Podcast Summary: Pierre-Yves Rochon on "You Don’t Design for Yourself"

Title: The Grand Tourist with Dan Rubinstein
Host: Dan Rubinstein
Guest: Pierre-Yves Rochon
Release Date: June 18, 2025
Episode Title: Pierre-Yves Rochon: “You Don’t Design for Yourself”

Introduction to Pierre-Yves Rochon

In this episode of The Grand Tourist, design journalist Dan Rubinstein sits down with the esteemed Paris-based interior designer, Pierre-Yves Rochon. Renowned for his exceptional work in luxury hospitality, Rochon's portfolio boasts iconic properties such as the Four Seasons in Florence, the Savoy in London, the St. Regis in Rome, and the Shangri-La in Paris. His designs are celebrated for blending traditional elegance with modern sophistication, setting new standards in the hospitality industry.

Early Life and Influences

Rochon's international upbringing significantly shaped his design sensibilities. Born in Brittany, France, his childhood was marked by frequent relocations due to his father's military career. "When I was a child, the fabrication of myself was in Africa, on an island—Madagascar," Rochon shares (03:00). These diverse cultural experiences exposed him to a variety of architectural and artistic styles from an early age.

Rochon's passion for art and design was evident from his youth. "When I was a child, I never played with small toys like cars or soldiers. I was always dreaming and drawing," he recalls (05:07). This artistic inclination set him apart from his peers and laid the foundation for his future career in design.

Education and Early Career

After studying in Toulouse, Rochon founded his own firm in the late 1970s. Prior to this, he spent a decade honing his skills under one of Paris's top interior designers. "From 69 to 79, I worked for one of the best interior designers in Paris. I learned to design every detail," Rochon explains (11:29). This period was pivotal in developing his expertise in modern design, characterized by innovative use of materials and vibrant color palettes.

However, after ten years, Rochon sought to establish his unique style, leading him to branch out independently. "I wanted to do something else. I wanted to explore colors beyond blue—red, yellow, green, pink," he states (13:55). This decision marked the beginning of his distinctive approach to interior design.

Design Philosophy: "You Don’t Design for Yourself"

At the heart of Rochon's design philosophy is the principle that "you don’t design for yourself" (00:00). Instead, he emphasizes designing for the client and, more importantly, for the end-users—guests and hospitality staff. "I design for my client who gives me the confidence, but not only for the client, you design for the people who work in hospitality," Rochon states (00:00).

This user-centric approach ensures that every aspect of his designs enhances the overall guest experience. Whether it's a hotel lobby or a restaurant, Rochon meticulously considers the journey guests will undertake, aiming to create a seamless and memorable experience.

Notable Projects

Rochon's illustrious career includes designing some of the world's most prestigious hotels. One of his signature projects, the Georges Cinq in Paris, exemplifies his ability to blend French heritage with contemporary elegance. Reflecting on this project, he says, "I have two clients, His Highness and Isidor Sharp, and I needed to bring both together to create the Georges Cinq" (31:30).

Another landmark project is the upcoming redesign of New York's Waldorf Astoria. Rochon describes it as "the number one honor" and outlines his vision for transforming the historic Art Deco masterpiece into a modern luxury destination while preserving its iconic grandeur (32:35).

Approach to Hotel Design

Rochon's success in hotel design stems from his comprehensive approach that prioritizes the guest's narrative journey. "What should be the journey that's the beginning," he explains (18:37). This involves a deep understanding of the client's vision, the hotel's target audience, and the operational needs of hospitality staff.

He collaborates closely with general managers, bartenders, and restaurant staff to ensure that every design element—from lighting to furniture placement—aligns with the desired guest experience. "If I'm going to design a bar, I'm going to the bartender and ask what you want me to do. You need to listen to take care of the others," Rochon emphasizes (18:37; 19:00).

Restaurant Design and Collaboration with Chefs

Rochon has worked with renowned chefs like Joel Robuchon, Alain Ducasse, and Jean-Georges, integrating culinary excellence with exceptional design. "The first is a chef. It's not the design, but the chef drives the restaurant's success," he notes (23:06). He believes that the ambiance of a restaurant should transport diners, making it "a time out of the world."

Key elements such as lighting, music, and spatial layout are meticulously crafted to complement the culinary experience. "When you go into the restaurant, it should feel like attending an opera. Music, lighting, comfort—all these contribute to the overall experience," Rochon explains (23:22; 24:00).

Current and Future Projects

Rochon is actively involved in several high-profile projects. His work on the Waldorf Astoria's transformation is particularly noteworthy. He envisions the hotel as a blend of classic grandeur and modern luxury, with revamped guest rooms that offer spacious layouts and state-of-the-art amenities. "A minimum of 600 square feet with a beautiful bathroom... more like a studio residential," he describes (35:17).

Additionally, Rochon is preparing a special exhibition at Milan's Salone del Mobile, titled "The Luxury Way." This pavilion aims to highlight the intersection of heritage and contemporary design, featuring an Italian villa-inspired layout complete with terracotta elements and ambient sounds. "Every room has its own story and color... it's a journey into my mind," he shares (38:13; 44:12).

Design Exhibition: Luxury Way

At the Salone del Mobile, Rochon's "Luxury Way" pavilion serves as an immersive experience, blending architectural beauty with sensory elements. Visitors navigate through a carpeted villa surrounded by gardens and live bird sounds, creating a serene atmosphere contrasted with the bustling fair. Each room within the pavilion tells a distinct story through color and design, reflecting Rochon's multifaceted approach to luxury interiors. "When you're coming first to the lobby, terracotta, a big marble statue... it's a beautiful journey," he explains (43:40; 44:46).

Conclusion and Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Pierre-Yves Rochon remains passionate and driven, continually seeking new challenges in the design world. "I love what I'm doing and I always want more. I'm ready for new challenges," he affirms (45:03; 46:04). His focus remains on innovation and enhancing guest experiences, striving to blend luxury with genuine hospitality.

Rochon's commitment to excellence and his ability to harmonize aesthetics with functionality ensure that his designs will continue to set benchmarks in the hospitality industry.

Notable Quotes:

• "You design for your client who gives you the confidence, but not only for the client, you design for the people who work in hospitality." — Pierre-Yves Rochon (00:00)

• "When I was a child, I never played with small toys like cars or soldiers. I was always dreaming and drawing." — Pierre-Yves Rochon (05:07)

• "I wanted to do something else. I wanted to explore colors beyond blue—red, yellow, green, pink." — Pierre-Yves Rochon (13:55)

• "What should be the journey that's the beginning." — Pierre-Yves Rochon (18:37)

• "The first is a chef. It's not the design, but the chef drives the restaurant's success." — Pierre-Yves Rochon (23:06)

• "You can write the best partition of music. If you're not a good conductor, your music can be problematic." — Pierre-Yves Rochon (35:30)

• "I love what I'm doing and I always want more. I'm ready for new challenges." — Pierre-Yves Rochon (45:03)

This summary captures the essence of Pierre-Yves Rochon's insights and experiences as shared in his interview on The Grand Tourist. For a deeper dive into his design philosophies and projects, listening to the full episode is highly recommended.