Restaurant IJver is located in the heart of the historic NDSM wharf, the former harbor of Amsterdam. This location holds a special meaning for me, as my father worked here on the shipyard during his youth. The design of IJver draws inspiration from brutalism, creating a connection between the industrial heritage of the shipyard and a modern dining experience. With its raw concrete elements and industrial aesthetic, the space retains the authentic roughness of its surroundings. The restaurant's theme is rooted in a celebration of the working class. Personally, I drew inspiration from the underground metro system in Moscow, Russia, which I visited in 2017. The metro stations, often described as “people’s palaces,” were designed to glorify and reinforce Russia’s socialist regime. Their elaborate decorations and monumental dimensions left a lasting impression on me and influenced my approach to design the bar, from the tiles, the colors and even the font. What I cherish most about my work with an interior construction company is the craftsmanship. Everything we designed, we built ourselves, which gave me a deep appreciation for the art of bringing concepts to life with our own hands.