As one of the directors healthcare within VK, Stéphane Vermeulen contributes to the general strategic approach of the healthcare sector and the concrete conceptualisation of complex projects. In this process, he mainly focuses on the strategic long-term interests of the client. Through continuous interaction and close consultations with all parties concerned, he guides the client and the project team to one vision for the future project. Two principles are essential: on the one hand respecting and balancing the various ‘stakeholder’-interests, and on the other hand ensuring a human integrated approach of the project. Stéphane also contributes to the formal and functional translation of the strategic assignment. Stephane shares his large healthcare knowledge with clients, team members and young potentials alike. Research-based design is encouraged in order to fully integrate all disciplines into the concepts. He is convinced that stimulating innovation, implementing this know-how and transdisciplinary research approach promotes ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking.