An uncompromisingly modern architect and interior designer. Jean-Philippe Nuel imagines hotels as being like the memories and impressions retained by a traveller. Nowadays Jean-Philippe Nuel combines his architectural work with furniture design. He recently designed an armchair for the Sofitel Hotel at the La Défense Centre in Paris, and this design is now included in the Roset Hotels & Contracts collection in the catalogue for 2006.

Jean-Philippe Nuel's work depends upon the strongly held conviction that a hotel should be synonymous with pleasure: the pleasure of being in an environment that is rich with multiple sensations - such as astonishment, privilege, softness, sensuality, conviviality...

After he had masterminded the creation of the Hotel La Villa at Saint Germain des Prés, Paris, in 2000 - the project that brought him widespread recognition, Jean-Philippe Nuel worked on other three and four star hotel projects: the Hotel Lavoisier, Victoire Opéra, Axial Beaubourg, Hôtel Thérèse and latterly Le Général. He has a strong reputation in Paris, but is also much sought-after outside the capital: the restaurant La Maison Blanche and the Tonic Hôtel à Biarritz and Marseille; the Mirazur restaurant and the Napoleon Hotel in Menton. Also the Regent Petite France restaurant and hotel in Strasbourg. He has worked with a number of the great names in the Hotel industry: Sofitel, Hilton and Marriott, as well as Club Méditerranée, for whom he is working on the renovation of the Club Med in Vittel.

Outside of France, Jean-Philippe Nuel has established a presence in Japan, with his work on the Henri Charpentier tea salons in Tokyo and Ashiya.

Finally the Equip'Hôtel Studio, whose ambition was to explore the trends in restaurants and hotels, made many calls on his expertise since the creation of his design practice. Jean-Philippe Nuel, architect is a graduate of the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. His studio, set up in 1992, now employs some 15 fellow designers.

For further information, visit his web-site: www.jeanphilippenuel.com

The 'Italian Lounge' restaurant, in the Sofitel Hotel, Paris La Defense

Jean-Philippe Nuel chose his own design the Luca armchair for the restaurant, giving an atmosphere of peace and elegance. Luca, first designed for the hotel trade, has since been selected for the Ligne Roset international collection.

Salon du Meuble, Paris, January 2006

To create a quiet space, away from the bustle of the lobby area, Nuel used his own Luca armchair design. This is characterised by small dimensions, a high degree of comfort and design.