Before I was crafting JavaScript functions, I was crafting meals. My journey from chef to developer might seem unusual, but both share the same core principles: creativity, precision, and a passion for creating experiences that people love.
Just as I once transformed raw ingredients into culinary masterpieces, I now transform client requirements into seamless digital experiences. The kitchen taught me to work under pressure, collaborate closely with teams, and pay obsessive attention to detail — skills that translate perfectly to the world of development.
Whether I'm debugging code or perfecting a sauce, the process is surprisingly similar: identify the problem, make careful adjustments, test continuously, and refine until perfect. The main difference? My keyboard stays a lot cleaner than my cutting board ever did.
When not writing code, you might find me experimenting with new recipes, combining my two passions by coding cooking apps, or trying to convince my colleagues that version control would have been really useful in restaurant kitchens too. ("Git push dinner-service" anyone?)
Sometimes, the most consequential chapters of our lives begin with a single step into the unknown. For me, it was a simple brainstorming session aimed at bridging the gap between job searching and web technology. Little did I know this would be the first domino in a chain reaction that would define my professional trajectory.
This brainstorm evolved into a year-long journey with "We For Work," where I developed Co-Searching—my first foray into website creation. When our project claimed first prize at the finale (with Codious and their JobWalkr platform taking second), what could have been a brief celebratory handshake turned into something far more momentous.
Amid the post-ceremony conversations, I found myself chatting with the Codious team—a group of challengers and no-nonsense innovators who immediately resonated with my approach to problem-solving. In a twist of fate that still makes me smile, the "competitors" who placed second offered me a place on their team. Being in the job market myself at the time, the stars had aligned perfectly.
What drew me to Codious wasn't just the opportunity—it was their philosophy. They're challengers who aren't afraid to push boundaries and bring fresh perspectives. They're no-nonsense communicators who prefer straight talk over empty promises. They set the bar high, constantly evolving and thinking long-term. And most importantly, they're the perfect size: "big enough to trust, small enough to care."
It's been an incredible journey since that competition. At Codious, I've found not just colleagues but co-conspirators in digital innovation—people who share my passion for creating meaningful technology solutions.
I specialize in modern JavaScript development with a focus on creating seamless experiences using React and Node.js. Here's my technical toolkit:
Component architecture, hooks, context API, performance optimization
Async/await, promises, functional programming, modules
RESTful APIs, middleware architecture, server optimization
Route handling, authentication, error handling
Modern build tooling, fast HMR, optimized bundling
Cross-platform mobile app development
Sprint planning, backlog refinement, retrospectives
Mentoring, code reviews, technical planning
Here are some highlights from my professional journey. Each role has shaped my approach to development and problem-solving.
Leading development of the Automator project for gallery integrations and working on Browz, a connector for MAM systems.
Improved developer experience and code stability across projects, streamlining processes and implementing best practices.
Developed the App for the city of Bruges, integrating with partner services for city reports and appointment scheduling.
Implemented new features for 'Mijn Burgerprofiel' web portal, primarily on the frontend with Vue.js.
Contributed to various innovative media projects including:
Beyond my professional work, I enjoy building creative solutions for real-world needs. Here are some of the side projects I've developed over the years.
Currently working on a browser-based game using HTML5 Canvas and JavaScript. This project is helping me explore the fundamentals of game development including animation loops, collision detection, and sprite management.
Designed and developed a professional website for a friend who works as a freelance EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) inspector. The site helps potential clients learn about services and request inspections.
Developed the website for our local dog training school where I was also a trainer. Built with modern technologies including Deno and Fresh framework, providing a responsive and fast experience for pet owners looking for training information and class schedules.
An interactive photo and messaging platform initially created for my own wedding and later expanded for use at other events. Guests could take photos and send messages that were instantly displayed on a projected slideshow during the event.
Created a comprehensive wedding website for my own 2016 wedding. The interactive site allowed guests to RSVP online, add songs to our party playlist, and access all the event details in one place.
Interested in working together or have a question? Feel free to reach out!