We were both born in Paris in the 16th arrondissement. The city has always had a strong influence on us, shaping our design sensibilities.
MAGAZINE · INTERVIEW
Raphaël Le Berre and Thomas Vevaud
Le Berre Vevaud is the Paris-based design and interior architecture studio founded by Raphaël Le Berre and Thomas Vevaud. Working across interiors, collectible furniture, lighting, and bespoke objects, the duo develops a distinctive design language that combines French decorative tradition with contemporary sensibilities. Guided by a deep appreciation for exceptional craftsmanship, noble materials, and refined color palettes, their practice creates environments and objects that balance sculptural expression with everyday functionality.
Drawing inspiration from Art Deco, Bauhaus, the Memphis movement, and modernist architecture, Le Berre Vevaud explores the interplay of organic forms, rich materiality, and meticulous detailing. Through close collaboration with French artisans and manufacturers, the studio produces timeless works distinguished by their elegance, technical precision, and enduring sense of craftsmanship.
Let's know more about
Interview
Where were you born and where are you from?
What is your first memory connected to the art world?
From a young age, we were drawn to the creative industries, particularly through our inherent curiosity for cinema and theater.
Have you always worked in the art/design field?
Yes, our careers have been dedicated to the realm of design and architecture.
What led you to design creation?
Thomas’ journey into design was sparked by witnessing the Couelle father and son’s innovative approach to integrating architecture with nature. Their use of raw materials like stone and wood, curved lines, and harmonious colors that blend seamlessly with natural surroundings inspired us to pursue this path.
Raphaël: The immersive cultural experiences in museums and extensive travels have also always resonated deeply within me, guiding me toward this universe.
How would you describe your creative process and its influences?
Creative process: Our creative process begins with a strong emphasis on our unique identity and singular style. The forms characteristic of Le Berre Vevaud serve as our guiding thread, naturally laid out at the inception of each creative endeavor on a blank canvas.
We then delve into the exploration of materials, testing their structural limits and exploring the interplay between forms and materials. This exploration extends to various techniques of craftsmanship, involving collaboration with artisans and Entreprises du Patrimoine Vivant. These partnerships enrich our creative universe with a harmonious diversity of textures and techniques, ensuring each project unfolds with a distinct and refined character.
Influences: We are continually inspired by 1940s decorators and iconic locations such as Eltham Palace, alongside influences from industrial design achievements.
Could you describe a typical day of your work?
No day is the same at Le Berre Vevaud, but a typical day for us often begins with immersive engagements at our architectural projects throughout Paris. Mornings are frequently spent on-site, meticulously checking the progress and details of ongoing architectural endeavors. In the afternoons, we pivot to team meetings where we dive into spirited discussions about upcoming projects, exchanging ideas and refining concepts. These sessions are pivotal in shaping our creative direction and ensuring our designs remain innovative and aligned with our vision.
Design sessions occupy a significant portion of our day as well, where we immerse ourselves in the process of crafting and refining our designs. These moments are characterized by a blend of creativity and meticulous attention to detail, essential for translating our vision into tangible architectural forms. Additionally, our work frequently involves travel, whether it’s for sourcing materials, collaborating with artisans, or exploring new inspirations.
What are the technical particularities of your creations?
Our designs focus on organic forms and fluid lines, avoiding strict geometries to harmonize with natural materials and cultural contexts. Each project demands meticulous attention to spatial constraints and environmental impact.
What advice could you give to beginning artists who would like to create sculptural design works?
Thomas: Success hinges on striking a balance between creativity and rigor. Developing a distinctive stylistic identity is crucial, but equally important is the ability to precisely meet client needs. Persistence and adaptability are indispensable assets in navigating the creative process.
Raphaël: Building a robust network, both with artisans and diverse partners, is essential. Collaboration and the exchange of ideas enrich your journey. The quality of relationships with clients is also paramount in crafting memorable projects, ensuring each endeavor resonates deeply with its intended audience.
If you had to summarize your creations in one word or sentence, what would it be?
If we had to summarize our creations in one sentence, it would be the culmination of rigorous discipline and playful creativity, blending precision with humor, color, and diverse forms in contemporary design.
If your works had to belong to a design movement, how would you define it?
Our style embodies contemporary organic architecture, influenced by integrating natural landscapes and cultural identities. We draw inspiration from movements like Memphis and Art Deco, reinterpreting them with our unique flair.
What designers and artists have influenced you?
We draw inspiration from a diverse range of design movements and influential figures. Our design ethos is deeply influenced by the decorators and designers of the 1940s, such as those who contributed to the Art Deco style and later reinterpreted by architects like Liaigre. American industrial designer Donald Deskey, known for his Bauhaus-inspired approach and contributions to the streamline design movement, has significantly influenced our aesthetic with his organic forms and coherent design language. Additionally, the work of mid-century American architects such as John Lautner, Wallace Neff, and Richard Neutra informs our appreciation for modernist principles and architectural innovation.
What contemporary designers do you appreciate?
We find great appreciation for contemporary designers who continue to push boundaries in form and materiality. Achille Castiglioni and Eero Saarinen are pivotal influences for us. Saarinen’s iconic Womb Chair, with its embracing curves, has particularly resonated in our approach to creating rounded and inviting furniture pieces. Castiglioni’s innovative designs also inspire us, showcasing a blend of functionality and artistic expression that aligns with our design philosophy. Vladimir Kagan, known for his sinuous and sculptural furniture designs, remains a timeless influence on our work, embodying a balance of elegance and modernity in his creations.
What contemporary artists, in any kind of art, have you been inspired by?
In addition to our admiration for designers, we are also inspired by contemporary artists who redefine artistic boundaries. Jean-Michel Othoniel stands out as a significant influence on our creative vision. His innovative use of materials, particularly glass and resin, resonates with our exploration of form and materiality in architectural and design contexts. Othoniel’s ability to evoke emotion and narrative through his sculptures inspires us to infuse similar depth and storytelling into our own creations. Alongside Othoniel, our work is also enriched by the contributions of Ado Chale, whose intricate and artistic table basse exemplifies a fusion of craftsmanship and artistic expression that aligns with our design philosophy. Additionally, the organic forms that captivate us, originating from the streamline design movement and further explored by artists like Charles Utter Deaton, resonate deeply in our pursuit of harmonizing form, material, and technical means in our architectural and design projects
Is there anything you would like to add?
We believe in continual learning and collaboration, honoring craftsmanship and cultural context integral to our design ethos and future endeavors. Our commitment to excellence and sustainable practices drives us forward as we continue to explore new horizons in design.
“Success hinges on striking a balance between creativity and rigor.”
The Questionnaire
The Questions
(The Proust Questionnaire is a set of questions answered by the French writer Marcel Proust.
Other historical figures who have answered confession albums are Oscar Wilde,
Karl Marx, Arthur Conan Doyle, Stéphane Mallarmé, Paul Cézanne…)
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A day surrounded by friends and family, enjoying a good meal
What is your greatest fear?
–
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
We are still searching
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Dishonesty
Which living person do you most admire?
Frank Gehry
What is your greatest extravagance?
Investing in high-quality extravagant materials and craftsmanship for projects
What is your current state of mind?
Focused but looking forward to the next holidays – we are finishing several important projects at the moment
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Perfectionism
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Integrity
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Resilience
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
–
Which talent would you most like to have?
Keeping track of time
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Self-criticism
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My family
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
If I were to return, I’d choose to be a grand Parisian café, bustling with life and conversations
Where would you most like to live?
Paris
What is your most treasured possession?
My family, again
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Hopelessness
What is your favorite occupation?
Designing
What is your most marked characteristic?
Creativity
What do you most value in your friends?
Loyalty
Who are your favorite writers?
Stefan Zweig (Thomas) – John Fante (Raphaël)
Who is your hero of fiction?
Jay Gatsby (Thomas) – Jack Bauer (Raphaël)
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Léonardo da Vinci
Who are your heroes in real life?
Innovators and pioneers
What are your favorite names?
Louise – Lou
What is it that you most dislike?
Dishonesty
What is your greatest regret?
Not patenting some of our best-selling designs in time
How would you like to die?
Peacefully
What is your motto?
“Do it with purpose”
“Building a robust network, both with artisans and diverse partners, is essential. Collaboration and the exchange of ideas enrich your journey.”
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