Community Highlights: Meet Tom Muyters of ClayCraft Finishes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tom Muyters.

Hi tom, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My Story – Tom Muyters

I was born in a small village in Belgium, where my earliest memories are tied to building and renovating homes with my father. We were always working with our hands—tearing down walls, rebuilding, and transforming spaces. That’s where my love for raw materials and craftsmanship really started. Even back then, I was drawn to the beauty of natural textures—stone, wood, plaster, metal—things that hold weight, history, and soul.

While most people know me as a former professional goalkeeper in soccer, design was always a part of my life. During my soccer career, I studied interior architecture in Antwerp. I’d train during the day and work on design concepts at night

When I stepped away from the world of football, I knew exactly where I wanted to go. I launched the TM Collection, my own line of handcrafted furniture. Each piece is rooted in sculptural forms and a respect for materials that age gracefully—brushed metals, aged wood, Lime Plaster and stone. timeless design with character

At the same time, I founded ClayCraft Architectural Finishes, specializing in artisanal plasters, lime washes, liquid metals, and fluted textures. Our craftsmanship is deeply European—everything is done by hand with a focus on natural beauty, texture, and detail.

For me, it all comes down to material. I have a deep passion for surfaces and how they shape the feeling of a space. Whether it’s a wall finished in hand-applied lime plaster or a table carved from a solid block of stone, I want to create things that feel honest—things that last.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not. Transitioning from the world of professional soccer to design and architecture was a major shift—it’s an entirely different world with its own language, rhythm, and expectations. For most of my life, I lived in locker rooms, on training grounds, and in stadiums. Suddenly, I was navigating construction sites, client meetings, and design studios. It was a big adjustment, and like anything new, it came with a lot of uncertainty and learning curves.

But I’ve always believed that if you move with intention and stay close to your passion, you find your way. I was also incredibly lucky to fall in love with Una Malan, who is not only my life partner but someone deeply rooted in the same world of design and architecture. She’s been a huge inspiration and support, helping me understand the industry from a different perspective and pushing me to create with more clarity and purpose.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about ClayCraft Finishes ?
ClayCraft Finishes is an artisanal finish company specializing in artisanal plaster, lime wash, fluted textures, and liquid metal applications. We work on high-end residential and commercial projects with deep roots in traditional European craftsmanship.

At ClayCraft, everything is about texture, materiality, and timeless beauty. We don’t believe in trend-driven finishes or surface-level design—our work is about bringing depth, soul, and permanence to a space. Every application is done by hand, using natural materials that breathe, age, and interact with light in a way no synthetic product can replicate.

We’re known for our ability to translate vision into tactile experience—whether that’s a perfectly smooth lime plaster wall, a bold fluted fireplace, or a custom liquid metal kitchen hood. Designers often come to us when they want something that feels one-of-a-kind. Our finishes don’t just cover walls—they shape the mood of a room.

What sets us apart is our commitment to process and craft. We don’t rush, and we don’t compromise on material. We collaborate closely with architects, interior designers, and clients to ensure every project is a reflection of the space and the people who inhabit it. There’s an honesty in what we do—and I think people can feel that when they walk into a room we’ve touched.

Brand-wise, I’m proud that we’ve built something that feels elevated, soulful, and grounded. ClayCraft isn’t just a service—it’s a statement about slowing down, doing things right, and bringing beauty into people’s lives through material and touch.

What I’d want readers to know is: we don’t just finish walls—we help shape spaces with intention. Whether it’s a full home or a single feature wall, every project is approached with the same care and artistry. If you’re looking for something custom, crafted, and built to last—we’d love to collaborate.

What were you like growing up?
I grew up in a small village in Belgium, surrounded by simplicity, hard work, and a lot of hands-on living. From a young age, I was always busy—never the type to sit still for too long. I had a lot of energy and drive, which naturally led me to sports, and eventually to becoming a professional goalkeeper.

Looking back, I think I was a mix of determined and curious. I had a strong sense of discipline from sports, but I was always observing, always dreaming up ideas. Even then, I liked thinking about how spaces felt, how things could be improved, how materials could come together to create something lasting.

That mix of energy, structure, and creativity shaped who I am today—both in how I played on the field, and how I now build and design

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.claycraftfinishes.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claycraft_finishes/