Text: Cees de Gues
Photography: Marcel Krijger
For more than thirty years, Spacewell has been a frontrunner in smart building technology. In the Netherlands, too, countless buildings and workplaces have become smarter and more sustainable thanks to the data- and AI-driven solutions of this Nemetschek Group company. Nemetschek is a Germany-based multinational and a global leader in digital solutions for the built environment. Since March 1, new CEO John van Tessel has been putting a clear stamp on Spacewell’s growth strategy.
A fascinating journey
“A fascinating journey.” Those were the words Van Tessel used in early March to describe his appointment as CEO. More accurately, they describe the direction Spacewell is taking under his leadership at a time when office owners and users are navigating an increasingly dynamic landscape. After twenty years in the technology sector, holding leadership roles at companies such as SAP and HP, Van Tessel consciously chose Spacewell following a short sabbatical. He describes Spacewell as a strong brand, a market leader in what it does best: making buildings in general, and workplaces in particular, smarter and more sustainable through data- and AI-driven SaaS solutions. “Spacewell is built on three pillars: Workplace, Energy, and Asset,” he explains.
“Spacewell is built on three pillars: Workplace, Energy, and Asset,” he explains.
“These names speak for themselves. With smart software tailored to hybrid office environments, Workplace focuses on optimizing space usage and improving employee experience. Energy is all about real-time monitoring and optimization of energy consumption. Asset streamlines building management and maintenance. What truly sets us apart is that these three solutions come together in one unified platform: the Spacewell Smart Building Suite. Users can access it via an intuitive, easy-to-use app on their smartphone. While this integrated approach is a clear USP, I was surprised that it was not emphasized more strongly externally.”
So you changed that?
“Yes. As a new CEO, you step onto a train that is already moving. I brought extensive experience in digital transformation, SaaS, and commercial strategy. What immediately stood out to me was that Workplace, Energy, and Asset are all highly valued and widely used to address different building challenges, but often in an ‘either-or’ way. The Spacewell Smart Building Suite clearly calls for an ‘and-and’ approach.
Why would an owner or facility manager use only Workplace when Energy and Asset can deliver clear additional value within the same platform and dashboard? Spacewell is not about point solutions. We focus on integrated, data-driven solutions that drive behavioral change and ensure buildings are used as efficiently and sustainably as possible by employees who enjoy coming to work and make the most of their day. And of the space they work in, which is exactly what the name ‘Spacewell’ stands for.”
You predicted a “fascinating journey.” Has that come true?
“Absolutely. We are growing in every sense of the word. Not only in the Netherlands, which is a trendsetter in hybrid working and ESG, but globally. We are also making major strides in brand positioning and innovation.
Spacewell has supported Rabobank since 2014 in managing its buildings more intelligently and sustainably. In November, driven by the large-scale development next to the existing Rabobank Campus in Utrecht, we announced the expansion of that strategic partnership. By collecting objective data on the use and utilization of workspaces and meeting rooms, we enable Rabobank to make well-founded strategic real estate decisions.”
If you’re looking for point solutions, Spacewell isn’t the place to be. But for integrated, data-driven solutions, it is.
This approach also explains why the Dutch central government announced in early December that it would extend its contract with Spacewell. Starting January 1, 2026, the Workspace Management System (WMS) will be rolled out in phases across government buildings. By using one uniform system for workspace and room reservations, and by measuring actual utilization, the government aims to enable more flexible working, improve office efficiency, and reduce housing costs.
Will Energy Management follow?
“Not yet, but since we are uniquely positioned to enable this, we naturally welcome any move toward connecting workplaces, energy, and maintenance through one integrated system.
On the energy side, we recently signed an important international contract with CaixaBank, one of Spain’s largest banks and a leader in ESG. Using our Energy Management System, energy consumption across nearly 9,000 buildings is being mapped in detail, allowing CaixaBank to identify and reduce inefficiencies.”
Spacewell is growing in every way. Not only in the Netherlands, but worldwide.
What else sets Spacewell apart?
“Smart building technology is our core business. It is not an add-on for us, as it is for some other players in this market. It is our sole focus. That focus is reflected in the dedication of our people and in the quality, usability, and functionality of our solutions.
‘Make buildings work for people’ is not just a slogan. Smart building technology is not a goal in itself. When applied correctly, it is a powerful means to make buildings and workplaces smarter, more sustainable, and truly supportive of owners, managers, and employees.
Correct implementation is crucial. You need to take people along on the digital transformation journey. If you do not, you risk investing heavily in data collection that ultimately goes unused.”
Smart building technology is not an end in itself, but a means to make buildings and workplaces smarter and more sustainable.
And AI?
“We take a realistic approach. Like everything else, AI is a means, not an end. Integrated properly, it helps offices become more efficient, sustainable, and intelligent.
A good example is the forecasting tool in Spacewell Energy, which uses meteorological data to predict electricity, gas, and water consumption and production. AI also helps reduce energy use by detecting anomalies and irregularities that are nearly impossible to identify with the human eye.
It is also worth mentioning that our parent company, the Nemetschek Group, entered into a strategic partnership with Google Cloud at the end of April. Spacewell is closely involved in this collaboration and will directly benefit from efforts to take smart building technology to the next level with AI.”
Original text in Dutch: https://vgvisie.nl/2025/12/17/werkplekken-energie-en-onderhoud-verbindend-maakt-spacewell-gebouwen-slimmer-en-duurzamer/
John van Tessel
Chief Executive Officer
Wants to achieve:
Scalable growth and daily impact on how people work
In ten years:
Likely still working in the technology sector, from an island with good Wi-Fi and a good glass of wine
Favorite office moment:
Coffee, 30 minutes without meetings, and time to work through emails
Favorite colleague:
The one who creates the most positive impact for our customers
Outside the office:
With customers and partners
State of the country:
In full transformation, just like Spacewell
Main concern:
Finding and retaining talent
Never forget to:
Thank people for their positive contributions
Indispensable:
A strong pipeline
Most important people:
Those who take responsibility, and of course my family
Giving:
Empowerment, so others can grow
Accepting:
That transformation is sometimes a bumpy ride
Best book:
Think and Grow Rich
Vacation:
Bonaire
Movie that made an impression:
Schindler’s List
Good intentions:
Exercise more, meet less
Free time:
Sports, travel, and time with friends and family
Biggest irritation:
Meetings without decisions
Rating for 2025:
7. Challenging, good results, educational, and not always easy
Most important lesson:
Focus works. Trying to do everything does not
Best business book:
Amp It Up by Frank Slootman
Learned the most from:
My mentors Willem Jan Scholten and Karel Kinders
Real estate professional of the year:
The one who dares to digitize
Real estate professional of the year (female):
The one who connects technology with vision
Top series:
Yellowstone
Sporting highlight:
Getting started again
Looking forward to:
Vacation with my family
Happiness:
My family
Biggest weakness:
Too many working hours
Biggest laugh:
The Hangover
Healthiest thing:
The most important thing of all
Plan for 2026:
Growth, product innovation, and becoming the best place to work
What will you do differently than in 2025:
Even more focus on impact
What do you dread most:
Loss of time
What will you do differently in 2026:
Exercise more and build in more moments of rest
What do you dread most:
Too much business travel
Where will you spend more time:
Health, sports, and focusing on the right people
Looking ahead to:
2026, when we will execute a strong plan with Spacewell
