Klara De Smedt
Klara De Smedt (°1972) is manager of DESIGNCENTER | DE WINKELHAAK and has taken part in every step of starting up and realizing the project. After receiving a Master’s in Product Design in Antwerp, she worked with (inter)national clients within the catering and retail sectors as a freelance designer.
In 1997 for Design Flanders, Klara organized the exhibit “50 Years Graphic Design – In koeien van letters” and the related “2nd triennial for Design - - Op mensenmaat" - both which took place at the Design Museum in Gent.
In 1999, she was recruited by NV NOA to design, develop and be the driving force behind DESIGNCENTER | DE WINKELHAAK.
Klara is responsible for the content and financial management of the NV DESIGNCENTER | DE WINKELHAAK, where she is supported by a strong board of directors. She serves on the jury of the "Henry Van de Velde Labels" of Design Flanders as well as the jury for the annual contest "Toegepast" van Z33. She also regularly gives lectures locally and abroad.
Designers established within the DESIGNCENTER | DE WINKELHAAK can always – and without cost – come to Klara for support and advice on entrepreneurship,
contacts and marketing. Additionally, third parties can call on her incubation-center expertise and brainstorming session management abilities.
