Gesture, Craft and Scale: In Conversation with Thomas Morineau

Architect and furniture designer Thomas Morineau moves easily between scales, from hand‑crafted modular stools to large-scale architecture, always guided by a fascination for material honesty and the “expression of gesture.” Based between Paris and Marseille, his practice weaves together raw materiality, artisan know‑how and adaptability. We spoke with Thomas about his path from large‑scale infrastructure to intimate objects, his philosophy of design, and the recent apartment renovation in Marseille.

 

About the philosophy of his work

You began in architecture before moving into furniture and interiors. How did that transition happen?

As a child, I was already sketching lamps and chairs, a fascination that never left me. That curiosity guided me to study architecture at ENSA Paris‑Malaquais. Three years ago, I decided to reconnect with my first passion and began my journey into the world of furniture design, where I now explore the dialogue between architecture and objects at a more intimate scale.

Your practice is built on the idea of “learning the expression of gesture.” What does that mean for you?

I consider my practice as an interdisciplinary platform built on a deep respect for raw materials and artisanal craft. A design starts with a drawing but only exists through a skilled gesture applied directly to the material. That continuity is essential. It’s an iterative back‑and‑forth between those who make and those who design.

Raw materials and artisan know‑how are central to your work. How do you cultivate that dialogue between hand, material and design?

I strive to create spaces, furniture and objects that feel sincere,  without unnecessary decorum or disguise. A raw stone, a dense clay, or a carefully chosen piece of wood already carries an immense story. When shaped by skilled artisans, these elements reveal a depth and presence that resonates with us. My aim is to blur the boundaries between refined and raw, creating objects that reconnect us with something timeless and profoundly human.

You’ve worked on everything from urban planning to furniture. How does moving between scales influence your design?

Early in my career I worked on large‑scale urban projects,  public spaces, airport platforms. Over time, I felt the need to bring the scale closer to the body. The discipline required at the urban scale sharpens my approach to detail, while the sensitivity of working at the human scale brings nuance back to larger projects. Each feeds the other, creating a continuous dialogue in my practice.

About the Marseille Project

Let’s talk about the apartment in Marseille where you worked with CUBRO. What made it special?

This apartment was particularly meaningful. The client had already begun demolition, so the project needed to move forward quickly and precisely. Her vision was to create a flexible home, open and fluid when she was alone, yet able to transform into a more private layout for guests. We designed a custom wooden library that flows from the entrance into the kitchen with stained‑wood sliding doors. It allows the apartment to shift playfully between an open plan and a discreet two‑bedroom layout.

The kitchen you designed there has a very specific atmosphere. How did you approach it with CUBRO?

We selected a combination of Walnut WOOD and Sable LAMINATE, evoking a subtle 1950s atmosphere. The finishes are robust and carefully curated, which ensures the project remains elegant and relevant over time.

From your perspective, how can collaborations like this one lead to more sustainable, meaningful spaces?

Working with a brand committed to tradition, craftsmanship and lasting quality creates the perfect environment to explore enduring solutions. CUBRO’s direct production in Madrid ensures consistent quality and a close connection between design and making. It’s this combination of craftsmanship, adaptability and reliability that makes them an ideal partner for sustainable, high‑quality interiors.

Looking back at the Marseille project, is there a detail that best represents your approach?

The very first contact with the client. She had begun the renovation and faced many uncertainties, so we had to move quickly and establish a clear direction. Once the concept was defined, finding partners willing to engage fully was crucial. CUBRO’s expertise and responsiveness allowed us to execute the renovation successfully within a remarkably short timeframe, reflecting my focus on thoughtful design, adaptability and close collaboration.

In Thomas Morineau’s work, gesture is more than form, it’s a way of thinking, of living, of building with care. Whether designing a library that transforms a home, or developing a modular system that adapts to time and use, his practice reminds us that good design doesn’t impose; it responds. With each project, he invites us to look closer, at the material, at the rhythm of life, and at the quiet intelligence of things made well.