New leadership, same dedication to bringing you the best design industry inspiration and insights.

After cofounding FRAME in 1997, Robert Thiemann is resigning from his role as co-director and editor in chief. ‘For 26 years, FRAME has been my life, my home, my world,’ he says. ‘Now I’m handing over the reins to a new generation.’

From print publication to global platform

Thiemann cofounded FRAME in 1997, at 33, with Peter Huiberts, who took on the role of publisher until 2013. It all started with FRAME magazine, whose raw and creative essence struck a chord with its readers for its uniqueness. ‘We were looking only at interiors, a space disregarded at that time,’ says Thiemann. Because of FRAME’s creative, adventurous and independent spirit, it found success and expanded its portfolio to include books, architecture magazine Mark (launched in 2005) and art publication Elephant (in 2009). 2018 marked another new chapter with the expansion of FRAME across several channels. Filling a gap in the market by recognizing design projects on a global stage, the FRAME Awards was born, with the latest ceremony taking place in China. Concurrently, Frame Lab – a series of talks, discussions and roundtables curated by FRAME – and think-tank The Next Space gave further shape to FRAME’s mission to connect, inspire and educate industry stakeholders. Under Thiemann’s guidance, FRAME has evolved from a print publication to a broad content platform with a strong community, becoming a leading force in the spatial design industry.

Next steps for FRAME

While the news may come as a surprise to some, Thiemann has been contemplating his departure for over a year. ‘Knowing that a young but experienced and talented team would continue to provide the interiors industry with valuable insights made it easier for me to finally act and cut myself loose. FRAME will simply carry on, and other members of the team will have the opportunity to step up and shine.’ The rest of the editorial team – with an accumulated 38 years at FRAME – will remain. 

Floor Kuitert, former managing editor and head of content, will take over as editor in chief. Mira Huussen, who joined FRAME in 2021 and became co-director in 2023, will continue as the sole director. ‘Robert and I collaborated intensively over the last year, resulting in a very natural and smooth transition,’ says Huussen. ‘I now look forward to working directly with Floor. One of Robert’s notable accomplishments is nurturing a dedicated and knowledgeable team. Together we will push FRAME forward, delivering insights, advancing in the field of digital publishing and expanding our global community. And FRAME’s mission remains unchanged: to be a leading voice that empowers interior designers worldwide with meaningful content.’

Staying in the scene

Thiemann will remain in the spatial design scene. Leveraging his experience at FRAME, he is branching out on his own with BETTERNESS, a consultancy and agency for spatial design. ‘I have established BETTERNESS to empower companies and institutions envisioning, designing and building meaningful spaces in a world in constant flux,’ he says. ‘Based on an understanding of client demands and (local) contexts, I’m ready to co-develop visions, concepts and design briefs. At the core of a global network, I will connect companies and institutions with architects, artists, designers, manufacturers, scientists and technologists to make better spaces. In short: I’m going to practise what I’ve been preaching at FRAME.’ 

If you would like to respond to the news or have any questions, please contact:

Renata Sutton
Marketing & communication specialist
renata@frameweb.com