Jean-Philippe Nuel is a name whispered in the exclusive corridors of the hotel design world. This talented designer has been crafting beautiful and luxurious spaces for over 30 years, working with some of the biggest names in hospitality, including Hilton, Accor, Marriott, and InterContinental.
A Family Legacy of Creativity
Nuel’s passion for design runs deep. He comes from a family of creators, making his path into architecture almost inevitable. He was always drawn to the creative process and found himself enthralled by the world of design. “I have always loved drawing and am interested in many things,” he shares. “Architecture is a profession that demands curiosity about everything.” He understands that design is more than just aesthetics. It’s about understanding the social and cultural landscape and reflecting those changes in the built environment.
A Unique Design Signature
While Nuel doesn’t repeat himself in his work, there’s a recognizable thread that runs through all of his projects. He describes his style as elegant with a twist, a touch of irreverence that sets his work apart. “I don’t seek to do the same project twice,” he says. “I like to immerse myself in an environment to fuel my creation.” This immersion allows him to create spaces that feel fresh, unique, and captivating.
The Birth of a Hospitality Visionary
Nuel’s first foray into hotel design came at the young age of 30. He was approached by a childhood friend, Pascal Beherec, whose family had acquired a hotel in need of a complete renovation. Together, they embarked on the ambitious project of restoring the Clos Médicis hotel, located near the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris. The successful renovation marked the beginning of Nuel’s hospitality journey.
Creating Extraordinary Experiences
Nuel sees luxury hospitality as a pursuit of excellence. “A grand hotel must have a strong aesthetic stance that makes sense in its cultural environment,” he explains. He rejects the idea of luxury as ostentatious display. Instead, he believes in the power of subtle details and high-quality materials used in a thoughtful and coherent manner. “Fine-tuning these details is also put in service of the operation to ensure quality ageing,” he says.
From Interiors to Objects
Nuel’s talents extend beyond interior design. He is also a renowned object designer, collaborating with renowned brands like Concrete LCDA, Ligne Roset, and Pierre Frey. His passion for object design stems from his desire to control the entire design process, from architecture to furniture. “A new hotel is often an opportunity to develop furniture design to meet a specific need or to signature the project with unique furniture,” he notes. By designing custom furniture, he ensures that every element harmonizes and reflects the project’s identity.
The Power of Inspiration
Nuel draws inspiration from a diverse range of sources, including literature, cinema, and everyday life. He views projects as characters in a story, each with unique personalities and traits. “Cinema is also a source of inspiration,” he says. “The project is like the first shots of a film in which we enter. It is important to see if an atmosphere captures the visitor or the spectator.” He believes that spaces should evoke emotions and create lasting impressions.
A Legacy of Excellence
As Jean-Philippe Nuel continues to design iconic spaces, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence. His commitment to elegance, detail, and storytelling ensures that every project he touches becomes a memorable and captivating experience. He embraces the challenge of creating unique spaces that resonate with guests, leaving them with a lasting impression.
