Thierry Lemaire's project: Villa La Capite in Geneva © Jean François Jaussaud

French architect and designer Thierry Lemaire has left his unique mark on the design world, from the rooms of the Élysée Palace, to villas in Lebanon and Morocco, to Swiss chalets. He has also collaborated with prestigious brands in the fashion world, such as Fendi Casa and Dior. His style in three words? Timeless, functional and elegant. Above all, Thierry Lemaire emphasizes quality craftsmanship in every project. Join us in our conversation with Thierry about the influences on his practice, his collaborative approach and his favorite artists!

1. Hello Thierry! Thank you for taking the time to chat with us. Can you tell us your favorite design project to date?

My favorite project to date would have to be Villa La Capite in Geneva.

2. How much have French architecture and design influenced your design practice?

I am French and for us it's a matter of culture, which persists and is part of history. French designers have preserved the ancestral culture of furniture and decor that has unfortunately had a harder time passing through the ages in other countries.

3. And in particular, which parts of French design history are you drawn to?

The 1940s and 1970s.

Thierry Lemaire's project: Villa La Capite in Geneva © Jean François Jaussaud

4. You have designed spaces all over the world. Is there a particular country outside of France that has inspired your practice in its design or visual culture?

Brazil for architecture and design. I find it the most beautiful reference, especially the work of Oscar Niemeyer. I also really like 1930s Italian design.

5. You have collaborated with brands such as Fendi Casa and Dior on furniture design projects, and your furniture collections are created in collaboration with experienced artisans. Do you enjoy this collaborative approach to design?

What is interesting about these collaborations is looking into the history of brands in order to discover their roots within their cultural identity, their years of empowerment and their success.

There is also a clear parallel between fashion and interior design which is interesting to look into. Interior design perhaps brings to fashion a different rhythm and chronology.

On the left: Thierry Lemaire's project Villa La Capite in Geneva © Jean François Jaussaud, on the right: a portrait of Thierry Lemaire © Hugo Scoarnec

6. You often incorporate paintings and other works of fine art in your interior design projects. How do you go about selecting artworks for specific interior projects?

I select artworks according to the interior style but also according to the tastes and aspirations of the client.

7. Which artists do you currently have your eye on?

Georg Baselitz and Anselm Kiefer.

8. Finally, if you could design the home of any person, living or not, who would you choose and why?

I would have loved to collaborate on a project with Marc Duplantier. He has originality, classicism, and an incredible knowledge of art and craftsmanship.