05 May IN THE HOUSE: Jim Sluijter
Jim Sluijter (37) is a yacht designer with a soft spot for large custom- built yachts and a strong love for people and stories. After years at a design studio in London and a shipyard in Germany, he made a decision about a year and a half ago to follow his own path. Together with his business partner, he founded the studio Weel Sluijter, a step that felt both exciting and refreshingly energising.
Jim lives in Amsterdam, the city he deliberately returned to after years abroad. He wanted to be closer to family and friends, to cycle everywhere again, and to create a life where work and personal time are more in balance. “I’m proud that I’m building a life that feels true to me,” he shares. Maintaining close friendships during his time in London and Germany, and ultimately taking the leap into entrepreneurship, are milestones he values deeply.
Friends describe Jim as positive, social and driven. Someone who genuinely enjoys bringing people together. The trait that defines him most? Kindness combined with ambition.
"My favourite motto is 'life happens now.' The phrase reminds me to not only look toward the horizon, but also to fully live the moment I'm in right now," Jim shares.
In his daily work, Jim focuses on the exterior design of yachts that often take years to come to life. “The best moment is when a yacht finally leaves the shed after years of work,” he says. Until that point, the project lives mainly on screens and behind closed doors. Seeing it emerge in real life, with a happy client by his side, is incredibly rewarding.
What energises him most are the moments of true creativity. Having enough headspace to think freely, explore ideas and let his mind wander is essential to him, precisely because that can be rare in a packed schedule. One key lesson he has learned along the way: never burn bridges, because industries are often smaller than they seem and relationships matter in the long run.
Jim’s world is not only about yachts. In his free time, he loves to stay active: running, cycling and CrossFit help him stay sharp and balanced. He is also passionate about cars, travel and contemporary art.
He finds inspiration in people who think independently and choose their own path. Especially those who are willing to take risks, follow their passion and stay true to themselves instead of living by other people’s expectations. His six years in London were particularly formative, both personally and professionally. They taught him ambition, relationships and perspective. At the top of his bucket list now is finding the right balance between doing work he loves and spending more time in nature.
"What you chase when you're younger often changes into what you truly value later in life," Jim reflects.
Looking to the future, Jim is focused on growing Weel Sluijter into an established and respected name within the yachting industry. It is a traditional world where trust takes time, but he and his business partner are committed to proving themselves step by step.
Jim discovered House of Treats through a friend who forwarded one of our emails. For him, being a member is all about meaningful connections with inspiring people and brands. In his view, good collaboration starts with listening, understanding each other’s strengths, and bringing forward value that someone might not yet see in themselves. That applies both within his own studio and in communities like House of Treats.
Jim Sluijter – House of Treats member since 2025.
Jim has participated in several House of Treats collaborations, such as the Porsche event.
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