Jean-Guillaume Mathiaut’s world is messing with architectural codes and brings us into a soft and feminine world, bathed in natural and warms colours. When he was a young architect, he continued his brilliant record and won the
Marina, can you introduce yourself?
I’m 37 and I am a furniture designer. After 10 years spent designing for some international brands, such as Ligne Roset, Swedese (SE) and Idée (JA) among others, I started up my own collection in 2013, which I called Bautier.
What led you to design objects?
I knew I wanted to study something creative but I didn’t exactly know what. I went to London to study art and design for one year. I then studied objects and products design, in England as well.
You are a freelance and collaborate with others. Can you tell us more?
When I finished my studies, I came back to Brussels and fast became an independent designer. Several participations to Salon Sattelite and to Milan Furniture Fair enabled me to meet the brands with which I still work today. For these brands, I only work on the creation. Then, they are in charge of the production and sales. After 10 years doing this, I wanted to start up my own brand. I wanted to be able to decide on every detail and control the whole process, from the creation to the sales. And also to have a whole coherent collection. My pieces of furniture are made in Germany and exclusively sold on my website and in my shop in Brussels. Both work methods complement one another pretty well. For Bautier, I’m completely free, whereas when I work for others, I need to follow specifications, a brand identity with which I have to work, which often makes me explore new typologies.
For your studio, you only work with European partners. Why so?
I work closely with the subcontractors and proximity makes exchanges easier. I have a very little company and I don’t want a large-scale (and cheap) production. I above all want high-quality development and finishing touches. Savoir-faire in Europe is exceptional and I want to contribute to its preservation.
What do you like most about being a designer?
Diversity and independence (this second aspect is even more present with my own collection). First of all, there is the creative step, the development of ideas, the creation of a product. First by drawing, and then by making models and prototypes. Then, you have communication, the promotion of your ideas and products. A mix of intellectual and manual work, alone or with other people.
You constantly use wood in your creations. Why?
It’s a lively and natural material which is pleasant to work. Every piece is different. Its warmth enables me to work on simple forms without having a minimalist result. It’s also a support which gets more beautiful with time and the products’ longevity is important to me.
I above all want high-quality development and finishing touches. Savoir-faire in Europe is exceptional and I want to contribute to its preservation.
Can you tell us about your inspirations?
There are a lot. My mind is constantly open on inspiration. In my daily life or my needs for the house. I also like looking at homes and old objects. Sometimes, only details can trigger an idea. An atmosphere or a design.
How would you describe your creations?
Functional and practical. Simple but not minimalist. For a daily use.
For how long have you been living here?
We’ve living in this house for almost 8 years now.
Sometimes, only details can trigger an idea. An atmosphere or a design.
Which objects are you the proudest of? Which ones do you prefer?
I don’t really have a favourite object. Each of them has different qualities. The Cruiser armchair for Swedese is important to me since it’s one of the first I brought to completion. It was also the token of a true collaboration with a furniture producer. Thanks to it, I could discover the Swedish brand, which contributed to my desire to create my own brand.
What are you currently working on?
I start a new collection for a new client. A beautiful project that will be displayed in spring 2018. I will also develop some ceramics with a Belgian ceramist you’ll be able to see in my shop in the autumn.
What do you want for the future?
I want to make my brand well-known and give life to my shop in Brussels. I will develop some accessories to diversify my collection and offer smaller products in addition to the pieces of furniture. Every last Friday of the month, I organise a table d’hôte in my shop. For the end of the year, I’d like to publish a book with the recipes cooked during these “Fridays”.
Credits: Eve Campestrini @thesocialitefamily
Jean-Guillaume Mathiaut’s world is messing with architectural codes and brings us into a soft and feminine world, bathed in natural and warms colours. When he was a young architect, he continued his brilliant record and won the
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