NRP Gulden Feniks debate: Pioneering Client Leadership – Private Initiative versus Public ValueNRP Gulden Feniks debate: Pioneering Client Leadership – Private Initiative versus Public Value

Drawing on insights from previous editions and projects submitted for this year’s Gulden Feniks awards, architects, clients and jury members will discuss the prerequisites for effective client leadership.

• 19:30 – Opening and introduction
• 19:40 – Two presentations
• 20:00 – Roundtable discussion in two sessions (Session 1 – How can we organise effective client leadership? | Session 2 – Private initiative versus public value)
• 20:55 – Closing remarks by the moderator
• 21:00 – Conclusion

While the construction and real estate sectors traditionally focus on strict budget limits, risk avoidance and blueprints delivered well in advance, many projects in the 2026 Gulden Feniks edition demonstrate exactly the opposite. Groundbreaking results depend on clients being willing to embrace uncertainty. This could involve mandating sustainability through a user collective (Steeds Hooger), prioritising renovation and renewal over demolition (which is often the more logical choice from a user perspective, as seen with IKC De Zevensprong and Steeds Hooger), building without a final design (De Groene Afslag), investing in top-down quality frameworks (ARTIS), or deploying private capital independently of the government (FENIX).

In the run-up to the presentation of the Gulden Feniks award for renovation and transformation in November 2026, the National Renovation Platform (NRP) and the Nieuwe Instituut are organising two debates. These events will bring together a diverse range of stakeholders, including designers, clients, developers, contractors, policymakers, residents and users, to discuss topics related to creating a sustainable and future-proof built environment. As the NRP states, “The real estate of the future is already here.”

The National Renovation Platform (NRP) takes a collaborative and integrated approach to the societal challenges associated with renovating and transforming the existing built environment. The NRP’s partner network comprises over 100 organisations and companies from across the construction and real estate sectors. Through the annual Gulden Feniks award, the NRP showcases exemplary projects, enabling the entire industry to benefit from the knowledge and insights gained. Read more on the NRP website.