2025 was a year of growth and new opportunities for Drees & Sommer Belgium: new colleagues, new projects, and a stronger presence in the market. As we step into 2026, we wanted to speak directly with you—Anna Faltin, Johan de Vries, and Michael Moradiellos del Molino—about your ambitions and perspectives for the year ahead.
Anna, you’ve recently joined Drees & Sommer Belgium and brought fresh energy to the team. As Business Developer, what’s your top ambition for 2026?
"To put the client at the center of everything we do. With our strong portfolio of services, my goal is to be the bridge between our clients and the Dreso team—making sure we truly understand their needs and deliver solutions that help them succeed.
In 2026, I look forward to growing with our talented and diverse team, expanding our presence in Belgium, and contributing to a company that lives its values. Drees & Sommer aims to be a Beneficial Company, which means we try to give more back to the environment and society than we take through our business activities."
Johan, you’ve built a strong track record in the Dutch market and now lead Belgium as co-Managing Director. What lessons from the Netherlands will help Belgium succeed?
"At Drees & Sommer, we are used to having a close relationship with our clients. That requires a clear focus and making the most of the expertise and resources across our group. When positioning Belgium as a full-service country, we put quality before speed. One lesson learned from the Netherlands: when you grow, don’t grow too fast. For me, that translates into one word—focus. Focus on the right clients, the right sectors, and the right services we want to establish in the Belgian market."
Michael, project management and sustainability are often treated as separate priorities. How do we integrate them so clients get faster delivery and measurable ESG impact—without trade-offs?
"We’re not just a sustainability consultant—we’re a project management company that implements sustainability, with the help of the finest in-house experts. That’s what sets us apart from competitors, who sometimes focus on sustainability without seeing the bigger picture.
Our advice always integrates planning, cost, accessibility, material scarcity, and feasibility. This is how we bring excellence to our clients."
Michael, Drees & Sommer helped set sustainability benchmarks in Belgium. Take Delhaize Logistics for Montea as an example—how do we show that ESG and circularity create value instead of extra cost?
"Today, sustainability isn’t optional—it’s a requirement. In Belgium, that comes with complexity: local restrictions on site, mobility, access, energy production, and more.
For example, in Brussels, there are strict regulations on demolition and the need for reuse and carbon footprint plans. At Drees & Sommer, we go beyond compliance. We help clients innovate beyond market norms. Clients come to us when projects are complex—that’s our unique selling point in Belgium: reducing complexity and making it easier for the client."
Johan, managing projects under pressure is a reality in this industry. When deadlines are tight and expectations are high, what’s your approach to keeping teams aligned and clients confident?
"Our colleagues are used to working under pressure and meeting high quality standards of our clients. The DNA of Dreso is to identify the priority needs of our clients for each project, so we can focus and steer accordingly.
As a group, we can provide project management and construction management services in new locations—and always deliver with high quality."
Anna, you’ve worked across Germany, Belgium, and the U.S. As Drees & Sommer grows globally and accelerates its expansion in the U.S., how does your international perspective strengthen our position in Belgium?
"Working as an expat taught me that clear communication and cultural sensitivity are key drivers for success in international business.
Dreso is German at its core, and that identity is part of our strength. In Belgium, we balance that with local expectations and ways of working. This approach helps to navigate cultural nuances and builds trust—essential as we expand our services in Belgium and support international clients entering the Belgian market, while also helping Belgian clients succeed abroad."
Drees & Sommer counts more than 6,500 employees and over 70 project locations worldwide. What truly differentiates you from other big players?
Michael:"As a big group, we work with international clients in Belgium and abroad—but we’re just as committed to the local market. Many of our projects are confidential due to NDAs, but that discretion is part of the trust we build. But what matters the most is how we take the time to understand each client, start with the right services, and grow those relationships into long-term partnerships."
Johan: “It's always a good point to emphasize: We’re big enough to handle the largest projects, but small enough to deliver tailored solutions for clients with special needs.”
Finally, in one sentence, what will Drees & Sommer Belgium be for you in 2026?
Michael: “Continue striving for excellence, being a frontrunner, and helping local clients explore new markets in Belgium and across Europe.”
Johan: "A growing organization that’s top of mind for potential clients with real estate challenges—whether in sustainability or project management."
Anna: "Building strong and lasting client partnerships to fuel growth and expand our reach."
Thank you everyone, for taking part of this interview, looking forward to seeing all your goals developing in 2026!