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Our Marseilles pilgrimages continue in the Quartier de Madrague. In this former fishing village – alluding to the labyrinth of nets that once surrounded the coast – Amandine and Sébastien Coquerel found their rare pearl. A semi-detached house with a whitewashed facade, climbing over several levels. Finding outstanding properties is part of their daily lives with their agency ARCHIK, a virtuous circle dedicated to the sale and renovation of exceptional spaces. For this family project, the couple have based their approach on the real backbone of the home: the Mediterranean staircase, which serves all levels. Their inspiration came from this monumental work, reminiscent of Valentine Schlegel. The objective is to keep the freshness flowing and to invest every corner of the house. Each level thus has its share of surprises and we marvel as we pass from a contemporary style with references to the design of the 1950s and 1960s, to an idyllic vision of a Greek landscape on the rooftop terrace. A complete change of scene, in shades of blue with seaside echoes, calm and serene.
Amandine, Sébastien: can you introduce yourselves, please?
My roots are a mixture of Carcassonne and Catalonia and Sébastien is a Parisian. Our paths crossed in the lecture halls of ESSEC when studying for a Master’s in Marketing Management over a decade ago. We’ve worked together on everything since then. To the extent that we have created ARCHIK together, which is the fruit of our shared passion and our recognition of the clear way that the market is going.
Can you tell us more about ARCHIK, your agency?
It’s an estate agency and an architect’s practice, but above all it is a living environment that reflects who we are, blending a variety of worlds and combining several professional streams. All built on a shared passion for art and design, as well as our high standards.
How do you find the exceptional properties that you feature in your property catalogue?
Our positioning is highly specific and unique, and our reputation no reflects that. The same goes for our marketing and communications, which are highly targeted and institutionally aligned. We build our collection through networking, direction approaches, and increasingly through our reputation and the recognition that our expertise has earned. The ARCHIK concept feeds off itself when a client from the estate agency chooses the architectural practice to renovate a property or when a renovation opens the doors to a fine interior that quickly hits the market.
Was it always your plan to complete your portfolio by offering an interior design practice?
Yes, of course: in fact it is part of the core concept. Our approach to the property market comes from an architectural perspective. We look at interiors based on their use of space, the way the light falls, and the materials that are used.
Tell us about this incredible house that you’ve just moved into. What is its story?
Located in a Marseillaise fishing village, this terraced house immediately won us over with its uniquely relaxing and family-friendly ambiance. Its different spaces, and overlapping levels were like a giant playground for us, with the rooftop space being almost literally the cherry on top – all we had to do was reveal its potential.
How did you come to acquire it? Which room did you start on?
With the roof first and foremost, with an atmosphere that reminds you of Greece or a Moroccan riad. Finally, we moved on to the patio and the ground floor, the “roots” of the house which tied it all together. Being able to move around easily while making the most of the cool freshness: ultimately, moving into these lower levels was the greatest challenge. Between the two there was of course room for a stunning Mediterranean staircase, the backbone of the house. And then everything else just happened naturally.
Where do you get your inspiration from for the interior design?
Lisbon, where we had stayed a few months beforehand. The Mediterranean, obviously, which is where our wandering started. As well as our taste for beautiful, luxurious and unprocessed materials: solid wood, marble, leather and brass. Then, finally, our obvious affinity for contemporary design from the 50s and 60s.
Do you have a favorite period, style, or designer?
Charlotte Juillard, Nova Obiecta and Binome are all found within our interior. Lise Prévot, Martin Parr and Isabelle Girollet, as well as the walls around us. Finally, having spent five years in the Radiant City, Le Corbusier continues to be an obvious source of inspiration.
You’ve created a city guide. Could you let us into the secret of your favourite destinations in Marseilles?
Jogging, which you know – because of its cutting-edge range and its concept, Raboniak for the quality of its woodworking, Le Peron because of its incredible setting, and Ouréa for the quality of their cooking. And Good for its selection of distinctive brands.
What are your plans for the future?
To continue to develop and believe in our ability to convey our approach to life, making the most of eveyrthing, sharing, continuing to find value in what is beautiful, meeting wonderful people, and having fun. A pretty full agenda. Anyone who loves us should follow us!
Photography: Eve Campestrini – Text: Caroline Balvay @thesocialitefamily
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