Design with a Sense of Place: Returning to Local Roots

Jérémie du Chaffaut

Interior architect & founder - Midi

An interior design Penninghen graduate, having conceived numerous boutiques and international flagships for major luxury brands, Jérémie du Chaffaut’s native Provence is never far from his side. Descending from a long lineage from Haute-Provence dating back to the 15th century and honed by his parents who dabbled in antique dealing in their spare time, Jérémie forged his tendency whereby: «Beauty is to be cultivated, and heritage preserved.” When he decided to acquire a family home in LaSainte-Baume, he and his wife wanted to dress it upwith Provencal furniture but couldn’t seem to find it anywhere. They quickly felt the need to create it themselves, respecting the regional know-how, and using Jeremie’s underlying architectural skills. They knew they would definitely take the plunge when they found out that a celebrated Marseille-based ceramist having earned the title “Living Heritage Company,” established for several generations, was no longer in business. “Our project came to life in 2019 from a deeply rooted desire to reveal exceptional craftsmanship with a contemporary edge, while subliming tradition.”

Eñaut Jolimon

Chief Executive Officer - Alki

Trained as a generalist engineer at ICAM Toulouse, I spent nearly 10 years working around the world in the automotive industry as a Project Manager. Drawn by the social and economic activism of the cooperative model, I joined Alki in 2017 as Industrial Director. In 2020, I was elected President and CEO of the cooperative, succeeding Peio Uhalde, co-founder of Alki, with the mission of leading the company's transformation through major initiatives such as the construction of a new workshop and the brand’s digitalization.

Gregoire de Lafforest

Furniture designer & Co-founder - Ker

ChatGPT a dit : Grégoire de Lafforest is a trained interior architect and a designer by choice, who built his experience through collaborations with renowned studios such as Bruno Moinard, Gilles & Boissier, and Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance. These experiences immersed him in exceptional materials and rare craftsmanship, allowing him to take on a transversal role in projects while quietly making his mark. Since 2014, he has been collaborating with Hermès, designing furniture and home collections. In parallel, he develops pieces for esteemed editors and manufacturers such as Collection Particulière, DCW, and Mercœur. In 2024, together with his friend Jérémie du Chaffaut, he launched Ker, a contemporary furniture brand inspired by Atlantic design codes. His creations are minimal, soft, and fluid, reflecting his aspirations and inspirations. With a focus on natural, sober, and warm materials, his work is defined by refined lines and a timeless charm. Grégoire de Lafforest has received numerous accolades, including four consecutive VIA awards starting in 2011, the “Talent of Elegance” prize at the Luxury and Creation Summit in 2017, and in 2025, his work was acquired by the Mobilier National.

Sylvie Wolff

Journalist