showed me how powerful a team can be when timing and communication fall into place and jiu‑jitsu reminds me to stay calm, think clearly and rely on technique rather than force. These experiences influence the way I guide projects: with attention to rhythm, alignment and the human dynamics that determine whether a team moves smoothly together.
My strengths
- Bringing calm to complex environments
- Creating clarity and structure
- Connecting design, engineering and execution
- Working hands‑on, with attention to detail
- Balancing vision and practicality
How I work
I join projects where needed — from the earliest concept phase to stepping in mid‑process. I listen, analyse and bring structure. I communicate clearly, set realistic expectations and ensure everyone understands their role.
My approach is practical, human and focused on collaboration. The same values I learned early on: respect for craftsmanship, clarity in communication and pride in the final result.
Let’s connect!
Whether you are looking for temporary support to meet a deadline or an external partner for technical guidance on a new yacht interior design or refit, I would love to talk with you to further explain my vision. Collaboration begins with a conversation about your wishes, challenges, and vision.
I am always ready to explore how I can help you realize your project.
+31 (0) 6 1961 2962
