Five Minutes with Senso Founder David Bols

Dammy Ponnuthurai speaks with David Bols, founder of sustainable flooring masters Senso, exploring the inspiration behind his brand and the exciting new concept store collaborations with Vlaze and Charnwood.

You mention how growing up near nature influenced the founding of Senso. When did you first realise this would guide your career?

Spending my childhood outdoors gave me a deep appreciation for the beauty and intelligence of nature. It wasn’t just about enjoying the environment, it shaped the way I see design. At Senso, we see sustainability as a driver of creativity, not a limitation. Every material we choose starts with a simple question: How can we do this better for the planet? That mindset drives us to create smarter, more innovative solutions. Honouring nature isn’t just a philosophy. It’s part of our DNA.

Our spaces are more than showrooms. They are creative hubs for movement, collaboration, and bold ideas. Architects, designers, and artists come here not just to see materials, but to challenge conventions and rethink how surfaces shape an environment. The best ideas don’t always happen in a formal presentation. Sometimes, they start over coffee, surrounded by great design. By fostering open dialogue, we shape how people connect, move, and experience space.

What products do you live with in your home to create warmth, both philosophically and practically?

I believe in soft minimalism. Design that feels effortless, calming, and natural without excess. The materials we surround ourselves with should not only be aesthetically clean but also seamlessly functional, moving with the rhythm of everyday life. In my home, I choose materials that create a healthy living environment, offer comfort, and feel effortless. Longevity in design comes down to integrity and choosing materials that age beautifully rather than wear out. A space should feel warm, textured, and deeply personal.

How long did it take to develop the signature Senso formula?

Senso is 20 years in the making, but innovation is never finished. Our formula isn’t just about creating seamless surfaces, it’s about redefining what materials can do. The future of materials isn’t just sustainability, it’s circularity: surfaces designed not just for today, but for their next life. That’s why we work with plant-based resins, recycled aggregates, and seamless finishes that merge beauty, durability, and environmental responsibility.

We give our team creative freedom within a strong framework. Something we call our Creative Lab. Simplicity, functionality, design, and sustainability guide everything we do. These values act as our compass, ensuring every breakthrough stays true to our mission. We also collaborate with outside designers and bring fresh perspectives and unexpected ideas into the process.

True innovation happens when you challenge conventions, and at Senso, we never stop building.

Can you tell us about your collaboration with the brands Charnwood & Vlaze for your showrooms in London and Los Angeles?

Our showrooms in Los Angeles and London are more than spaces to showcase materials. They are places designed to bring people together. When architects and designers step into Senso, they’re not just selecting a surface. They’re shaping a vision and building a dream. We believe creativity thrives in environments that spark inspiration, encourage collaboration, and most importantly, feel welcoming.

That’s why we’ve made it an experience. Charnwood & Vlaze are natural extensions of our philosophy. Whether sharing ideas over coffee or connecting over food and drinks, we create moments that build real community. The best designs don’t happen in isolation. They happen through conversation, over a meal, and in spaces built for togetherness.

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Contact us or Senso to schedule your appointment, and discover how our porcelain enamel kitchens can transform both your interior and exterior spaces. 

Discover more about Senso via their website and follow them on their socials. Learn more about their London Old Street store here.

Discover more about Moooi via their website and follow them on their socials.