Tom Leenders (he/him) developed through diverse experiences (government, academic, private, foreign) a sensitivity to the terms used to talk about the transformation and complexity of the spatial environment. To make such topics negotiable for a multitude of actors, it is necessary to fully validate their diversity and specificity and to find a common language that allows knowledge sharing and mutual understanding. So never just say ‘it's too complicated’.

At AWB, Tom has been focusing on the transition agenda at the local, neighbourhood level since late 2024. Both in the 100 Neighbourhoods Platform and in the Muide Meulestede Fossil-Free Living Lab, he acts as a facilitator, driving forward collaboration, insight and innovation from content. 

Tom studied architecture (UGent) and urban planning (UGent and KULeuven) and previously worked, among others, for Maxwan, Tractebel, VVOB, Stad Antwerpen, ORG, … and in a non-professional context he is also an advocate of a sustainable lifestyle and more sustainable mobility. He also works as a practice assistant at the architecture department (UGent).