With its new “Off the record” section, AA gives the floor to architects through short Q&As. Today, focus on French agency Guinée Potin whose partners have agreed to answer AA’s questions. Next one in two weeks!

 

By Hervé Potin

Being an architect is…
Being resilient

My ideal commission
A building for a client who appreciates our agency’s production

How I imagine my profession in twenty years?
More time for teaching, culture and travels

My advice to a young architect
Be resilient

What I would like to pass on to my associates
Keep your dreams alive

The new-comer architect to keep an eye on
TACT architects (Nantes)

The project I would have liked to sign
Fujimori’s tea-house in Chino, Japan (2003-2004)

The other job I would have liked to practice
Travel agent – Spanish teacher

A book, an object or a work of art I particularly love
Hergé’s comic book Coke en stock

A place that inspires me
Le Palais Dobrée in Nantes, built between 1862/1899 by architects Simon, Boismen, Chenantais and Le Diberder 

 

 

 

By Anne-Flore Guinée

Being an architect is
Being funny and quirky

My ideal commission
To define subtle colors and to suggest furniture as well as contemporary and vintage lighting

How I imagine my profession in twenty years?
Part-time architect or a different carreer

My advice to a young architect
Stay zen

What I would like to pass on to my associates
Have time for yourself to nourish passions other than architecture

The new-comer architect to keep an eye on
Détroit architects (Nantes)

The project I would have liked to sign
Lina Bo Bardi’s Coati restaurant in Salvador, Brasil (1987-1990)

The other job I would have liked to practice
Antique dealer – Art restorer

A book, an object or a work of art I particularly love
 JC Menu’s comic book Livret de phamille

A place that inspires me
A train’s sleeping car or a departing plane

 

 

Find out more about Guinée Potin