Gala Espel
French architect and designer based in Paris and Tokyo. Her work is rooted in research and artisanal techniques, investigating design through universal emotions.
A graduate of ECAL, her practice is shaped by contextual analysis and an effort to make industry and craft coexist.
Recognised by institutions such as the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, the French Ministry of Culture, Villa Albertine in New York, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and Villa Noailles in France, her objects map the tensions of material culture — from the perishable to the permanent — and its relationship to life.
She now works closely with Japanese craftsmen, experimenting with contemporary tools to develop new cultural narratives.
EXHIBITION / AWARD
- Craft Prize finalist, “Dialogues” — Bettencourt-Schueller Foundation.
- Best Special Project — Design Miami.
- Finalist Design Parade Hyères — Villa Noailles.
- Winner — Le Bon Marché × nendo, national competition.
- Winner — le19M, CHANEL.
- Laureate — Villa Albertine.
- Laureate “Mondes Nouveaux” — French Ministry of Culture competition.