Hej!
I am Sven

I specialize in advising on optimal product presentation within store environments, delivering comprehensive specification packages and build-ready plans. My expertise lies in optimizing store layouts to create commercially viable and customer-friendly spaces, including strategic guidance on directing visitor flow to key products and services.

Beyond planning, I offer on-site build-up services for both sales and support areas. From concept and commercial brief to final construction, I oversee the entire remodeling process to ensure successful execution.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sven Vanthillo
Louis Bertrandlaan 102/D9
1030 Schaarbeek
sven@shoplifter.be
+32(0)498 79 93 77
VAT/BTW BE0731900632

Establishment specialist - Freelance - Planning project management - Group Expansion CPH - Ingka - Malmö 2023-present

As Establishment specialist, I serve as a strategic speaking partner to the different country project teams, collaborating closely with the project managers to define timelines, manage phasing, and support project execution from retail fit-out to final build-up. I lead the alignment of fit-out and build-up scopes and support the project teams in estimating costs.

As the project moves toward the tendering and implementation stages, I establish tendering timelines, secure necessary calculation tools and support negotiations with selected suppliers. I also drive implementation planning and resource planning to ensure efficient onsite execution.

After implementation, I conduct follow-ups to capture lessons learned, identifying opportunities to increase efficiency and reduce costs for future projects.

Shop design specialist - Freelance - IKEA Belgium - Wilrijk - 2022

My initial assignment involved delivering the preliminary layout for the remodeling of the Bedroom, Office, and Children’s departments. Following this, I developed detailed design solutions for the entire Bedroom department, which included a newly conceived mattress solution.

Bedroom department

Implementation leader - Freelance - IKEA SEE - 2020-2021

As an Interior Design Coordinator on the build-up team for the Ljubljana store and the subsequent Plan and Order Point in Split, I was responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing work executed by both external service providers and the internal IKEA team.

Shop design and interior design specialist - Freelance - Central Planning HUB - Ingka - Malmö - 2020-2022

During the pandemic, I successfully adapted to remote work to design staff areas and the customer restaurant for the new Ljubljana store. For this project, I delivered four kitchen room settings that were subsequently replicated in the Szczecin store in Poland. Additionally, I contributed to the 2020 launch of the 'Store of Tomorrow' Malmö project by developing a new concept for a kitchen and bathroom planning and knowledge center, leveraging expertise gained from my previous role within the Belgian organization.

Swedish restaurant
Showroom kitchens
Conference rooms

Expansion interior design leader - IKEA Belgium - Service Office - 2012-2019

In collaboration with my Expansion team, I continuously optimized our workflows and processes. During multiple remodeling projects, I developed and implemented new range presentations designed to inspire customers, enhance the store experience, and increase local market relevance. I also led diverse teams of local interior designers and international freelancers.

Expansion store planning specialist - IKEA Belgium - Service Office - 2009-2012

From the earliest stages of store establishment, I developed comprehensive floor plans for the entire layout. I then oversaw the planning and implementation of key components, ranging from parking facilities and sales support areas to core commercial zones.

Interior design manager - IKEA Belgium - Anderlecht store - 2004-2009

While managing a junior interior design team at the new Brussels store, I discovered a passion for coaching and fostering professional growth. This experience led to an opportunity to serve as a trainer at the Concept Centre in Delft.

REVIT, AutoCAD, SketchUP, Adobe CC, Microsoft Office

Dutch, French, English and German

Optimizing the use of store layout and store media

Developing and implementing range presentation solutions

Reflecting Brand identity

Planning and implementing new stores and rebuilds

Project management, cost follow-up and staff planning

Training and coaching

Master degree in Interior Architecture - Hogeschool voor Wetenschap en Kunst, Brussels, 2003

Bachelor degree in Architecture - Hogeschool voor Wetenschap en Kunst, 1997