Coffee Time with… Architectslab

Imagine someone who has the power to find the perfect balance between light, space and materials… This is what William Froidmont and his colleagues try to achieve on a daily basis at ArchitectslabFor us it’s always a pleasure to deliver great coffee to creative minds, but it is even better when you get to do it in beautiful, well designed buildings. Based in Molenbeek, their office is far from ordinary, and you get amazed easily.

We had the chance to share an espresso with William and to ask him some questions about his work – and coffee, of course.

 

ABOUT ARCHITECTSLAB and WILLIAM FROIDMONT

What is the typical day at your office?

Since we are an architect office, there’s no fixed schedule. Everyone has their own agenda and works on different projects. I start around 9 am. People come and go during the day and we stop at about 6pm. But of course, we start every day with a cup of coffee.

Untitled design (2)

Tell me a bit about Architectslab and your projects.

We started in 2002 with 2 associates and now we are 10. From the beginning we have tried to find our place in the architect scene. When you start, you don’t get to choose your projects; you’re actually happy  people give you one. Therefore, our first projects were mostly small ones such as unifamilial housing. Gradually, they became bigger and bigger.

Currently we work on four kinds of projects. First, of course, unifamilial houses: renovations or new constructions. Then, we have multiple housings like apartment buildings, lofts or offices. Our biggest projects are offices, especially the ones in Brussels. For example, we had a project on the Louise Avenue, about 25.000m2. Finally, we put all the others project in one last category: it mainly concerns bars (eg Kaffabar), restaurants and show-rooms.

What matters to us in a project is to have create an architecture that will last throughout the years. I don’t really like the word “modern” because it can just mean that it is a trend and that it will disappear in five years. The dream is that our projects stay timeless!

 

What is the favorite project you had to work on?

For me, it was the project we had with BBL (Bond Beter Leefmilieu): an old building in the European Neighborhood. The project was half part renovation and half part a new construction. Expectations were high and the client was very demanding, especially in terms of energy (which makes sense since it’s their core business). We worked hard and took into account what they wanted. In the end, we were both satisfied by the results. This kind of project reflects what we are trying to do as architects: the combination of a contemporary architecture and the energy performance of a building.

Copy of 700px x 400px – Untitled Design

 

ABOUT COFFEE

What made you start drinking coffee?

Like most people, coffee is something I’ve known since I was a child because my parents were drinking it. I really started to drink coffee because of Italy. I have always loved this country, for its food, its architecture, its design, its coffee… and even its cars!

The past 10 to 15 years, there has been this trend to go the core. Where does the coffee come from? What about the beans? When you drink Italian coffee, it is always the same quality, a really strong and dark espresso. What Apex offers, it is much different: you can have blends and single origins. It makes the coffee experience really interesting.

 

How does coffee lift your spirit?

I don’t actually think coffee influences our architecture, however, we do need coffee to get to work! For me it is impossible to start the day without my espresso.

 

What is your favorite coffee moment of the day?

The one in the morning, obviously, but I also like to take an espresso after lunch or after dinner.

 

Can you imagine your life without coffee?

Not anymore! Coffee has clearly its place in my everyday life. I also develop a love for coffee machines. In Italy, I learned how to make coffee. Maybe because I am an architect, the design of machines has always fascinated me. Beans are important, but the machine and the habits does the magic as well.

 

Want to know more about William? Discover Architectslab’s work and projects on their website: www.architectslab.com.

Is your office missing its morning pick-me-up? Let Apex provide your office with a delicious creative boost. Book a tasting and see how much of a difference good coffee can make for your business. We only use the best roasters and suppliers so that we can truly lift your spirits in the office; learn about the services we have available for you.


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