INTERVIEW WITH
JUAN PABLO MOLYNEUX Juan Pablo Molyneux is a well-known interior designer from
Louvre. I even undertook a coming-of-age road trip in what was called,
throughout the world. He is a devout classicist who produces
then, the USSR! After that, I worked for a few years in Argentina in a
vibrant interiors that are historically rooted without being historical
design firm that I established there, then I went to New York where I
recreations. His art is audacious, varied, humorous, and undeniably
opened the design firm, J.P. Molyneux Studio, Ltd., that exists today.
his own. France and the United States are two of Molyneux’s favorite
In a few years, I was proud to become an American citizen. More than
nations. One of the designer’s favorite cities has always been Paris.
20 years ago, I also founded my firm’s Paris office. As you can see, I do
Considering himself privileged to be doing the best job in the world,
not care about borders, as I consider myself a citizen of the world.” Juan
in his eyes every day is different. Depending on the project, his team
affirmed. Also, regarding his ambitions, Juan amusely said one of his
and him get to explore different worlds, styles, and eras. “One day,
ambition, if invited, would gladly decorate the Mars colony.
it will be eighteenth century Russia or Mughal period India, and the
As you probably know, Molyneux has surrounded himself with a network of exceptional craftsmen. In Paris,
next day the Golden Age of French furnishings, and then the most refined modernism. The only link between these styles and eras of design is my own taste and my way of mixing materials, textures, colors, works of art. The secret is to
“FOR EXAMPLE, IF MY CLIENT HAS AN ESTABLISHED
they are often the “Meilleurs Ouvriers de France - M. O. F.” (“Best Workers of France”) or the “Entreprises du Patrimoine Vivant - E. P. V. (“Living Heritage Companies), which
know how to combine it all together in harmony,
COLLECTION OF OLD
to establish a dialogue between the different
MASTER PAINTINGS,
Ministry of Culture. These noted craftsmen
elements of a setting, like when we host a dinner
THAT WILL INEVITABLY
collaborate on major restoration projects of
and choose the guests carefully, some serious,
IMPACT THE
historical monuments including Versailles,
some playful.” he said. When asked about his career, Juan affirmed that the very variety of projects entrusted to him, his work consistently provides a challenge. This
PROJECT IN ITS VERY COMPOSITION. IF HE IS CRAZY ABOUT
are official labels created by the French
Fontainebleau, the Louvre, the castles of the Loire or the cathedrals of the Middle Ages like Notre Dame de Paris, and Molyneux is a member of the Board of Directors of
diversity prevents him from endlessly repeating
RACEHORSES OR
the same thing, becoming the best vaccine to
IF HE IS A MUSIC
The World Monuments Fund, The French
protect against the infection of boredom. “Of
LOVER, I WILL INFUSE
Heritage Society and The American Friends
course, the common denominator between
THE PROJECT WITH
of Versailles. They raise funds to finance
all projects remains my own person, but each project inspires me, modifies my approach, makes me discover new worlds.” Juan added. His projects always stimulate his imagination, and the challenges of each project oblige Juan to
THESE PARTICULAR COMPONENTS, USE THEM AS A LEITMOTIF IN THE SYMPHONY”
find new solutions, to build on his experience and
major private heritage organizations such as
restoration campaigns of many historic monuments, not only in France but also around the world. “I work with the same craftsmen as part of this personal commitment to cultural and artistic heritage. Through my New York office, I opened the American
passions. Also, the variety of clients also pushes him out of his comfort
market to many of these artisans and artists who have thus been able to
zone, each client with a with their own tastes, lifestyle, and culture.
establish satellite ateliers in the United States. These craftsmen taught
Building a fantastic career, Juan has almost achieved everything in life.
me excellence, the refusal of mediocrity and moreover, patience, as
The journey was long and it is not over, he proudly claims, and any
their time is not of “our time”. Centuries-old skills and techniques are
experience in a man’s life has meaning and influences his present and
the solid foundation of their unequaled knowledge and capabilities.”
future, and among them, his country of origin is of great importance.
he stated. His greatest pride is to help promote the transmission of
“Chile is the country of my childhood and my family, and it therefore
this extraordinary craftsmanship to younger generations, for posterity,
occupies a place apart in my heart. That said, I have always traveled a
becoming extremely proud when when he sees 20-year-old apprentices
great deal, even since my childhood. At the age of 20, I went to Paris
working on his job sites. “They are the living future of these centuries-
to complete my studies at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts and the Ecole du
old traditions and crafts.” he completed. Like any creative process,
