On the Outskirts of Venice Beach, the Californian Interior Designed by the Architect Charles Ward of the Proper Hotels' Artistic Director

Following my academic training at business school and a work placement in Venezuela, I was given the opportunity to work alongside the famous chef Alain Ducasse in Paris. My mission was to design avant-garde restaurant spaces and culinary experiences. Currently, as Art Director at Proper Hospitality based in Los Angeles, I fuse design, aesthetics and branding to shape unique experiences and singular places.

Born and raised in Paris, I followed a path that took me from business school studies to a career in consultancy, before plunging into the world of sport. After working on international development for Amaury Sport Organisation, the organisers of the Tour de France, in Japan, Norway, the UK and Qatar, I flew to the United States to manage the development of the Tour of California, and then to steer the strategy of 24 Hour Fitness, a group of 300 gyms. Sport, physical activity, exploring the wonders of the human body, and inspiring a better lifestyle – that’s what makes me tick every day.

We’ve always been attracted to foreign countries. After studying in Venezuela, I developed a taste for expatriation, while Thibaud cycled around thirty countries and gained considerable international experience thanks to his studies in New York, then in India and his involvement in the international development of ASO. However, it was a professional opportunity, the offer to orchestrate the Tour of California, that finally brought us to California. Los Angeles is a colourful and lively city. It’s a place where the glamour of Hollywood blends with great cultural diversity, weaving together luxury and diversity, and we love these contrasts. But LA is also a jewel case of nature, from the powerful waves of Malibu to the wild cliffs of the Santa Monica Mountains. When it comes to the arts, it’s also a very creative city. Galleries such as Hauser & Wirth, Blum & Poe, and David Kordansky Gallery are redefining the contours of contemporary art, while street art continues to colour the streets of the Art District. Finally, visionary architects are shaping the city, making Los Angeles a breeding ground for innovative design.

Our arrival in Los Angeles marked a renewal, a breath of emancipation, even a kind of small renaissance, far from the more traditional French models. Suddenly, every aspect of daily life was tinged with exaltation. In the United States, the uniqueness of an individual is often prioritised over his or her academic or professional qualifications. Moreover, the French origin still inspires a certain fascination in creative or hotel circles: sensitivity, a critical spirit and a rejection of the superfluous are still considered, rightly or wrongly, to be embodiments of the French exception. The American approach to work is incredibly dynamic and results-oriented, which is a constant source of stimulation. Kelly Wearstler – with whom I work on a daily basis – is undoubtedly a leading figure in the field of design. Her perception of aesthetics is incomparable, and she infuses all her projects with genuine originality. Her risk-taking in mixing styles, periods and textures enables her to design unique spaces that captivate the eye. Working alongside her, I ensure that the vision developed for the interior design of the various spaces is implemented consistently on a daily basis, and that all the initiatives associated with these living spaces – or with the Proper brand in general – are in line with this vision. This includes furniture layout, lighting, music, service sequences, uniforms, merchandising, partnerships with third-party brands, and so on. We also work closely together on the creation of visual content, from the selection of the photographer and stylist to the staging of photo shoots.

I like stools in general. I like their straight, sleek lines and their elegant, discreet design. Their presence enhances a space without overloading it or obstructing the view, unlike a chair. The Chiesa stool has that timeless elegance and combines materials that I particularly like: noble wood and textured fabric. I’ve also fallen in love with the Acqua terrycloth beach towel, with its pink and green stripes, which smells so good on holiday.

We kick off our weekend with breakfast at Gjusta Bakery. We then take a leisurely stroll along the beach, between the piers of Venice and Santa Monica. In the afternoon, we hop on our motorbike for a ride through the Topanga canyons, the winding road offering breathtaking views. In the late afternoon, we head back to the coast for an aperitif on the Malibu Pier at Malibu Farm or the Soho Beach House, with the sunset over the ocean as a backdrop. The day often ends with a nice dinner at home with friends and friends of friends… On Sundays, after a trip to the beach, we have brunch at Gjelina’s on Abbot Kinney. We then often head off to explore the eastern part of the city, which is made up of hills, and where the warmer, more enveloping temperatures give our Sunday afternoons a summer holiday feel. To end the weekend on a high, we head up to the rooftop of the Santa Monica Proper for a nightcap.

This summer, on a romantic holiday in Marrakech, at Riad El Fenn. In September, I’m off to Maui in Hawaii, where I’m redesigning a hotel that has recently joined the portfolio of establishments managed by the Proper group.

The taste of an era.