In 1966, Jan Tanghe, Jacques Pêtre, Ignaas Deboutte and Willy Canfyn  took up the challenge to create an interdisciplinary group, called ‘Groep Planning’. A team of architects, urban planners and engineers worked together on numerous complex projects transcending the classic structure of a design agency and aiming to develop a global vision about (urban) space. The multidisciplinary character of the team was highlighted in 1995 with the integration of ‘Mens en Ruimte’, a team of experts in the field of energy, environment, mobility, agriculture and horticulture, sociology, economy, geography and planning.

Today, 50 years later, the three partners, prof. Paul Lievevrouw, Jean-Pierre Mariën and Jan Jonas-Szatanski, affirm, once again, the sum between SumProject and SumResearch. Sum stands for the continuous intertwining of scientific research and research by design. The cross-functional team ensures the sustainable scale of the projects, an overall quality management, sound budgeting in an economic reality, an efficient project management and a clear communication strategy.

SumProject offers sustainable architecture, engineering and urban design. Based on profound contextual studies, SumProject's designs aim to improve the living and working environment.

SumResearch is specialised in urban consultancy, masterplanning, strategic policy planning for both the public and private sector.

SumProject+SumResearch is  active in Flanders, Brussels, Wallonia and northern France.