After more than ten years as bouwmeester maître architecte of the Brussels-Capital Region, Kristiaan Borret is stepping down from his position.
We remember the challenging spatial vision he has championed, guiding administrations, designers and clients. Through his commitment, he helped the role of BMA grow into an undeniable benchmark for spatial quality. We see that Brussels is now on the international stage thanks to ambitious projects. We are proud to have been able to work with Kristiaan and thank him for his tireless dedication, passionate commitment, constant support and presence.

Kristiaan has also built a solid team that will without hesitation continue the energy and determination he has encouraged. We will continue to support all projects and carry out all of BMA’s activities, with the exception of the legally required quality review (for all permit applications exceeding 5,000 m²), as this cannot currently be validated legally.

“Since yesterday, I have stepped down from my role of Bouwmeester Maître Architecte of Brussels-Capital Region. After two five-year terms (2015-2024) and two exceptional extensions since January 2025, pending the appointment of a successor, I am putting a final end to it. Like countless citizens in Brussels, I now await a government that governs, so that everyone can move forward.

I would like to thank everyone who has supported the BMA team and myself in our ambitions over the past period: the public and private clients, the administrations and the political world, as well as everyone else who is concerned about spatial quality. My special gratitude, however, goes to the designers: because while a bouwmeester can create opportunities and conditions, a good city can only be made through good design.

These ten years were intense, but I truly enjoyed them. Thanks to the work of BMA, important milestones have been set in Brussels in terms of spatial quality policy. That deserves to be celebrated with pride! Today, Brussels is spoken of as an example, especially in regard to international interest and recognition: abroad, people do not see a need for a “reboot” of urban development in Brussels, but rather fear a “shutdown”.

To date, no successor to the post of BMA has been appointed. Yet, a procedure was already launched in June 2024, and in December 2024, following a call for applications, the government appointed an external jury of seven people. According to the contracting authority Perspective.brussels, the jury’s evaluation was carried out correctly and, according to the Finance Inspection, their choice can be approved by the government even during current affairs. It seems, however, that the person the jury judges to be the best candidate is facing opposition. I am not sure whether to call this a typical Brussels complexity or whether I am simply ashamed that this can still play a role in this city with the most diverse population in Europe. Some are taking advantage of this transitional moment to call into question the role of the BMA. Fortunately, the BMA receives a lot of support from … the architects themselves, who do not share this opposition. The Flemish Order of Architects as well as the bilingual association of Brussels architects AriB see no reason to reduce the role of the BMA. Both the 30 largest architectural firms of Belgium and more than 1,300 activist architects are advocating for a future BMA with once again a significant role and appropriate independence. I hope you share this view and will continue to defend it, because the future of the BMA in Brussels is now uncertain.

For those who are wondering what I will do myself: a (short) break is welcome, a long tour of invitations abroad awaits me and I look forward to future opportunities, in Belgium or elsewhere.

So for the last time: Long live Brussels! Long live the future! ”
Kristiaan Borret