EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE PARIS-BASED ARCHITECT + DESIGNER.

This week we are in conversation with the Paris-based architect and designer whose work is a playful balance pushing the boundaries between sculpture, form and function. Joris who is half Italian, practiced architecture for three years prior to launching his first collection in 2017, Youth Editions. Referencing the work of Joe Cesare Colombo and Pierre Paulin as inspirators who have informed his work, his designs are created and driven by pure form. He views his designs as a type of ‘micro-architecture’ and has a love for experimenting with various materials.

Can you tell us a little about how your journey began as an architect and furniture designer?

JP: I grew up in a family of craftsmen, my father was a locksmith, you could say that I have always been used to working on construction sites. Then when I started my architectural studies in Paris, at the same time I sculpted in the studio of my uncle who is a sculptor. And I think I learned more with him about proportions and shapes than at school :) He made me listen to classical music, show me some classic films, I have some super memories of it. It has contributed a lot to my approach today. I also grew up surrounded by women and I think that played a big role in my way of drawing.

When you think of design, what does it mean to you?

JP: Shapes, forms, sculpture, a way to daily share emotions.

How would you define your own design philosophy?

JP: Lots of softness, an endless quest for the perfect shape. For me, design is a very sensitive way to convey emotions. Like a body. For me, an object should be as timeless as possible.

Your furniture designs are sculptural in form. Can you tell us how you develop the concept for your furniture designs? Do you have a particular methodology to your design process?

JP: I think I have more of a sculptor's approach, which means that for me the object must be sufficient on its own. It must be able to exist also with the cheapest material possible. In fact, this is the ultimate test in the workshop, we pass it in "blank" to see if it is still interesting. We must be able to turn around and always have something to see. I am very inspired by the female body.

For your latest collection Villa Luce, you have designed stunning renders of a 1960s Italian villa where you have conceptually realised your latest collection within the architectural space. Can you tell us more about this concept of the villa and collection and how it came about?

JP: Villa Luce is an important project for me, because it is about a way of seeing, of drawing, of apprehending a space. I am an architect first and this villa is like a thesis for me, the idea is to draw a space today and start from the inside! What happens when you get up, when you touch a door, all those micro elements of touch smell in sight. I wanted to draw in the most sensitive way possible and that the people living in it. My wife is from Rome, where the light is so special… I tried to capture that. Like my pieces that I want to be timeless, I like to make people believe that this villa has always existed when I just designed it. :)

Which furniture piece is your all time favourite from your collection of work and why?

JP: My Aglaé console and my Cléo screen, because they are really on the borderline of sculpture and their uses is an excuse .. ahah ;) but it’s a secret.

Who are some artists, designers or architects that you reference, who have informed your own design practice?

JP: So many! Really .. I'm like a sponge. But I admit that I am obsessed with Pierre Paulin or even Joe Colombo. They are real examples for me.

Can you share with us any upcoming projects to look out for?

JP: The last two years have been extremely busy and we have a lot of new amazing projects for 2021. At the moment I cannot say much, but exciting news will be out soon. One thing I can say, we will launch the second part of our Enamorados collection soon and I am very proud of it.

Is there something that you like to collect in your own home?

JP: Design pieces and books. I’m obsessed with books.

Can you share with us your favourite place in Paris for:

Shopping?

JP: For shopping, Jardin du Palais Royal.

Galleries?

JP: Galerie Downtown.

To visit?

JP: L’atelier de Constantin Brancusi / cour Puget in the Louvre

Dining?

JP: Passerini - the best Italian chef in town :)

Best kept secret?

JP: Passage Vivienne.