About
Revitalizing vacant spaces.
Creating lasting value for owners, cities, people, and the planet.
Creating Value with Vacant Property
RESPACE was created with a mission to revitalize vacant spaces and deliver value to all stakeholders—property owners, city officials, local communities, and end users. By transforming these spaces, RESPACE contributes to the vibrancy of cities, fostering connections and creating opportunities that benefit everyone.
With a tailored methodology that focuses not just on the spaces themselves but on understanding the environment, the context, and the specific needs of property owners, RESPACE ensures that every intervention adds significant value to vacant property and its environment.
Utilizing an expanded network of partners and blending diverse fields of expertise, RESPACE manages properties and transforms them into dynamic spaces for short-term office users, artist residencies and exhibitions, cultural actors, photo shoots, events, and more. Each use is carefully curated to maximize value, tailored to the unique characteristics of each space.
A multidisciplinary team of professionals, each bringing unique expertise, collaborates to transform vacant properties into valuable, purpose-driven spaces, ensuring every project is handled with the utmost care and precision.
Since 2010, RESPACE has invested in, managed, and added value to over 50,000 m² of transitional building space in Belgium.
A Multidisciplinary Team of Professionals.
Pierre Colaiacovo
Founder
Pierre Colaiacovo, a Brussels native, is the founder of Respace, an initiative focused on revitalizing vacant spaces in his hometown and across Belgium, creating shared environments that support communities and boost businesses. As CFO and Head of Development at Profirst Group, a leading global events and communications company, Pierre brings extensive experience in developing projects and driving business growth. A proud father of three, Pierre is dedicated to making a lasting impact on the places he calls home.
Bruno Pani
Co-Founder
Bruno Pani, Co-Founder of Respace, brings a creative and international vision to transforming spaces in Brussels and beyond. As the founder and CEO of Profirst International and TheMerode, Bruno is dedicated to crafting innovative and unique environments that reflect his passion for design and creativity
Jean-Philippe Maes
Co-Founder
As Co-Founder of Respace, Jean-Philippe Maes brings nearly 30 years of expertise from his ongoing role as Partner at Profirst International. His experience in managing high-profile corporate projects is key to Respace’s most ambitious and impactful ventures.
Edouard Scarcez
Partner Offices
Edouard Scarcez leads the Respace Office department, bringing extensive expertise from his tenure as Head of Investments at Befimmo, a leading Belgian real estate investment firm. A seasoned professional in real estate investment, transformation, and valuation, Edouard excels in driving the strategic growth and success of Respace's workplace solutions.
Célestin Fresnay
Art Coordinator
Célestin Fresnay is the Art Coordinator at Respace, collaborating through the not-for-profit Young European Artists, where he serves as co-director. As a key partner of Respace, Young European Artists enables art to come to life in diverse spaces, from workplace environments to artist studios. Célestin plays a pivotal role in fostering creative expression through artistic residencies, curated exhibitions, and partnerships with art schools, ensuring that art is seamlessly integrated into Respace’s projects and environments.
Charlotte Verhoogen
Events Coordinator
Charlotte Verhoogen is the Events Coordinator at Respace, responsible for managing and commercializing the venue’s event spaces. She oversees a diverse range of events, from conferences to private gatherings. With extensive experience at Dome Eventhall, Charlotte excels in commercial development, partner relations, and technical event management, ensuring that every event at Respace is seamlessly executed and leaves a lasting impact.
Eléonore Schreiber
Legal & Permits Coordinator
Eléonore Schreiber is the Legal & Permits Coordinator at Respace. A former qualified lawyer with the Brussels Bar, Eléonore has extensive experience working with both private and public companies. Her expertise in real estate law and regulatory compliance ensures Respace’s projects align seamlessly with legal frameworks and urban objectives. Eléonore’s multifaceted legal background makes her an invaluable asset in navigating the complexities of property management and development.
Lou Michiels
Communication Lead
Lou Michiels is the Communication Lead at Respace, specializing in crafting compelling narratives that bring the transformation of spaces and buildings to life. With a strong background in digital management and strategic communication, she is currently constructing impactful stories for TheMerode and Profirst. Lou's talent for creating beautiful, resonant stories makes her an essential part of the Respace team.
Jean-Christophe Arcq
Operations Lead
Jean-Christophe Arcq is the Operations Manager at Respace, ensuring that all properties are professionally handled and maintained to the highest standards. With a strong background in event organization and project management, Jean-Christophe brings over 30 years of experience in coordinating complex operations across various sectors. His expertise in managing logistics and ensuring seamless execution makes him a key player in the efficient management of Respace’s properties. Jean-Christophe is dedicated to optimizing operations and delivering excellence in every aspect of property management.
Kaoutar Dahmane
Accounting & Project Finance Coordinator
Kaoutar is the Accounting & Project Finance Coordinator at Respace. With expertise in financial management, project cost control, and general accounting, she ensures all aspects of Respace’s financial and project operations are meticulously managed. Her experience in overseeing project finance processes guarantees that Respace’s financial frameworks and project operations are met seamlessly and efficiently.
Edouard Meier
Managing Director Pali-Pali
Edouard Meier is the Managing Director of Pali Pali, an accelerator for cultural, social, and solidarity projects. Through a strategic partnership with Respace, Edouard and his team contribute their expertise in creating and managing dynamic spaces for exchange and experimentation, including incubators, third places, and temporary occupations like Grand Hospice and La Fonderie. Pali Pali’s mission to foster cultural, sustainable, and responsible transformations aligns closely with Respace’s vision, making this collaboration a key driver of innovative and socially impactful projects.
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