Why a career in tech?
I have always been very curious and eager to
understand what surrounds me, Nature,
physical phenomena, technology, and Science
in general. I find it fascinating to be able to
apprehend the invisible phenomena of the
infinitely small scale as well as those of the
infinitely large scale thanks to scientific
theories.
Also passionate about art, I have since very
young wanted to become an architect, in the
sense of architect builder / engineer. In my
eyes, this represented the quintessence of a
profession that was scientific, humanistic and
artistic at the same time due to the extreme
richness offered by the variety of its practice.
Your experience?
However, this hybrid dimension of the
architect-builder, which corresponded to my
idealised vision, was lost in France when Louis
XV created the École des Ponts-et-Chaussées,
which led to a split between the world of civil
engineers and that of Beaux-Arts architects.
This is why, with this ultimate ambition always
in mind, I decided to embark on a slightly
atypical adventure to create a tailor-made study
path for myself. After two years of scientific
preparatory classes for the Grandes Ecoles, I
entered the Ecole Polytechnique. I then
completed my training with a double degree in
civil engineering and architecture from the
Ecole des Ponts and the Ecole d’Architecture de
Marne La Vallée. Finally, I obtained my HMONP
diploma in architecture from the Ecole
d’Architecture de La Villette.
Your first experience with technology?
I took up my first job in tech in 2013 as an eco-
innovation project manager at Saint-Gobain
when I was finishing my architecture degree at
the Ecole de la Villette. At the time I was
working for the group’s research and innovation
corporate, navigating between different
research centres in France and internationally
to help student teams build bioclimatic houses
for the Solar Decathlon competition. It was a fantastic experience, combining applied
research into construction materials and their
applications with an innovative environmental
approach.
What do you do today, and why?
After working as a structural engineer
specialised in innovative designs and complex
geometries at Setec in Paris and then in a
design office in London, I decided to take the
plunge and work as an architect. This is why I
joined Renzo Piano Building Workshop in Paris,
where I am now associate architect. I wanted
above all to design in my own right, rather than
being a consultant on the projects I was
involved in. What’s more, the philosophy
advocated by Renzo Piano’s office matched my
ideal of an architecture that puts technology to
the fore in each of the projects it develops.
Your strengths in this role?
The job of an architect is very similar to that of
an orchestra conductor in that he must
coordinate all the constraints of a project with a
multitude of stakeholders to create a
harmonious and lasting built work. The very
wide range of courses I took during my
engineering studies reinforced my taste for
exploring each new challenge with a multi-
criteria and parametric approach in which all
the components are integrated as far as
possible into the final built project (history,
local socio-economic context, natural
environment, economics, complex programme,
etc.). My hybrid profile means that I can
communicate with ease and relevance on all
aspects of the project, with all the people I
work with, and on subjects that are both purely
architectural and technical, such as structure,
fluids, acoustics, thermal engineering and
innovative materials.
Past challenges, failures and disappointments?
It is not always easy to combine regular
business trips abroad and going back and forth
to the site while being 8 months pregnant… I
have sometimes taken the exercise quite far.
And very often in male-only contexts where I was not only the only woman but also the
youngest.
Best moments, successes you’re proud of?
To see a building on which I worked finally
completed and appreciated by users is an
immense pleasure. For example, I took part in
the adventure of the new Palais de Justice in
Paris, for which I supervised the construction
site of the high-rise building for two years and
its opening to the public was particularly
significant for me. More recently, an office
building just outside Paddington station, the
facade of which I designed, is about to be
delivered and it is very pleasing to see my
designs materializing in central London!
People who helped, influenced -or made your life difficult?
Many great benevolent professors during my
academic career, who inspired me, guided me
and sometimes gave me wings. The many
fascinating colleagues I have met in the course
of my various professional experiences.
My friends and family, my unfailing supporters!
Your hopes and future challenges?
After working with Renzo Piano Building
Workshop for nearly eight years, I would now
like to set up my own practice to design my
own architectural projects. I would also like to
become even more environmentally involved so
that my practice as an engineer & architect can
actively contribute to limiting and mitigating
the impact of climate change.
What do you do when you don’t work?
I love reading, dancing and mountain sports. I'm
also the mother of two little girls aged 1 and 3,
so watching them grow up and guiding them to
fulfil their potential and flourish keeps me very
busy!
Your heroes -from History or fiction?
All the women who have succeeded in making
their voices heard or creating a place for
themselves to practice their passion. Camille Claudel, Olympe de Gouges, Marie Curie,
Simone Veil and so many others!
A saying or proverb you like in particular?
“A person who never made a mistake never
tried anything new.”
Albert Einstein
A book to take with you on a desert island?
It's very difficult to choose… I would probably
leave with a trunk full of books…
A message to young female professionals?
Never let yourself be guided by fear, but by
your passions!
Always dare to try!