His grandfather was a contractor and his father, Jean-Baptiste Winders, was a contractor-architect who, from 1859, played a role in the construction of the Brialmont Forts around the city.

By 1868 he had established himself as an architect, realizing the Antwerp house of painter Jules Wagner that year.

He won the design competition for the monument in 1873, and although it was supposed to be finished by the next year, delays postponed its inauguration, which took place in 1883.

[2][3] Another important assignment was the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, which he designed with Frans Van Dijk.

[3] His most important work in this style is his own house, Den Passer on Tolstraat in Antwerp.