Pierre-Yves Rochon, Inc.

Name: Mr. Pierre-Yves Rochon

Position within company: Principal and Global Design Director

Website: www.pyr-design.com

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)

I have been practicing architecture and design since September 1968 (45 years), and worked in almost every area (corporate, residential, hospitality, temporary scenography, furniture design, lighting design, and place settings).

How would you describe your personal design style?

Timeless, elegant, refined, with a tremendous amount of attention paid to detail.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

My inspiration comes from leading a simple life, and being curious about everything.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

I don’t know if it’s really evolving, as much as it is re-interpreting the 20th century.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2014 and beyond.

Information technology, lighting and control systems, as they are all becoming as much a part of the architecture as their primary function; and with the continuous introduction of new materials, as well as the modification and repurposing of traditional materials, material selection is essential. The evolution of habits and customs of people is also important to consider, especially in terms of space planning. For example, the open kitchen concept is very common now, while it used to be located in the basement not long ago; the same goes for bathrooms, their sizes continue to increase.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design, what would it be?

Think first, and remain simple.

How important do you feel Design Awards are as recognition of designers talents and achievements?

Awards are exciting and give honor to important designers in our industry. It means that our colleagues, peers and clients feel as confident as we do about the work we are creating.

What projects are you currently working on?

Europe
Four Seasons Georges V
Four Seasons Megeve
Four Seasons Milan
Bristol Vienna
Beau Rivage Lausanne
Beau Rivage Genève

Middle East
Four Season Bahrain

USA
Beverly Hills Waldorf Astoria
Four Seasons New York
Jade Signature

Far East
Four Seasons Tianjin
Diaoyutai Spa Hotel Beijing

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

I dream to develop and create unique new projects.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
Your most treasured possession? My wife

Your favourite holiday destination? My country, Brittany

Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar? Four Seasons Georges V

Your favourite book / film / song? I think it’s too bad that we can chose only one favorite, because it limits choices and therefore life.

Your favourite food and drink? I love 15 different red wines. Why limit yourself to one preferred choice, and have several
favorites!

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? I love to appreciate an exhibit, a movie, an opera concert…that is if I don’t have time constraint, I also like to be able to savor the present moment without any time pressure.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? Film director