The Judges Awards

02.3 Jean-Marie Massaud

We’ve admired Jean-Marie Massaud for some time for his subtle and classic approach to design. Channelling elements of retro-futurism by combining materials, shapes and colours that were popular in the 1970s, Massaud takes practicality and comfort as his starting points in all that he does. His quietly charming style and commitment to detail and finish have made him a favourite guest designer of the big Italian manufacturers, continuing as he does the legacies of many of their home-grown stars of the 1970s and 1980s. Last year, he found success with his ‘Springtime’ outdoor collection for B&B Italia – featuring a four-poster sofa and broad, low-slung loungers. This year, his beautiful ‘Flow’ chair for MDF Italia, with a choice of two shells for the seat and six different bases, is just the business for the home office. We’ll only be tempted out of it to sink into his enveloping, elegant ‘Archibald’ leather armchair for Poltrona Frau – without doubt the comfiest seat we sat in during the Salone del Mobile. Massaud has a philosophy that aims for ‘reduction and lightness’; we’d like plenty more of the same, please.

Company: Studio Massaud
Established: 2000
Based: Paris
Key project 2009: 'Flow' seating for MDF Italia; ‘Archibald’ armchair for Poltrona Frau
Other work: 'Springtime' outdoor furniture for B&B Italia, 2008; Poltrona Frau showrooms, 2005; has worked with Arper, Cappellini, Dedon; designed the Volcano Stadium in Guadalajara
Exhibitions: At the VIA gallery, Paris, 2007

View gallery of work
www.massaud.com

Categories