Flemish government appoints Veronique Claessens as new Flemish Government Architect

The Flemish Government has appointed Veronique Claessens as the new Flemish Chief Architect (Vlaams Bouwmeester). On 1 October 2025, Claessens will succeed Erik Wieërs, whose term of office ended at the end of June, as the first woman to hold this title. Claessens will remain Flemish Chief Architect until 30 September 2030.

Claessens is a civil engineer-architect and spatial planner, and as director of the Spatial Planning Department at the City of Genk, she built up a strong profile in urban development and public commissioning.

“Thanks to my experience, I know very well what local authorities need and what added value a Flemish Government Architect can bring to those local authorities”, the new Flemish Government Architect told VRT. “I am eager to apply that experience at the Flemish level soon.”

As Flemish Chief Architect, Claessens' main task will be to promote the quality of architecture and the built environment in Flanders. Together with her team, she will supervise the selection procedures for buildings, public spaces and infrastructure, among other things. In addition, the Chief Architect will contribute to vision development and the public debate on themes such as housing, mobility and sustainable construction.

Source: VRT