Name any major city in the world and you can bet that the name Pierre-Yves Rochon is attached to it, be it an elegantly appointed suite at the Four Seasons George V in Paris or the gleaming Art Deco pool at The Peninsula, Shanghai. For almost five decades, the design guru has applied his characteristically French-chic style to more than 200 hotels, spas and restaurants around the world.
With such an impressive CV, it’s fair to say Rochon knows a thing or two about luxury hospitality. Throughout his 46-year career, Monsieur Rochon has carried a very simple business lesson with him: “Nothing is ever won or purchased” - a mantra that challenges him to continue to design unique spaces that carry an enduring legacy. As one of the world’s leading figures in his field, it is interesting to learn that Rochon initially set out to pursue a career in films. Here, he reveals why he chose to pursue a career in interior design, explains how travel inspires his creativity and reveals what’s coming up next for the PYR empire.
What first sparked your interest in design?
When I was young, I completed courses on French television, which led me to participate in television programmes, working on their set designs. I was actually primarily interested in films, which is why I first imagined becoming a director. I always had an interest in everything related to arts, whether it was music, drawing or painting. In films, staging has many facets — costume designer, contractor, designer, all of these interested me, but it was on this latter aspect of film that I really committed.
What was the very first space you designed?
The very first space I designed was the headquarters of a major French bank, which I fashioned into a contemporary space, particularly the executive floor. I then moved onto hotels, like Al Bustan Palace in Muscat, Oman, and Château Les Crayères, a Relais & Châteaux property [in Reims] that I still work with today.
Your name is attached to several projects in the Middle East — what elements, if any, do you take from Middle Eastern culture when you set about designing concepts for properties in the region?
I have worked in the Middle East since the 1980s, and the culture of the area is something I am very attached to, because of my childhood spent abroad (my grandfather was a colonial doctor, my father a superior officer and pilot in the air force). When you spend your life travelling, it helps psychologically to adapt to each country. I tried to capture some of the area’s culture in my various projects I have undertaken here, such as Al Bustan in Muscat, and the Four Seasons hotels in Beirut, Damascus and Alexandria. Each time I wanted to bring in Orientalist elements of design in honour of the country and its culture.
You have designed more than 100 hotels, spas and restaurants worldwide — how do you keep your concepts fresh and unique?
Actually, it’s more than about 200 now. One of the rules I decided upon when I first opened my office is that I would never do the same thing, in terms of design. This is a personal challenge that makes this job so interesting; a constant questioning of how to be different.
Do you prefer to redesign existing sites or to start entirely from scratch? Are you inspired by particular eras more than others?
I don’t really have a preference. When you love to create art, then all projects are interesting. Each project is like a ‘dish’ — the tastes of each are different, but the technique to ‘cook’ always stays the same. And without a good technique, or method, one cannot reach their hoped levels of quality and creativity. I am inspired by all eras for different reasons; they all have unique features that I like.
Of all the spaces you’ve worked on, can you single out a favourite?
Yes, the Four Seasons George V, because [through working on the hotel] I have been fortunate enough to gain a trusted friend who has, in turn, trusted me for 15 years, Prince Alwaleed [owner of Kingdom Holding Company, parent company of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts].
Which fellow designers or other creative minds in your field do you admire and why?
The list would be too long if I were to mention all those whom I admire. I respect all of my colleagues as they each amaze me creatively and have a style that is all their own.
How do you think design is changing in modern times and how is your own style evolving in light of this?
Design changes with the evolution of life, over the course of generations. We are obliged to adapt to the way of life of these
new generations. We create different things, and therefore we change design. Light (with the help of new technology) is an integral part of today’s design, which was less the case at the beginning of my career. We also travel a lot more these days, which helps to change the design by the influence of new cultures and new ways of being.
What do you think are the keys to staying distinctive?
Simply to always be yourself and do not follow fashion trends. Rather, know how to inspire.
On the subject of travel, which is your favourite city?
My home of Paris — it is the most beautiful city in the world for travellers. Everything inspires me there. New York and London are also cities that inspire me creatively.
Having visited so many places all over the world, what is your number-one travel tip?
If you can afford the luxury, take the time to live in a country you have travelled to. I do not heed this advice, unfortunately. Also, be curious when travelling.
Can you tell us about any projects are you currently working on?
At the moment, I am working on several hotels around the world: the Four Seasons Megeve in south-east France, Four Seasons Bahrain and a hotel in Beijing with [Japanese architect] Tadao Ando. I am also working on a residential project in Miami by Herzog and De Meuron, high-rise apartment buildings by Jean Nouvel in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, and a Joël Robuchon restaurant in Bangkok.
With such a busy schedule, where do you go for R&R?
Brittany, because it is my country and this is where I can really recharge my batteries. The five departments that make up Britanny (Finistère, Côtes-d’Armor, Morbihan, Ille-et-Vilaine and Loire-Atlantique) are all worth visiting. The landscapes are very different, but the fresh sea air is a common component of all. This is a country that has an identity: its own language, architecture, music and gastronomy.