Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 37 (Max). 33 (Jordan).
Occupation: Founders and owners of André Jacob.
Instagram: @andre__jacob
Hometown: Paris.
Studio location: Paris.
Describe what you make: Andre-Jacob is a creative studio that offers tailored solutions to all space-related issues. Eager to continue our exploration and proposition in space arrangement, we’ve just launched our first furniture collection, AJ Domestico, which draws inspiration from the tapestry of our daily lives and domestic rituals. It’s a poetic homage to the homebody lifestyle, where our living spaces transcend mere layouts to become sanctuaries.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: Launching our eponymous first collection has been a significant milestone for our studio. In this collection, all pieces are limited-edition but one has been particularly personal, technical, and offers a distinctive uniqueness: our Vase in homage to Lucio F. We worked with the gravity of metal to develop this piece. We pushed the boundaries of metal by adding Lucio F.’s signature scar, crafted by hand. Each piece is numbered, with a unique scar.
Describe the problem your work solves: We hold a special esteem for domestic life, drawing from our cultural roots. We aim to resolve and enhance the aesthetics of the home, bringing more comfort and peace into our interiors. Against the hostility of the world, we attempt to offer tranquility within our homes, our sanctuaries. Transforming the mundane into poetry through aesthetics, we strive to address these challenges. Today, as designers, we endeavor to convey our sensitivity through this medium.
Describe the project you are working on now: Various projects across architecture and product design, as well as upcoming collaborations in the André Jacob furniture line. Our main focus is on crafting the next AJ Domestico collection dedicated to the art of tableware.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: Larger furniture pieces such as a sofa and a chair, which will be available next September. We’re also developing our virtual world, AJ World: a dystopia, fantasized, and post-apocalyptic aesthetic world. It’s a sum of our childhood, our subconscious, our bad taste, our distortions, our obsessions, our lightness, our passions, the artists, the designers, our naivety, our anxieties, our rebellion, our faith… We’re touched by the romance of the old and excited about the new virtual world. AJ World is our world.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: We have two different yet complementary sensibilities. Jordan focuses on technicality; he needs good lighting, a pen, and his sketchbook. Of course, his computer is his bff. Each project brings a particular musical ambiance—an emotion. Often classical, sometimes rock, rap, and alternative for production days.
Max is more meditative—he needs his archives to always refocus on the studio’s inspirations and editorial line. His phone and AirPods with classical Japanese music.
What you do when you’re not working: Our minds are constantly focused on creating and overseeing our projects. But when we’re not working, Max loves traveling and exploring different galleries, discovering new designers, and attending exhibitions. In his spiritual lifestyle, he also enjoys practicing sports, particularly running. Jordan is passionate about cooking; it’s his stress reliever! And he’s a party guy; he draws inspiration from nightlife.
Sources of creative envy: Our creative innovation and inspiration are diverse. We draw inspiration from experiences, daily life, and encounters. We also look up to master thinkers like Pierre Soulages, Caravage, Mark Rothko, and others.
The distraction you want to eliminate: Screen time and social media.
Concrete or marble? Black concrete with black marble is our perfect match.
High-rise or townhouse? Designing a living space inspired by townhouses within a high-rise building. We enjoy creating a unique fusion of urban sophistication and suburban tranquility. We like to redefine high-rise living, offering the best of both worlds: the convenience and amenities of urban vertical living paired with the intimacy and outdoor space of traditional townhouses.
Remember or forget? Remember, to observe. Forget, to go further.
Aliens or ghosts? Aliens for the future.
Dark or light? Light in the dark.
