Louis Brouwer

About

I build physical systems. My background is mechanical engineering (Edinburgh, First Class, IMechE Best Student Award) and design innovation (Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art).

Right now I work as an R&D engineer at Rivan Industries, a climate tech startup developing direct air capture and synthetic fuel technology. I designed and validated the 100kW carbonation prototype, one of three core modules in the DAC system architecture.

Before engineering I ran a furniture business called Boog Design out of my parents' garage. Over 25 commissions delivered, roughly £50k in revenue, starting at age 15. I still make things for myself and people I care about.

I've captained a 57 foot sailing yacht across the Atlantic and back. Four crossings total. I surf whenever I can.

I hold UK and Dutch citizenship.

Currently: R&D Engineer, Rivan Industries
Education: MSc/MA Innovation Design Engineering, Imperial & RCA (2026); BEng Mechanical Engineering, Edinburgh (First Class)
Location: London, UK
CV: Download PDF

Selected Work

Kinetic Canvas

IDE Cyberphysical Systems / 2025

A kinetic sculpture driven by mechanical linkage systems and custom control software. Designed the mechanical architecture, co-developed embedded software, and built a brand identity. Won the Interplay competition. Pitched commercially at PS Labs, Bermondsey.

Mechanical Engineering Electronics Software Branding

Rivan Industries: DAC Carbonation System

Rivan Industries / 2025 – Present

Designed and validated a 100kW carbonation prototype for direct air capture. Represents one third of the full DAC system architecture. Research, hypothesis formation, prototyping, testing, and system modelling.

Mechanical Engineering Thermodynamics Prototyping

LeveL: Gambling Harm Prevention

IDE Group Project / 2025

A system combining vibrotactile stimulation, peer support, open banking integration, and geo-activation to reduce gambling harm. Designed and executed a double blind controlled trial. Built measurement hardware and Swift application.

Service Design Scientific Method Software (Swift) Hardware

SuperGreen: Roman Concrete Stool

IDE SuperGreen Module / 2025

A stool cast from Roman Concrete, exploring sustainable alternatives for architects. Form designed to highlight compressive strength while carrying a distinct Roman aesthetic. Material exploration meets design narrative.

Material Science Physical Making Sustainability

Boog Design

Personal Business / 2015 – 2022

A furniture design and fabrication business started at age 15. Over 25 commissions delivered including kitchens, tables, stools, shelving, and bespoke pieces. Roughly £50k total revenue.

Woodworking Design Business

Imperial College Rocketry: Pluto

Extracurricular / 2024 – 2025

Led the stringer design for the Pluto liquid fueled rocket. Supervised two undergraduate engineers. Structural analysis and fabrication for a student built launch vehicle.

Aerospace Structural Analysis Leadership

Log

March 2026

Thesis work and career planning

Deep into my IDE thesis project. Spending time with recursive thinking, the Library of Babel, and questions about whether materiality still holds the value I once assigned it. Separately, casting a wide net on career options. Exploring VC, product management, and founder paths. The philosophy right now: you can't make decisions in a vacuum. Generate options first.

January 2026

Rivan: 100kW carbonation prototype validated

Completed design and validation of the carbonation prototype at Rivan Industries. This module represents one third of the full DAC system architecture. Research, hypothesis, prototype, test, iterate. The work is satisfying because it is measurable.

September 2025

Joined Rivan Industries

Started as an R&D Mechanical Engineer at Rivan while continuing IDE at Imperial and RCA. Working on direct air capture and synthetic fuel technology. Designing machines that pull carbon from the atmosphere.