From CBRE to BESPARK
CBRE: the place where it all began. Let’s take a step back in time to a pivotal moment. About 12 years ago, a young Sander Bank, full of motivation, joined CBRE, formerly Rietmeijer. At just 21, fresh out of university, he started as a junior project manager under the guidance of Iwan de Leeuw. Passionately, Sander shared his plans for the future: “I’m going to work extremely hard here for 6 to 7 years, develop myself, and then start something of my own.” And indeed, that vision became reality. Together, they worked on many exciting projects at CBRE. In 2013, Iwan left CBRE, and in 2015 he founded iL Office, the predecessor of BESPARK.
At the end of 2015, Iwan invited Sander to join him in building iL Office. Sander resigned the next day—and the rest is history. Since January 1, 2016, they have been business partners, and their personal bond is strong as well. Their relationship is built on respect, trust, and a healthy dose of humor.
Entrepreneurship as a high-performance sport
Sander describes his work as “a lot, hard, and at a high level—it’s like top-level sport.” According to him, entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone. “You need to enjoy it and have a knack for it, or you won’t last.” Nevertheless, he thrives on the pressure and responsibility that come with running his own company. Quick decision-making and adapting to market changes suit him far better than working in a slow, bureaucratic organization.
Despite deriving great satisfaction from his work, Sander’s life extends beyond the office. He is a true lover of the outdoors: barbecuing, walking his dachshund, and enjoying the stunning nature of Scandinavia.
Translating the spark into office design
Sander also values a healthy work-life balance. He believes a positive and personal atmosphere within the team is essential. BESPARK regularly organizes team outings to strengthen bonds. With clients, they focus on personal engagement to create interiors that genuinely reflect the company’s spirit. Capturing that spark and translating it into an office design—that is what BESPARK stands for, and Sander is proud of it.
Iwan echoes this sentiment. He draws energy from the diversity of the team, clients, and partners he works with. Sometimes his work even feels like a hobby gone wonderfully out of control. He is satisfied with his accomplishments and looks back with pride on the journey. Inspiration often strikes during quiet moments, whether during evening meditation or a reflective walk in nature.
Passion drives Sander and Iwan from CBRE to BESPARK
In the world of business success and entrepreneurship, one ingredient sparks everything: passion. For Sander Bank and Iwan de Leeuw, that spark is their driving force. Their journey began at CBRE and led to the creation of BESPARK, a company that not only designs offices but also captures the ‘spark’ of its clients.
Sander and Iwan share a love for nature, but that’s not the only thing that binds them. Professionally, they have much in common, yet they don’t always agree—a dynamic that Iwan believes is key to their success. They complement each other, making their collaboration even stronger. As they celebrate the transition from iL Office to BESPARK, they look confidently toward the future and the opportunities ahead.
