Jean-Philippe Nuel is a name whispered through the halls of prestigious hotels around the world. This renowned designer, known for blending luxury with everyday living, has made a name for himself in both hotel design and furniture design.
He started designing hotels when he was just 30 years old, and since then, he has worked with some of the biggest hotel chains, including Hilton, Accor, Marriott, and InterContinental.
A Family of Designers
Nuel comes from a family of designers and creators, so his interest in architecture was ingrained in him from a young age. His passion for drawing and his curiosity about the world led him to this profession. He sees architecture as a way to bring together different aspects of life, including art, social trends, and cultural developments.
Nuel’s Distinctive Style
Nuel embraces a unique approach to design. He doesn’t want to repeat himself; instead, he immerses himself in the environment to fuel his creativity. While he doesn’t shy away from his personal style, he strives for a “twist” in each project. This “twist” is a note of individuality or unexpectedness, making each design stand out. He compares his work to a writer who tells a new story while maintaining their unique style.
From Architecture to Hospitality
Nuel’s first hotel project, the Clos Médicis, was a turning point in his career. He had always been fascinated by high-end hospitality, but it was this project that truly launched him into the industry. The renovation of the hotel was a challenging project, requiring him to preserve the building’s facade while completely transforming the interior.
This project paved the way for many more opportunities, leading him to work with major hotel chains on projects around the globe. While he started as an architect, Nuel transitioned to interior design and furniture design, as major hotel chains often prefer a comprehensive approach.
Defining Luxury Hospitality
Nuel defines luxury hospitality by its pursuit of excellence at all levels. He believes that a luxury hotel should have a strong aesthetic presence that resonates with its surrounding environment, avoiding the overly extravagant and garish. He prioritizes the use of quality materials and fine details while remaining mindful of the overall coherence of the design.
He considers the long-term wear and tear of hotel spaces, ensuring that the design can gracefully age. This attention to detail and longevity sets luxury hospitality apart from residential design, which has different usage demands.
The Power of Furniture Design
Nuel’s work extends beyond interior design to encompass furniture design as well. He has collaborated with well-known brands like Concrete LCDA, Ligne Roset, and Pierre Frey.
He often uses furniture design to fulfill a specific need within a project or to give a unique character to the space. The choice of furniture can play a significant role in defining the hotel’s identity and positioning. By controlling the design from the architectural scale to the object level, Nuel ensures a harmonious and cohesive project.
Inspiration from Life
Nuel finds inspiration in all aspects of life. Literature and cinema are particularly powerful sources of inspiration. He sees projects as characters in a novel, each with their own personality and traits. He visualizes these projects, bringing them to life with colors and materials. He draws inspiration from film, seeing projects like the initial scenes of a movie, where the goal is to create an atmosphere that captures the visitor or spectator. Ultimately, he aims to create spaces that evoke emotions and leave a lasting impression.
A Legacy of Projects
While every project holds a special place in his heart, Nuel sees each one as a unique expression of his creativity. From small renovations to grand hotels, each project adds to his legacy as a designer who brings together luxury, functionality, and a touch of personality.
