Paul Pires da Fonte was born in Melbourne in 1978. He graduated with a Master of Architecture from Deakin University, Australia. In 2004, he moved to Paris and practiced as an architect for 10 years, including six years with Renzo Piano Building Workshop and Ateliers Jean Nouvel.

 

His interest in furniture design was initially fostered by his architectural education and was later reinforced in his practical experience at Renzo Piano’s office where he worked on several bespoke joinery pieces.

 

‘If I know how to build it, I can design it better.‘

 

Passionate about furniture and the art of woodworking, he sought to form his own hand in traditional wood working skills to acquire an intimate understanding of timber crafting. From 2014, at the Ecole Boulle in Paris, he spent one year part time followed by a second year full time studying ebenisterie. An additional year ensued studying traditional chair craftsmanship in Lorraine under the supervision of Meilleur Ouvrier de France Jean-Pierre Lengrand.

 

Focussing on the design and prototyping of his bespoke furniture creations, Paul works on his own, or in collaboration of skilled craftsman to produce the highest quality pieces.