Wendy & Vincent from AIM Architecture on Antwerp, authenticity and the future of Belgian design

We could give you countless reasons why we believe in Antwerp Design Week. But sometimes, it means more to hear it from someone else. That is why we are proud to introduce one of our ambassadors. In the coming weeks, you will discover a series of personal stories, each offering a unique perspective on the experience.

Can you introduce yourselves and your connection to Antwerp Design Week?

“We are Wendy and Vincent from AIM Architecture. After spending several years in Asia, we returned to Belgium and Antwerp Design Week immediately caught our attention. It felt relevant, fresh and closely connected to how we think about design today.”

"The best cities are those that bring different worlds together, and Antwerp does that very well.”

How would you describe Belgian design today?

“Creative. High in craftsmanship. Driven by material exploration and experimentation. There is a huge potential in Belgian design.”

What is the difference between Belgian and Chinese design?

“In Belgium, there is a strong sense of self-criticism. A design has to be meaningful, worth investing in and sustainable. In China, production is often more driven by scale and speed. What both share is an interest in craftsmanship and experimentation, but the depth of tradition and quality is very different in Belgium.”

Why do you enjoy working with Belgian designers?

“Because the standard is incredibly high across all disciplines. There is a strong focus on the essence of a concept. And for us, it’s important to work locally, with designers and materials that are connected to the context of a project.”

What does authenticity mean in design?

“In Belgian design, authenticity is very present. It’s the combination of concept, material and intention that makes it powerful. It’s not just about aesthetics, it’s about meaning.”

Why are you excited to be part of Antwerp Design Week?

“There is a lot of love for design in Belgium, and you feel that internationally as well. Antwerp has the potential to become a true design city. But for that, we need to collaborate more and really claim the Belgian design label together.”

“In Belgian design, authenticity is very present. It’s the combination of concept, material and intention that makes it powerful. It’s not just about aesthetics, it’s about meaning.”

Can you tell us more about ‘12’ as a location?“

‘12’ is a former trading building, a place that historically connected Antwerp with the world. It has two very distinct sides, a refined, almost classical part with a marble staircase, and a raw warehouse side. That contrast reflects how we see design today, moving between tradition and found objects, between polished and raw. We want to use it as a creative platform.”

How do you see Antwerp Design Week evolving?

“It’s very powerful to see that ADW gives space not only to established brands, but also to students and young designers. That mix is essential. People come to ADW to think, to explore, to be inspired. Young creatives play a big role in that, they show what is possible.”

What role does ADW play for brands?

“It challenges them. When you are surrounded by strong design and people openly sharing their opinions, it pushes brands to reflect and evolve. That’s a very healthy dynamic.”

What defines a strong design experience today?

“Design is not only about creating new objects. It’s also about curation, about mixing old and new, about creating a meaningful composition.

That layered approach is becoming more and more important.”

“ADW challenges designers. When you are surrounded by strong design and people openly sharing their opinions, it pushes brands to reflect and evolve. That’s a very healthy dynamic.”

What are you most looking forward to during ADW?

“Meeting new people, discovering new talents and getting inspired. That’s always the most valuable part.”

Why is Antwerp such an interesting design city?

“The scale of Antwerp is perfect. You can move easily from one place to another, from one exhibition to the next. At the same time, the city has a certain rawness, coming from the harbour and its history. It’s not too polished, and that contrast creates a very strong creative energy. The best cities are those that bring different worlds together, and Antwerp does that very well.”