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Q - Andree Putman
Andrée Putman, widely considered the ‘grand dame’ of the design world, answers the questions this month
This article is printed in the June 09 issue of Designer
Andrée Putman is an internationally-renowned French designer and interior architect. Based in Paris, she has worked with a broad range of clients including Bisazza and Louis Vuitton.
How and when did you first become interested in design?
It happened by chance, at the precise moment when things were ready for changes in my life. My parents were charming, open, exceptionally cultivated, and eccentric - the ‘black sheep' of the French bourgeoises families.
When I was 15 years old, I became ‘the black sheep of the black sheep' by deciding to empty my room of all the objects that I found too loaded with signs of the past, with symbols of social status and the haughtiness of an environment which I could not stand anymore.
I just wanted an iron bed, a contemporary chair and a Miro drawing. With this emptiness, the emptiness of my room, I liberated myself, I turned down all the ‘dictates' of good taste, elitism and bourgeoisie.
At what time of day do you find the most inspiration?
I think it is difficult to dissect the reasons of inspiration, because it is the result of ones point of view, determined by all the aspects of ones personality, both conscious and unconscious. A good mood has always been the solution for me.
Which designer/architect do you admire the most and why?
I don't feel like making a list, it would be endless. I admire and recommend real sincerity (and courage accompanying).
What music inspires you?
Philip Glass, Alban Berg, Billie Holiday.
Describe your design philosophy in one word?
Anti-ghetto.
Where do you work on your designs/projects?
At my office with my team. More and more at my home though.
What has been the biggest challenge for you throughout your career?
I have always cultivated the rebel spirit. From my early childhood, I felt very different from the others. But what I'm interested in is the balance between discipline and revolt. I never take myself too seriously and I am full of contradictions. For example, I love cities, but I also like to immerse myself in places of strong spirituality, like, for instance, a Roman abbey of the XII° century.
To keep my freedom during all these years was my biggest challenge.
What profession would you have pursued had you not become a designer?
I was going to be a composer and I even received a prize of harmony at 16.
What is your favourite city in the world and why?
It took me all my life to be a fan of my city. I have been living in the same area of Paris, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, ever since I was born. But I only realized fairly recently how important it was to me. Each time, I feel torn when I go, and when I come back, I fall in love all over again, dizzy, giddy with happiness.
How well do you feel your education/training prepared you for the world of work?
My presence in the world of architecture and design is a pure coincidence. A strong feeling of revolt against the bourgeois milieu in which I was brought up gave me the energy to express myself.
What is your favourite TV programme?
Politics shows.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of designing for so many different companies?
As I could not find the ideal table taps, (glass, crystal, etc) I decided to accept many proposals that were offered to me. Through licences, I produced everything needed for a house like carpet, wood furniture. One wouldn't exist for me without the complete program. Everything helps other things.
The number of jobs and activities are complementary. The architect and the interior designer can not work separately - they have to talk.
What book are you currently reading?
In Praise of Shadows by Junichiro Tanizaki.
What projects are you working on now and how do you envisage your work developing in the future?
I am actually working on several private residences and a new hotel in Paris. For two years, my children joined me in the studio and we are working together to find the clients who give us the biggest freedom in developing the projects.
What is the most important lesson that life so far has taught you?
Humility.
