André Colin (Belgium) may not be a landscape architect, but it would be difficult to overstate his contribution to landscape architecture in Europe. Following a successful career in senior management positions within the insurance and banking sectors, he became involved with the European Federation of Landscape Architects (EFLA), the predecessor of IFLA Europe. This came about through his wife, Jeanine Colin, the organisation’s first Executive Secretary, and their close friend Jef De Gryse, one of EFLA’s founding figures.

Initially, André supported Jeanine in managing the organisation’s finances. When she became seriously ill and had to say goodbye to life, she asked him to continue caring for her “baby”. André took that promise to heart and went on to become the financial pillar of IFLA Europe. For decades, he has not only safeguarded the organisation’s financial health but has also provided invaluable advice on HR, governance and legal matters. His expertise, integrity and commitment extend far beyond the responsibilities of his formal role.

His oft-quoted remark is: “I’m not a landscape architect, nobody is perfect.” While technically true, few people from outside the profession have contributed so much to the development and continuity of landscape architecture in Europe. In recognition of his exceptional service, André Colin was appointed Honorary Member of IFLA Europe during the General Assembly 2026 in Riga, becoming the first non-landscape architect in the organisation’s history to receive this distinction.