What started as a sole proprietorship has grown in less than fifteen years into a holding company with four businesses. One of the driving forces is Leander Kippers: architect, entrepreneur, visionary, and above all, a people person.
Leander’s story began in 2004 as a freelance architect with a sole proprietorship. Five years later, it became the architectural firm R2Livin Architects. ‘Ismael Gielen, now my partner, was also working independently at the time, and we regularly participated in architectural competitions together. Our collaboration grew organically until we made the decision: we’re moving forward as one team.’
‘As an architect, it’s simply difficult to manage everything alone. Not only do you get more clients, but ongoing and completed construction sites continue to demand your attention. Eventually, you can’t handle that by yourself anymore. We continued as R2Livin Group for a wide range of projects: from designing Thibaut Courtois’ villa to a garage with a carwash. In doing so, we asked ourselves: “What are we exactly?” If we position ourselves as an architect for businesses, a new Courtois won’t come by anymore. And vice versa.’
It is here that Leander’s entrepreneurial spirit clearly emerges. ‘We thought concretely about how we could make our company future-proof. To gain momentum and determine the right direction. We decided to place two separate companies under a holding: R2Livin Architects and Bisar Business Architecture. R2Livin focuses on private individuals, on “art to live in”: architecture as art, where emotion is allowed to cost a bit more. Bisar focuses on B2B projects, or “business architecture”: architecture that needs to deliver a return. Two clearly defined companies with a sharp focus.’
‘That positioning really emerged from organic growth. And afterwards, it was further developed with vision and logical thinking. It’s also in this way that we have two other small companies: Noir Visuals, a high-end 3D design agency run by childhood friend Jens Meyssen, and The Home Library, an inspiration book, digital platform, and network that connects architects, contractors, and clients.’
Yet Leander doesn’t always see himself as an entrepreneur. ‘While I probably am one, I don’t necessarily feel that way myself. I mainly want to do things and make them succeed, motivate and inspire people, and grow as a result. And because we grow, we can also make new plans. But it’s not like we only have a certain turnover in mind that we absolutely want to achieve. Our ambitions lie more in building a strong team and gradually expanding it.’
Since June last year, the R2Livin Group has added two partners: Maarten and Wouter. ‘We have spent years building partnerships with our employees, and that makes us a reliable firm. We have bundled our strengths into a very horizontal structure, where everyone is an important link in our agency. Because while this article is about me, I am more the face of the entire group. I take on the PR, future-oriented, and commercial side, while the rest focus on their specialties.’
‘If you work alone, as we all did at first, you really have to take on every task. But no one can be good at everything. Whereas you create enormous growth potential when everyone finds their place. Courtois trains to be the best goalkeeper in the world, not the best striker. We also train, each with our own focus. That makes us stronger as individuals and as a team.’
‘My role in this is twofold: as a visionary, to look for those opportunities that we can market. Ensuring we bring in interesting assignments, that we take on challenges and see that we can handle them. For example, our assignments at Bisar are getting bigger and bigger, which is great. And at Noir Visuals, we notice, for instance, that interest in certain Impermo products increases remarkably based on our 3D images. Then you know you can make a difference and that you’re on the right track.’
My primary focus remains: constantly helping our employees grow. I view a company as an organism, and there are only two statuses: growing or dying. What biotope do I need to create to ensure that every twig or every flower—meaning an employee—can grow?’
‘That’s why I give responsibilities instead of tasks. If they feel free, they can develop better and reach their maximum potential. They become an asset to the company, but the reverse is also true. Being able to help create that ecosystem gives me a lot of satisfaction.’
‘About seven years ago, I also started at Wolves and Warriors, an organization by Kurt Goossens that sets up growth programs for entrepreneurs and leaders. I join the Warrior Week in Spain to mentor and inspire entrepreneurs. A very enjoyable aspect of my life, where I can once again collaborate with inspiring people.’
Does someone as engaged as Leander value a work-life balance? ‘My work has become my life; I don’t really have a boundary. Don’t ask me to work from 9 to 5. I enjoy my work too much for that. Even if I weren’t paid for it, I would still perform many of my tasks with pleasure.’
‘I try to evolve in both my work and private life. I am currently building a house, which requires a lot of my attention and energy. But once that is finished, I can enjoy it and time will be freed up again for other things like sports, traveling, and inviting friends over. That, too, is growth.’
‘Of course, I also have periods where I feel less motivated. When I have little desire to exercise or feel like ignoring my own ambitions. But I allow myself that. “It’s just not working right now,” but tomorrow will be better. I don’t want to struggle desperately with what isn’t working, but keep going. After all, you learn to surf better on a wave than on a flat sea.’
‘I got to know Expliciet through Hubo Limburg United, where Expliciet is a partner and I am on the board. They handled the team’s positioning and blew me away with the video they made about it. The way they look at a company differently is just like how we, as architects, look at a building differently.’
‘Based on those positive experiences, we asked Expliciet to help market Noir Visuals more effectively. We also hope to strengthen our collaboration for The Home Library soon.’