NAV handed out its Jo Crepain Awards 2025

During a festive ceremony at the Antwerp Handelsbeurs on the evening of Thursday 27 February, NAV (Netwerk Architecten Vlaanderen, the Network of Flemish Architects in Belgium) presented its prestigious Jo Crepain Awards 2025 for the fourth time. These awards, named after the visionary architect and entrepreneur Jo Crepain (1950-2008), recognise architectural firms that push boundaries and help the sector move forward.

There were five trophies in total (designed by artist Conrad Willems). They went to RE-ST, NU architectuuratelier, archipelago and DENC-STUDIO, with the latter taking home no fewer than two awards. According to NAV, the winners of 2025 illustrate how architects can contribute to a more sustainable world, but without building that sustainability on a social graveyard. Thanks to their innovative and people-oriented approach, they should be a source of inspiration for the entire sector.

“In Conrad Willems‘ vision, the awards embody the balance between play and seriousness, just like the architecture these firms strive for”, says a spokesperson at NAV. “With the Jo Crepain Awards, we at NAV put the entrepreneurship and the structure behind the scenes of the architectural firm under the spotlights, while also showing the vision and social involvement of architects.”

DENC-STUDIO

DENC-STUDIO from Ghent took home both the Jo Crepain award and the award for ‘Best Employer’. DENC-STUDIO has proven itself to be a true all-rounder and as an office embodies the values that Jo Crepain himself held in high regard: one should go from entrepreneurship and social impact to sustainable interaction with both employees and the environment.

“The infectious enthusiasm with which DENC-STUDIO presented itself was striking”, the jury said. “This was not only tangible in their nomination, but was also supported by a clear vision and a well-considered approach. Their leadership within the architecture sector reflects the enthusiasm and drive that also characterised Jo Crepain. We also noticed the genuine commitment of the partners. Employees were given the opportunity to share their experiences and convinced the jury of the attention paid to a supportive and transparent working environment.”

RE-ST

The Low Impact award went to the Antwerp based architectural firm RE-ST. What is striking about RE-ST is how it transforms the way space is utilised by advocating reuse instead of new construction. With innovative design strategies and critical research, RE-ST breathes new life into existing structures. Here, they work according to the motto: ‘The most sustainable building is the one you don't build’...

“Their approach is not merely theoretical, but is proven in their realisations”, the jury commented. “This office transforms the way in which space is utilised, based on a powerful vision that seamlessly integrates space efficiency and sustainability.”

NU architectuuratelier

“We use vulnerability as a strength, not as a problem”, says the NU architecture studio in Ghent. Here they have a deep appreciation for culture, nature and well-being, which aims to form a tangible answer to social challenges in every realisation. From innovative care environments to architectural exhibitions that stimulate interaction, every project exudes commitment and vision.

“What makes this office so special is that their commitment extends beyond their portfolio”, the jury said in their praise. “NU architectuuratelier actively stimulates social awareness within its own team. Translating their vision into practice is done in an authentic and unpretentious way.”

Archipelago focuses on the interaction between research and practice. This progressive architecture and research practice with offices in Brussels, Leuven, Paris and Barcelona has been striving for sustainable and innovative solutions since 2016 by investing in research, collaboration and exploring new markets. This earned them the Best Entrepreneur award.

“Archipelago has a strategic, future-oriented vision”, the jury report states. “Powerful proof of this is their targeted investment in R&D, which underlines that sustainable entrepreneurship is not only about figures, but also about innovation and long-term thinking.”

Source: NAV

All images © Stijn Vanderdeelen