Last September I received a surprise invitation from Laurent Scordino-Mazanec, Director of the École Boulle in Paris, to tour their famous school. He had been to New York and had seen my design work at the Par Excellence Showroom, a collective of amazing French artisans who are seeking to collaborate with American architects and designers. I had recently completed the design of their showroom and had the wonderful opportunity to work one-on-one with many of their uber-talented artisans. Laurent and the CEO of Par Excellence, Guillaume Bouchez, thought I would enjoy a private tour of the school on my next trip to Paris.

The École Boulle was founded in 1886 and remains one of Europe’s largest schools of art and design. Its focus on artistic craft and applied arts is unique, and it only took me minutes to realize just how special it is. The tour began with a visit to many of the workshops where students and faculty are engaged in the process of creating—from marquetry and bronze, to restoration and upholstery. I was later asked by Scordino-Mazanec and Bouchez to create a project or program for the students. I asked for a few weeks to put some thoughts together. My big concern was how could I engage these students in something beyond the incredible curriculum they already enjoy?

I returned to the school in December and presented the idea for Creating From Inspiration, sharing with students and faculty examples of my process, how I use an experience to inspire my furnishings and interiors. I shared an image from the Musée de l’Orangerie and asked that each student visit the museum, then conceptualize an object based on that experience. The only requirements: they had to be able to discuss the connection of their design to their experience in the museum and the object had to be functional. Immediately, 120 first-year students from various departments divided into 19 teams, for a five-day program. I encouraged them to think in terms of practicality and functionality, as well as aesthetic appeal. I left the school energized, aware that the program would expose the students to the art of collaboration and commitment to the creation of a singular idea. Over the course of just one week, I was able to meet with all 19 teams and discuss their designs. My goal was not to impose on their designs, but to help them steer through their own design process.

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WRITTEN BY THOMAS PHEASANT

This story appeared in the Fall 2024 issue of MILIEU.