Rick Quirijnen joined Stone Natural Class in the role of engineer in February of 2017. Rick is responsible for converting drawings provided by interior designers and architects into achievable plans. “In the early stages of a project, I mainly create production drawings. I need to ensure every component of the drawing is achievable. Next, I create a planning.”
It is marvellous to work both in an office and at a shipyard.
Rick Quirijnen | Engineer
“What is the optimal order of business? When do the carpenter, plumber or electrician start, and when will it be our turn?” Decisions like these greatly depend on on the circumstances at a yacht or in a villa. Which is why Rick has spent a lot of time at the shipyard lately. “I needed to keep a close eye on laying a prestigious mosaic in a mega yacht.”
“To make sure we have the right people at the right place, at the right time. Our clients come from all over the world. They are not always able to communicate in any of the languages that I speak. At times, we need a lot of resourcefulness to make sure we understand each other.”
It is my job to finetune the planning with the team at our workshop.
Rick Quirijnen | Engineer
“Sometimes even the most deliberate calculations and measurement miss the mark at a fraction. As a result, we may need to adjust wooden frameworks or stones so that they fit snugly. I take care of challenges like these, while keeping a close eye on our budget and planning. Usually I can achieve that with good old common sense.”
“Luckily, we are a relatively small and informal business. I can just pick up the phone and brainstorm with whomever is involved. In the end, I need to make sure the reasoning behind my decisions is sound. Both towards our clients and towards our team.”
Knowing what is going on and keeping everyone in the loop is one of the most satisfying parts of my job.
Rick Quirijnen | Engineer
“The atmosphere aboard is incomparable. I must strike that balance that keeps everyone involved, happy. No matter their cultural background or their interest in the outcome. That is a challenge, but we team up and get outstanding results. Fortunately, the production and assembly departments at Stone Natural Class collaborate well. Team members are reliable and respond quickly.”
To learn to slow down is not uncommon among new team members, by the way. Meeting and exceeding the stringent requirements of our clients takes dedication and patience. A prerequisite to see projects like these through to the end successfully and end up with well pleased clients.
I have, however, needed to learn to slow down and to tread with care while working aboard.
Rick Quirijnen | Engineer