JEAN-MARIE MASSAUD
MASSAUD DESIGN
The world of design works in mysterious ways concerning the
experiences and meanings it provides. It is a detailed art form
that requires an abundant amount of willpower and passion
from its resourceful professionals. French designer and architect,
Jean-Marie Massaud who best describes himself as a perfection-
ist and generous person, embodies this reality perfectly.
Educated in aeronautical engineering, it was later on that the de-
signer discovered the wonders of design, having worked in many
sectors, from industrial design to furnishings. In 2000, Massaud
founded his own studio and has since then collaborated with nu-
merous prominent brands, such as Poliform, B&B Italia, Poltrona
Frau and Dior.
Following a philosophy of improving something for the better
and giving great importance to context, Massaud has a quest of
focusing on the essentials in regards to the means and experienc-
es that his creations convey to the public.
For the designer, a project becomes more than what meets the
eye, for instance, when designing a football stadium, a subma-
rine or a car, one must always have the perception of the sur-
roundings. On the other hand, when undertaking a residential
project, Massaud contests the idea of decoration or statement
and purely concentrates on matters like offering a sense of inti-
macy, freedom and comfort, hence creating the right ambience
and an incredible design.
Formerly, Massaud would frequently do projects all over the
world, from Europe to Japan, to California and Mexico in the pur-
suit of betterments and understandings. Nowadays he doesn’t
travel as much in far countries as a personal choice, though. Mas-
saud’s studio is based in Paris and the designer currently lives in
the countryside commune of Saint-Paul-de-Vince, so taking into
consideration all the technological progress, it becomes more ac-
cessible to make contact with his team or go to nearby places.
Another aspect that the French inventor never neglects is direct-
ing towards qualitative values instead of quantitative. It serves
as a state of mind for Massaud, as he views that in any kind of
society, it is more imperative to grow than to produce an absurd
amount of things, after all, the essence of living registers in the
former rather than the latter.
