Maxime and Laurent met at a young age and quickly discovered a shared passion for architecture, both having grown up deeply immersed in the worlds of architecture and real estate. This shared background and enduring friendship naturally led them to pursue their architectural studies together at the University of Antwerp. Alongside the academic curriculum and study trips, they broadened their perspective through two extended journeys to Japan, where they explored groundbreaking architectural projects and developed a lasting admiration for Japanese design philosophy.

From these experiences, the vision for their own practice began to take shape, and Studio HIKARI was founded. The name “Hikari,” meaning light in Japanese, symbolizes their ambition to create spaces defined by openness, clarity, and natural illumination.

Within the first years, the studio welcomed its first two employees—architects they had connected with through their academic collaboration at the University of Antwerp—who shared their commitment to thoughtful and innovative design. What began as a collaboration between two longtime friends has since evolved into a six-member practice, built on a foundation of trust, collaboration, and shared architectural values.

The journey of the studio continues to unfold, guided by a commitment to inventive solutions and architectural refinement. Maxime and Laurent look to the future with the same energy that sparked their partnership, eager to challenge conventions and explore new possibilities in architecture.