Sweco welcomes assar architects to its group for an integrated design approach that seamlessly combines inclusive architecture with cutting-edge engineering. This partnership creates strong synergies and delivers comprehensive solutions with maximum added value for our clients. Together, we position Belgium, France and Luxembourg as strategic hubs for innovative and responsible construction projects in Europe.
Sweco and assar architects join forces: innovative architecture for a society in transition
This agreement brings architects and engineers shoulder to shoulder in one multidisciplinary team that masters the entire project ecosystem: from master planning and programming through architecture and interior design to structural engineering, building services, energy, safety and maintenance. Thanks to this integrated approach, designs become high-performing and future-proof, gain in visual and spatial quality, and demonstrably meet functional, technical and sustainability criteria throughout their entire life cycle.
Creative tension: a vital lever for achieving excellence
Erwin Malcorps, Business Area President at Sweco bv, explains: “We know each other well from previous projects in healthcare, government and defence, as well as complex urban developments with high sustainability ambitions. These shared experiences form a solid foundation to raise the bar together once again. The coming together of architects and engineers is by definition an exciting, sometimes challenging process. This constructive tension sharpens ideas, makes choices explicit and elevates quality. The interaction between design ambition and technical feasibility is not an obstacle, but rather the engine of innovation. By welcoming assar architects into our family, we connect aesthetics with performance, circularity with budget, and vision with buildability. This is how we create high-quality buildings for generations to come.”
Renaud Chevalier, CEO of assar architects, adds: “Designing places that align with everyone’s ambitions requires co-creation. By combining our expertise with the insights of engineers and users, we create architecture for all, firmly rooted in the present and focused on the future. Future-proof buildings demand a holistic approach, balancing resilient architecture, smart technology, contextual awareness and economic feasibility. With Sweco’s international strength, we will accelerate the urban transition and contribute to a sustainable society.”
assar inclusive architecture: designing & building for everyone
Since 1985, assar has combined innovation and inclusion with sustainability and technological progress in large-scale, complex projects for healthcare, offices, housing, public institutions and urban development. assar architects is based in Belgium, Luxembourg and France, employing 150 people across five locations (Brussels, Antwerp, Liège, Luxembourg and Paris). The firm supports clients from strategy to execution and is working, among others, on the Defense Headquarters, the Centre Hospitalier Régional in Liège, the development of the Lebeau sites in the Sablon area and the European Investment Bank in Luxembourg, as well as on The Cube project in Diegem.
Strategic ambition
The combined architectural expertise of assar architects and VK Studio will be brought together under the new entity Sweco Architects. With the creation of this integrated design studio, we strengthen our architectural offering by providing clients with a single point of contact that combines creative power with technical precision. We also reinforce our market position in Belgium, Luxembourg and France through team proximity and shared quality principles. As pioneers in integrated design solutions, we combine sustainability and digitalisation while continuously expanding our multidisciplinary expertise to tackle the challenges of a constantly changing world.
Architecture at the heart of our DNA
Since its inception, Sweco has combined architectural and technical expertise to develop innovative solutions that unite performance, aesthetics and sustainability. Today, our European network includes 1,500 architects across eight countries. This collective strength enables us to offer deep expertise in architecture and urban planning, with projects in sectors such as housing, healthcare, retail, offices, education, leisure and sport, infrastructure, industry and defence. Where needed, we adopt a multidisciplinary approach that brings together urban planning, landscape design, architecture, interior design, heritage and lighting design. We respect the local context while leveraging cross-border knowledge to address major transition challenges such as urbanisation, digitalisation and climate neutrality.
Open collaboration model
Sweco continues to work closely with other architecture agencies. When a client opts for an external design partner, we ensure that complex design projects run smoothly and in harmony. Sweco acts as the perfect link between the external architect and our in-house technical specialists. We promote strict coordination and clear communication between engineering and architecture teams, an essential condition for overall project performance.
For more information, please contact:
Nika Gordts, Marcom Specialist, Sweco, +32 470 91 08 94
