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Necchi Architecture, Mastering Style
Necchi Architecture is only just starting out. And yet it is plain to see that Charlotte Albert and Alexis Lamesta have a very clear vision of the future. Both of them having honed their skills for the last few years in the Parisian sphere of interior design, the couple decided to take off on their own. By a fusion of their two identities. Complementary (Charlotte bringing sensitivity and structure to Alexis, who is more rationalist and “wild”) and in agreement about an essential point: durability. That of the space that they have made their own and which must become part of life. Real life. Not the pretend life of false decors that one too often sees on social media. Their apartment is proof of this. A first creation, a blend of vintage Italian pieces showcased in a Parisian style, that they have cleverly made to adapt to their own rhythm, skilfully handling past and present. Located at the heart of the Marais, this home, its basic functions redesigned, has retained all its history. That of a small surface area where the light is unencumbered by secondary objects. Flowing lines, discreet storage, stylish furniture; the founders of Necchi Architecture give us a wonderful glimpse of what they are capable of producing. We can’t wait to discover their future designs.
Location
Milan
Author
Caroline Balvay
Photographer
Valerio Geraci
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TSF
Charlotte, Alexis: who are you? Can you tell us about your background?
Charlotte & Alexis
We are interior designers and we decided recently to establish Necchi Architecture after a few years spent working in Parisian interior design agencies. We met while we were studying for our degrees.
TSF
What is Necchi Architecture?
Charlotte & Alexis
Necchi Architecture is the fusion of our shared passion for architecture, the unification of our two identities and our shared aspirations.
TSF
Where does the name originate?
Charlotte & Alexis
A few years ago we visited the Milanese Art Deco villa built by the Italian architect Piero Portaluppi for the Necchi-Campiglio family, the industrialists. We both fell in love at first sight! It is a house packed with details and the sensation we experienced while we were there was very powerful. It started out as a joke, but then it became the natural choice.
TSF
Which of you does what?
Charlotte
Alexis is very much a rationalist but quite crazy at the same time.
Alexis
Charlotte is more sensitive and naturally channels my masculine side!
Charlotte & Alexis
We complement each other. Neither of us has a specific task, each of us brings a touch of creativity. Our discussions can become very heated but without any feeling of excessive ego or competition between us.
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TSF
Is there a Necchi Architecture style?
Charlotte & Alexis
The question of sustainability is essential for us. We’re not looking to create showy room settings that look good on Instagram, but environments for living in. We prefer natural and vibrant materials that are enriched by light. We draw heavily on strong, and quite diverse references and we like to contrast them. We might say that our job is to respond to a context while trying to push its boundaries. Necchi Architecture is not about becoming frozen in a particular genre, but rather about trying to tell a story that echoes the place itself.
TSF
Did you design this apartment? How did you begin?
Charlotte & Alexis
We have totally redesigned the space to suit our way of life. The apartment has to conform to our needs, and not the other way around. So, we have restored the original features and tried to preserve the history of the place as much as possible.
TSF
How did you make the most of its small surface area?
Charlotte & Alexis
We wanted to keep it open-plan, to let in natural light while hiding as much as possible everything that is secondary.
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TSF
Have you any advice for those who would like to do the same?
Charlotte & Alexis
We don’t really have any advice to give. Everyone has to tailor their environment to their needs. It is just important to keep in mind that you must give maximum priority to storage while avoiding saturating the space with it.
TSF
What does the future hold for Necchi Architecture?
Charlotte & Alexis
At the moment we are working on residential projects and a shop. We would love to design a cabin by the sea, and small-scale, minimalist living interests us a lot. Being more realistic, a hotel on a human scale would be really great.
TSF
What are your favourite haunts in Le Marais?
Charlotte & Alexis
The Librairie des Archives is an absolute gold mine, where you can find out all the best works on the ceramists of the 1950s (Georges Jouve, André Borderie, Valentine Schlegel) and the Arte Povera period. The Picasso Museum too. For its exceptionally inspiring aura, the strength of its space and its extensive and frequently renewed collection Alexis, who takes lots of photos, loves the Georges-Henri Pingusson’s memorial building for its austerity and photogenic qualities. Finally, if we were to recommend a bar, it would be La Coquille. It’s in the 1st arrondissement at the edge of Le Marais. It has a joyful, festive atmosphere, and the owner always plays good music!
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We prefer natural and vibrant materials that are enriched by light.
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