Top: Photographs of Haussmann Blvd Project, Batiik Studio © Romain Ricard / Bottom: Photographs of Rue du Bac Project, Batiik Studio © Romain Ricard

Artsper is pleased to introduce you to Rebecca Benichou and Florence Jallet of the interior design firm, Batiik Studio. The female founders have a unique approach to interior architecture, and their respective backgrounds compliment each other to form a perfect team. In addition to their abundant portfolio of design projects, Batiik Studio will launch their debut furniture collection during Paris Design Week 2023! Stay tuned for the exciting events taking place September 7th-16th, and keep reading our interview with Rebecca and Florence for insight into this inspiring design pair!

1. Hello Rebecca and Florence! We are delighted to meet you! Could you introduce yourselves and explain the origins of Batiik Studio?

We are Rebecca Benichou, Founder and Agency Director, and Florence Jallet, Creative Director of Batiik Studio.

Rebecca: I founded Batiik Studio 8 years ago, after working for an architecture firm for 5 years. Interior architecture naturally appealed to me. I truly enjoyed the scale of the projects and the interaction with clients. Unlike traditional architecture, we feel that we are creating spaces tailored to the users because they are our clients. Florence joined the agency 5 years ago when I was looking for an interior architect. We quickly realized that we complemented each other, and a few years later, the partnership seemed obvious to us.

Florence: The early part of my career focused on scenography, especially in the luxury and fashion show world. Those initial years allowed me to always create different, creative, and powerful environments, and seeing projects we designed come to life is always very satisfying. I joined Rebecca in 2018 to collaboratively design more permanent projects, closer to people, and to give purpose to my work.  

Left: Rebecca and Florence © Arnaud Giacomini / Right: Rue Duroc Project, Batiik Studio © Romain Ricard

2. Your design projects are joyful, bold, yet also functional and elegant. How do you manage to strike this delicate balance in your work? Do each of you have distinct design philosophies?

We both strive to create bold and functional projects. Our work is about telling a story while making spaces as pleasant and tailored to our clients' needs as possible. We always try to optimize spaces according to our clients' lifestyles. Additionally, we work on design where we draw inspiration from different eras and craftsmanship to create unique and timeless spaces, furniture, and objects.

Florence mainly handles the creative aspect, while Rebecca takes care of the execution. We have two different approaches: one is very creative, more linked to shapes, space perception, and materials, while the other is more focused on usability, functionality, and rationality. All of these elements complement each other and allow us to achieve unique and timeless creations.  

3. At Artsper, we believe that art plays an essential role in interior decoration. How do you integrate contemporary art into your projects? Who are your favorite artists at the moment?

We have recently collaborated with several galleries to choose artwork for the apartments we renovate. It's important that art is seamlessly integrated into our projects and resonates with the architecture. Art ultimately becomes an extension of our work.  

Left: Ambroise Project, Batiik Studio © BCDF Studio / Right: Ambroise Project, Batiik Studio © BCDF Studio

4. In the world of architecture and interior design, France is a reference, but not the only one. In which countries, cultures, or influences do you find your inspiration?

In our travels. For example, we found inspiration in Mexico's limitless shapes and colors, and Italy's use of colors and marble. We also appreciate the gentleness and minimalism of the Japanese lifestyle. Our numerous travels are a source of inspiration for both of us. It allows us to discover new cultures, see new landscapes, learn about craftsmanship, and simply get inspired.  

5. With your team, you've already completed residential and commercial spaces. Which project has been the most remarkable and why?  

We are currently finalizing a project for collectors in Paris. The apartment is magnificent, reminiscent of a Haussmannian mansion, with high ceilings and an immense garden. It was a real challenge for us because we had to coordinate our work with our clients' extensive art collection. We designed sculptural but discreet pieces and collaborated with the best artisans to bring them to life. We can't wait to unveil this project.

6. We look forward to discovering Batiik Studio's interior decoration collection at Paris Design Week this year. What inspired you to launch this new project? And what has been the most interesting aspect so far?  

In each of our projects, we design custom furniture for our clients. Furniture is an extension of our interior architecture work. It seemed obvious to us to create this collection to address a wider audience and also to detach it from the specific places we design.

7. Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring architects or interior designers?  

Travel, be curious, believe that it can happen to you too, surround yourself with the right people, and listen actively.

Batiik Studio's debut furniture collection © Batiik Studio