Written by Philip Ridgway
There are few people you meet in life who blur the lines between work, art, and philosophy – and Bart Lauwers is one of them.
I’ve had the privilege of calling Bart not just a colleague, but a close friend for many years. Our children play together, our families share countless evenings, and we’ve often found ourselves deep in conversation – not just about business or design, but about life, love, and the art of crafting the perfect G&T.
This time, however, I sat down with him in a slightly different capacity – as a journalist and a long-time admirer of his work – to talk about XTERIOR, the UAE’s pioneering agency for luxury landscapes, pools, and outdoor technology.
We met, as we often do, at Bart’s home – his show villa on Al Jubail Island in Abu Dhabi – a living, breathing exhibition of what happens when creativity, precision, and passion collide.
The Spark of an Idea
Philip: Bart, you’ve been in the UAE for many years now. What originally brought you here?
Bart: “Honestly? Curiosity and opportunity. When I first arrived from Belgium, the UAE felt like an endless horizon of possibilities. Back home, I grew up surrounded by architecture, design, and craftsmanship – it was in my blood. But here, I saw something different: a young nation hungry for innovation. I wanted to bring the kind of precision and beauty I’d seen in Europe, but tailor it for the ambition of the UAE.”
It’s that blend of European heritage and Emirati aspiration that defines Bart’s work. He didn’t just introduce new ideas to the market; he introduced possibility — a standard of outdoor living that the region didn’t even know it needed until he created it.
Where Art Meets Engineering
Philip: You often describe XTERIOR as more than a design company. What sets it apart?
Bart: “It’s about orchestration. We bring together landscape design, architecture, water engineering, automation, and technology into one seamless process. Most of our products and systems come from the most advanced European manufacturers – Belgium, Italy, Germany – but they’re customized, assembled, and refined here in the UAE. And from that point forward, our clients are fully supported locally, through our own team. It’s a complete relationship, not a transaction.”
That approach — merging global innovation with local expertise — has earned XTERIOR a reputation as a turnkey specialist for luxury outdoor living. Their projects stretch from The Palm Jumeirah to Emirates Hills and Hidd Al Saadiyat, each one an architectural love letter to nature and design.
It’s also earned them serious acclaim: six Gold and Silver international awards from the British Pool & Hot Tub Awards (SPATA & BISHTA) between 2019 and 2025, and recognition by the UAE Business Awards as the country’s Best Swimming Pool & Landscaping Company.
Bart, however, brushes off the praise with a wry smile.
“Awards are lovely, but they’re not the goal. What matters is that we keep raising the standard. That’s the legacy I want to leave – an industry that expects more of itself.”
Representing the UAE with Pride
Philip: You often speak with deep pride about the UAE, especially Abu Dhabi. What does that mean to you personally?
Bart: “It means everything. I’ve lived and built here for many years. The UAE gave me the platform to turn ideas into reality. So, when we’re recognised internationally, I see it as a win for this region – proof that world-class design and engineering are thriving right here. Abu Dhabi isn’t just where I live – it’s home.”
That pride is visible in everything he does, from the materials he selects to the collaborations he fosters with architects, developers, and designers who share his ethos of integrity and innovation.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
Philip: You’ve been leading this industry for decades. How do you keep reinventing yourself?
Bart: “You stay curious. That’s the secret. You listen, you travel, you test new technologies, you make mistakes, you learn. Innovation is a muscle – you have to use it. I like to think that before I was leading the market, and now I’m reinventing it.”
It’s true. XTERIOR continues to push boundaries through partnerships with Bluematic Automation, Aseko Water Treatment, and Dryden Aqua Filtration — European systems that Bart has personally integrated into some of the UAE’s most prestigious properties, making them smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable.
The Art of “Haute Horticulture”
Philip: One of my favourite phrases you use is “haute horticulture.” It sounds like fashion for gardens.
Bart: (laughs) “In a way, it is. It’s about treating nature as art — with structure, rhythm, and purpose. Landscaping isn’t about decoration; it’s about composition. Every tree, every stone, every drop of water plays a part. When you design like that, you’re not just building a garden — you’re creating living architecture.”
That mindset – equal parts artistry and engineering – is what keeps clients and collaborators returning to XTERIOR again and again.
The Invitation
As our conversation draws to a close, Bart stands and looks across his pool — which, at the touch of a button, transforms into a solid deck once again.
“You know,” he says, “this house tells my story better than I ever could. Every piece of technology, every line of design, every element of water and light — it’s all here. I tell people, don’t just look at photos. Come see it. Touch it. Experience it.”
So, on his behalf, and with full conviction as both a friend and a believer in his vision, I’ll extend the invitation myself:
Developers, architects, and designers – come as Bart’s guest. Visit his show villa on Al Jubail Island in Abu Dhabi. Experience the future of outdoor living, one innovation at a time.
Because if there’s one thing Bart Lauwers has taught me – whether over blueprints or a perfectly balanced gin & tonic – it’s that the best designs don’t just shape spaces. They shape how we live.
To schedule a private visit or consultation:
📍 Townhouse 62, Al Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi
📞 +971 52 552 6090
🌐 www.xterior.ae
📩 bart@by-bart.com