Context and functionality, Normal Studio

Jean-François Dingjian, 40, a former teacher at the ENSCI-Les Ateliers, and Eloi Chafaï, 29, his student, launched Normal Studio in 2006. Together, they share the same vision of a useful design focusing on the sobriety of the elements they work with. Hired by the industrial furniture-maker Tolix in 2007 to redesign the entire collection, they took over the brand's artistic direction two years later. They also work for other companies such as Schneider Electric, Tefal, Boffi, Hay and Tectona. Further projects are currently under development with the Manufacture de Sèvres. Based in the trendy city of Montreuil, on the outskirts of Paris, Normal Studio has won several prizes. For the first time, the duo will be exhibiting their work at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs until mid-August, 2010. Exclaimed one of their early customers: "The only problem with your collection is that I don't have it at home!"

Photo © Morgane Le Gall