WantedDesign is a dynamic connector and amplifier for global design, fostering creative synergy and serving as a pivotal crossroad for the international design community across Latin America, North America, and Europe.

Steven Leprizé

French Resident
October 15 – November 30, 2022

Product Designer

About the Resident

Steven Leprizé is an artisan cabinetmaker. Trained from an  early  age  in  a  variety  of  manufacturing  techniques,  he  studied  at  fine  arts  school  École  Boulle, where he has been teaching since 2011.

He is the founder of the workshop ARCA ébénisterie, renowned  for  its  innovations  in  wood  and  various  other  materials.  He  is  well  known  for  developing  WooWood, an elastic wood technology for which he was shortlisted for the Intelligence de la main Prize from the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation in 2017.

His residency project is a combination of tradition, innovation, and curiosity. It seeks to extend his practice abroad and share this know-how with specialized workshops, manufacturers, gallery owners, and researchers.

Presented in partnership with Villa Albertine and École Boulle
Supported by the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation

Residency Highlights

Steven’s Experience

1. After one month back in Paris, what is the most important and beneficial outcome for you in spending those 2 months in New York? 

SL: The creation of human links. The creation of a collection and other pieces. The improvement of my English (still in progress). The creation of professional contacts in the making.

2. What was your final impression of this residency? 

SL: Intense, tiring, exciting, extraordinary, like a waking dream.

3. What was the most exciting/unexpected discovery? 

SL: The optimistic and friendly nature of the people.

4. What kind of material did you bring back and how do you want to continue to develop your project? 

SL: I have a little more glass work. But the materials that I decided to add to my creations are concrete, plaster and recycled leather in 3D printing.

5. Would you be interested in coming back? 

SL: Sure, in May 2023 for 10 days.

6. What’s next for you and do you have upcoming projects, travels, or exhibits you want to share? 

SL: I’ll be back for Wanted Design Manhattan for ARCA and STL. I’ll must to present my 3D pictures projects with flexible wood marquetry and 3D printing in January at a gallery.


About the French Residency

As part of the Villa Albertine residency program with the support of the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation.

Through reinventing artists’ residencies, is creating a network for arts and ideas spanning France and the United States. This program offers tailor-made residencies for global creators, thinkers and cultural professionals.

Starting in 2023 and until 2025, WantedDesign and Industry City will welcome 3 French designers every year; a recently graduated designer selected in partnership with a French school, a more established designer and a designer/maker.

All of these residencies receive the support of the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation.