Gil Bakhtiar portrait

DESA HMONP architect and interior designer

Background and origins

Gil Bakhtiar was fascinated by living spaces from an early age and soon turned his attention to architecture and design.

He was initially interested in architecture in the broadest sense and attended the École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris-Villemin.

Even as a young student, Gil was interested in the design and utilisation of interior spaces. He decided to specialise in interior architecture and design at the Camondo School and graduated in 1990.

With 30 years of experience behind him, Gil decided to continue his studies at the École Spéciale d’Architecture to complete his basic training.

He received his DESA diploma unanimously and with the congratulations of the jury.

A perpetual learner, Gil continued his studies the following year at the ESA, where he was awarded the Habilitation à la Maîtrise d’Œuvre en Nom Propre (HMONP).

As his projects flourished and Gil matured and gained experience, he developed a passion for landscape design.

Guided by a holistic approach that encompasses both living and transit spaces, he completes his work by creating gardens, combining built and landscape elements in his projects.

Vision of architecture

Gil is guided by one guiding principle: He wants to enhance every project he is entrusted with by linking it to the place where it is located.

Gil is guided by one guiding principle: He wants to enhance every project he is entrusted with by linking it to the place where it is located.

For him, constructing a building, designing a garden or designing an interior is in a way like creating a bridge between several worlds and connecting a place where people live with a place where they pass by and meet. This promotes social relationships, an important concern for him.

As a Franco-Persian, Gil attaches great importance to cultures and the influence they have on their surroundings, be it people or places.

His more than 30 years of experience has gradually made him realise the need to take into account the environmental issues facing the living world.

This is why Gil actively questions the sustainability of the buildings and objects he designs, which develop in harmony with their surroundings and their use.

Preferences and artistic style

Whether it’s a new build or a public or private renovation project, Gil strives to emphasise the unique identity of each project through a personal, human approach.

His guiding principles are respect for the environment, the culture and the client’s wishes.

His work is characterised by an artistic style that is recognisable through the play of contrasts and the use of colours and materials that interact with each other.

He has always questioned the material glass, which he works with by engraving, sandblasting and assembling it.

Influences from the past and present

As a young architect and designer, Gil was strongly inspired by the work of architect Mallet Stevens and designer Jean Michel Frank, as well as the paintings of Nicolas de Staël, Mark Rothko and Pierre Soulages.

More recently, he has been interested in the work of architects Renzo Piano, Zaha Hadid, Jean-Michel Wilmotte and Kengo Kuma.

Finally, he is also inspired by the urban sculptures and paintings of Yoan Capote.

Academic career

1983 - 1986

Fundamental studies in architecture at the École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture (ENSA) de Paris-Villemin.

1986 -1990

Diploma in interior architecture and design from École Camondo

2021

Diploma in architecture from École Spéciale d'Architecture (DESA)

2022

Habilitation à la Maîtrise d'Œuvre en Nom Propre from École Spéciale d'Architecture (HMONP) (Habilitation in project management in one's own name from École Spéciale d'Architecture)

Expertise and know-how

In more than 30 years of activity, Gil Bakhtiar has realised many projects, both public and private, both renovations and new constructions, remaining faithful to his founding principle:

He listens to each project owner and supports them throughout the construction process, from design to completion.

Hotels, factories, shops, offices, apartment blocks, detached houses, flats, design products, green spaces for private individuals or institutions:

Gil is constantly taking on new challenges and reinventing itself to fulfil its clients’ requirements.

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