Marjorie Mohler

A look back at your ESMA years

What drew you to the world of space design?

When I was fifteen, I had the chance to do an internship in interior design in Marseille and I immediately discovered my passion! Franka, the director of the agency, was working on various flat and house renovation projects.

It was there that I discovered my sensitivity to different materials and fabrics, to interior design, to the world of building sites, to the recovery of furniture and its renovation in workshops. It was a great way to discover the world of design and architecture.

Why did you choose to do the BTS course at ESMA?

First of all I did the MANAA at ESMA, which I really enjoyed, and then I naturally chose the Space Design BTS.

What did the course bring you? Was there a subject that you particularly liked?

In the BTS, I learnt how to combine creativity and technique, as well as how to create projects based on references and inspiration. The course taught us to be rigorous and to put in a lot of work.

The course prepares you for the job market. It’s complete, both technically and artistically.

I really enjoyed the creative workshops in the BTS: in 4 hours we had to quote references, come up with ideas to meet the brief and draw plans and sketches on different issues.

Plastic arts taught me different techniques of graphic representation, which enabled me to enrich my sketches and drawings.

from September 2020, students will have the option of continuing their BTS with a 2-year Master’s degree in interior architecture. What do you think?

This course allows students to work on a sandwich course, which I think is an interesting option, especially if the school has an address book for finding companies, which would make it easier to find a job when they leave school.

Is this something you would have liked to do when you were a student? What could it bring to students?

Yes, I find it interesting to study site planning and costing, as well as the legislative aspects. The work experience is a big plus too!

Perhaps this Master’s course in Architecture will give students the opportunity to network in France and abroad, which will be a plus.

Your career path

You’re a globetrotter: you’ve been to Hong Kong and London for work. Can you talk about these experiences? What projects and assignments did you carry out there?

After graduating, the opportunity to travel to Hong Kong arose with a small freelance contract in private accommodation.

Then we went to England a few months later, starting with an internship that turned into a freelance contract for a studio in East London where we worked mainly in residential and furnishings.

Then I went on to several freelance contracts for different companies in retail and airportdesign. Then I was able to sign a long contract as a Designer Representative all over France for Honda Europe. And finally, the last contract I worked on in London was for office fit-out.

I’ve really enjoyed life in London. It’s an attractive city with a profusion of studios and projects in different sectors. Most suppliers have a showroom in the city centre and new products are readily available. It’s a fast-paced city with lots of opportunities.

I’ve had some very good experiences in different areas of retail, pop-up stores, showrooms, residential and airports. London has been a melting pot of creativity, opportunities, encounters and challenges!

Was it difficult to work in another country?

The beginnings were difficult, but I think any career starts that way. With a lot of patience and perseverance I managed to land my first job in London, starting with an internship as I said earlier.

What do you love about your job?

The different phases involved in a project: meeting and understanding the customer’s requirements, applying the brief through sketches, researching materials and new technologies, design, 3D rendering and finally site supervision and handing over the keys to the project.

It’s a comprehensive and exciting job!

You’ve worked in different environments, such as fitting out an airport business lounge, a car stand, store-pop, interior design, etc. What have you learnt from it all?

I’ve always loved the creation phase of a project. For a long time it was even the job I was looking for! Over time, I’ve learnt from my various jobs and experiences that I really enjoy managing a project from start to finish.

I had the opportunity to take on this role during my last job in London at Resonate Interior, where we were working on made-to-measure projects. There I met a mentor, my director Pernille Staffor. She’s a woman at the head of this company who has won more than one award for her quality projects!

What made you come back to Montpellier?

During this fast-paced life, we had a little girl and the 3 of us decided to come back to be closer to our families and friends in Montpellier.

you now have your own company where you offer your services as a freelance interior architect/designer. Can you tell us about it?

I’m now a freelance interior architect / designer at Halle tropisme, atelier 01 🙂

I’ve always secretly dreamed of setting up my own business. When the opportunity arose, I took the plunge!

I recently set up my own business and now work on a number of different projects. These range from office fit-outs to planning permission and building permits, as well as house and flat refurbishments.

Is there a Marjorie Mohler signature?

A Marjorie Mohler signature… The classic use of noble materials combined with a touch of madness in the details to emphasise a design that will stand the test of time.

I’d like to set up an architecture offering responsible design and to be able to work in partnership with local suppliers and players.

My aim would be to use products and techniques from the region, and even from France on a larger scale! I also want to create projects that last over time.

Finally, I’d like to work on furniture recovery.

Is there a project you’re particularly proud of that you’d like to share with us?

Yes, a competition we ran in collaboration with another interior designer, Myrtle Tzortzi, in London. We won the “Runner-up” prize in The Collective Design Awards. It was for the design of a 21m² studio.

Discover the project.

To conclude

Any future projects?

Renovating a house in Avignon, pending approval from Bâtiments de France! 🙂

Any advice for students and future students?

Be curious and don’t hesitate to ask questions. If someone inspires you, go and meet them!

In two words: dare and persevere.

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Her website: marjoriemohler.com