Celebrating French Women in Design and Architecture…
past, present, & future.
For the past 20 years, we have had the privilege to experience the talent and determination of an ever-increasing number of women in design and architecture in France.
And, more so in the past 5 years than ever before. This change has been both enlightening and inspiring.
In recognition of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we have dedicated the month of March to celebrating the
talented women we’ve had the honor to collaborate with in recent years. We will be spotlighting 11 French women each of whom
we have benefitted greatly from their singularity along with their savoir-fair, their ideals, and their determination.
Discover these women and their voices on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and the full interviews featured here week-to-week.
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Constance Guisset – Designer
With numerous accolades and exhibitions dedicated to her work, including being named designer of the year by M&O in 2010, Constance Guisset,
shares in her interview her admiration for women like Georgia O’Keeffe, Barbara Hepworth, and Charlotte Perriand,
and offers invaluable advice to the next generation of women entering the design profession.
Sandra Benhamou – Interior & Product Designer
From film to design, Sandra Benhamou’s passion for storytelling shines through in her well-honed sense of mixing and matching objects, styles, and periods.
She is known for transforming the Dinard aquarium into the 5-star hotel, Le Castelbrac among other hospitality, residential and public projects.
Alice Cabotse Borde – Designer, Veronese
For International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month we wanted to spotlight French women who are working in diverse roles in the design and architecture fields.
With her unique experience working with two famous French designers – Andrée Putman and Pascal Mourgue – and now as a designer at Veronese,
Alice Cabotse-Borde shares her thoughts on “women in design” and how they move through the male-dominated industry.
Isabelle Stanislas – Arhictect & Designer
Isabelle Stanislas, known for her ability to strike a balance between honoring history and pushing the boundaries of modernity,
is the Architect-Designer behind the Elysee Palace’s recent renovation and numerous luxury brands including Cartier Samaritan and Monaco.
Hear her take on being a woman in design and her advice to the next generation to produce as much as possible.
Shirin Bidard & Marie-Eve Raissi – Interior Architects, Bidard & Raissi
Noelle Kassar – Interior Architect & Contract Manager, Veronese
Interior architect turned Contract Manager for leading design brands and now Veronese, Noelle Kassar, chose a unique path
that allowed her to hone in on her business acumen and creativity. In her interview, she shares her inspirations and advice for the next generation.
Charlotte Biltgen – Interior Architect & Designer
Interior architect and designer, Charlotte Biltgen, with her extensive experience working for the likes of Sylvain Dubuisson and India Mahdavi,
understands the importance of creating an environment where every person involved plays an important role.
In her interview, she shares how her approach to design at her own agency has helped her create a more equal and fair environment for all.
Dorothée Boissier – Interior Designer, Gilles & Boissier
Virginie Friedmann & Delphine Versace – Interior Architects, Friedmann & Versace
With their strong creative synthesis this interior design duo, Friedmann & Versace, are known for designing true “art de vivre” spaces.
They are the names behind numerous admired restaurants including Bambini Paris and Megeve.
In their interview, they share what drives their design approach, their admiration for Gabriella Crespi, and great advice.
Special thanks to:
MsProduction for their filming and editing.
Anne-Emmanuelle Thion for her portraits and behind-the-scenes photos.
Sylvain Racape for the sketches in homage to Charlotte Perriand and Andree Putman.
S2H Communications for assisting with the organization, social media planning, and copywriting.
Marie-Eve Bidard and Shirin Raissi, Architects and the founders of Bidard and Raissi, are behind such projects as Villa Varoise
and the Cartier boutique in Copenhagen. They are also recipients of the SIMI Grand Prix in 2012.
During their interview, they shared how they inspire each other and that women should stand strong and not apologize.