Meet Raphael Navot, named Designer of the Year 2023 by Maison&Objet

Israeli from Jerusalem, Raphael Navot is the new face of French design according to Maison&Objet , one of the most recognized design fairs in the world, which awarded him the title of Designer of the Year 2023 on the occasion of the first edition of the fair this year, held from 19 on January 23 at the Parc des Expositions de Paris Nord in Villepinte. Based in Paris, the designer has made his name through collaborations with Europe's finest ateliers and artisans, whose spaces, furniture and objects bring an " artisanal and savoir-faire approach" unique faire resonate in each piece", as described on his own website. His designs, characterized by purity of form, nobility of material and a keen taste for detail, are on display at the international fair at “ The Apothem Lounge ”, in partnership with Flos .

Main works

entered the international design map in 2011 when, together with renowned film director David Lynch , he designed the Parisian nightclub Silencio. With a diverse portfolio that highlights his multidisciplinary approach, the designer has built up successful interior design projects that reveal the full potential of French craftsmanship and skill. However, it is his work on the Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers (2017) in Paris that may be crowned his most significant project to date. And the secret lies in timelessness , as he himself explains:

Going from hospitality interiors to commercial and bespoke product design, the designer tells Maison&Objet in an interview that it is in interior design projects for large audiences that he intends to direct his career from here. " I am focusing on hospitality, which is open to the public. It could be a hotel, a restaurant, a gallery or a library, as long as it is a place where people can gather and have a shared experience . The experience of interior design is like stepping into a stage set. You are a guest into a story ," he explains.

About Apothem Lounge

Navot's creativity and attention to detail are on display at the Apothem Lounge during the January edition of Maison&Objet. As described by the designer, the project is "an immersive installation of light and textures that portrays a visual emotion ." "This large hall circular is designed to invite its guests to experience the interiors, regardless of their functionality or context. Much like a theatrical stage where the guests are the actors in a scene. Interior design is a form of scenography , it is done to create a mood . This state of mind will be transmitted to guests through the light, colors, comfort and many other elements responsible for the experiences that may occur in this particular interior."