AREP & Nendo

Founded in 1997 by architects and engineers Jean-Marie Duthilleul and Étienne Tricaud, AREP—an acronym for Architecture, Research, Engagement, Post-carbon—is a multidisciplinary design firm headquartered in Paris. A subsidiary of SNCF Gares & Connexions, it has grown since its inception to become one of France’s leading architectural firms in terms of revenue, with nearly 1,000 employees representing some 30 different nationalities.

AREP brings together under one roof a diversity of professions rarely found elsewhere: architects, urban planners, engineers, economists, designers, geographers, and researchers collaborate on projects ranging from architectural and urban design to engineering, including design, programming consulting, and project management. This cross-disciplinary approach enables the firm to be involved throughout the entire project lifecycle, from the strategic planning phase through to construction supervision, with particularly recognized expertise in the fields of mobility and transportation infrastructure.

Since 2018, under the leadership of Raphaël Ménard, AREP has reaffirmed its ambition to become a laboratory for ecological design through its EMC2B approach. This direction took concrete form in 2021 with a clearly stated mission: to invent a post-carbon future by providing concrete and sustainable solutions to the challenges of the climate emergency, the energy transition, and the growing scarcity of materials. The firm also contributes to public discourse and research through its journal POST, helping to advance industry practices.

AREP’s design studio concretely embodies this philosophy through a variety of projects: urban and station furniture (such as the MP4 line), illuminated signage, interior design, and accessibility features for people with limited mobility. Among its most acclaimed projects is the Lorient-Bretagne Sud train station, which has won numerous international architecture and design awards. With a presence in France as well as internationally—notably in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East—AREP continues to grow while maintaining the local roots that have built its reputation.

The Nendo studio was founded by Japanese designer Oki Sato. Born in 1977 in Toronto, he studied architecture at Waseda University in Tokyo and graduated in 2002. That same year, the Nendo studio was established in Tokyo.

Today, Studio Nendo enjoys an international reputation and has offices in Tokyo and Milan. “Nendo” means “modeling clay,” a name that perfectly captures the designer’s spirit, which is driven by a desire for great flexibility and the ability to reinvent himself. In his designs, Oki Sato draws inspiration from Japanese minimalism to create contemporary, authentic, and original products. The designer’s philosophy is to transform how people interact with the objects around them by creating everyday products.

The creations from the Nendo studio captivate with their clean lines and the warmth they bring to your home. Furthermore, the products designed by Oki Sato always feature a touch of humor, making them both original and diverse.

In 2003, Oki Sato held his first exhibition in Tokyo and Milan. Following this, he received numerous awards, including the German Design Award and the Good Design Award. As his popularity continued to grow, he was named Designer of the Year by Wallpaper magazine in 2012.

Nendo Studio’s creations are captivating and are on display at several venues, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. Let yourself be tempted by Nendo Studio’s creations and brighten up your home with unique decorative pieces!