Luxe et al - DESIGNER SPEAK OUT

Designer in Profile...
Eva Mechler
Owner, Eva Mechler
THG
THG PARIS is a French manufacturer of high-end bathroom fittings.
Born under the instigation of 3 men, the company THG (Tétard-
Haudiquez-Grisoni) remains a subtle mix of craft, know-how and
passion for creativity.
The collaboration with the designer Jean-Claude Delépine in the
1970s allowed the company to evolve into manufacturing luxury
fittings. In 1995, the designer proposed that THG acquired his
creations.
With 60 years experience and 223 employees, THG have expertise in
more than 10 crafts, from casting to the end product. They export to
more than 65 countries and offer over 40 plating finishes.
For its 60th anniversary, THG has chosen to restyle its emblematic
’Petale de Cristal’ collection to offer an exclusive range favouring the
timeless curves and radiance of the fabulous Baccarat Crystal.
Numero 60 is adorned with precious décor and features a sublime
conical piece in lustrous crystal which appears to have been
delicately placed on the cross brace. The pale gold tap fittings shine
with metallic and iridescent reflections.
60 years of design, 60 years of dreams, 60 years of expertise.
www.thg.fr
Which sector do you specialise in?
As a master cabinet maker, my aim
is to create wonderful products
that give people the opportunity to
experience the beauty of natural
wood in everyday settings. Having
worked in diverse manufacturing
businesses in Germany and
Switzerland, I completed my
training over several years in both
cabinet making and galvanisation
- both to master level. Until now, I
have eighteen years of experience
in the design and manufacture
of solid wood products especially
for the bathroom. With my true
experience of handcraft and with
my knowledge of production
management, I am able to present
a viable commercial product with
originality and flair that will satisfy
the highest quality standards.
Is the Superyacht market an
integral part of your business/
large percentage of your market?
The superyacht market is an
important meeting point for
the world’s leading architects
and designers from all
schools. Superyacht owners
are exceptionally rare but they
connect to influencers in all
sectors worldwide who also
demand the very highest levels of
artisan skill and service.
How long have you worked in this
sector?
Eighteen years ago, I qualified as
a cabinet maker. My first job on
a yacht was laying a teak deck.
In recent years with my own
company, I have been gradually
increasing my exposure to this
special segment of the yacht
business and I am now receiving
enquiries for internationally
acclaimed and complex projects.
Which other sectors do you work
in?
My work is most appropriate for
private luxurious spaces whether
on a motor yacht, in a home, a
spa, or an exclusive residence or
retreat.
Can you please give details of
recent interesting projects
and your direct involvement/
participation in these projects?
Currently, I am developing my
own design for lighting using a
combination of solid hardwood
and crystal; and, following an
enquiry earlier this year, I am
working on a concept for a solid
hardwood serving bar for a leisure
yacht deck. For the bathroom, my
next product is a solid hardwood
shower combined with seating.
My client work is always treated
with discretion and I am delighted
to have my solid wood bathroom
furniture installed in private
and commercial premises in
Europe. More recently, I am in
discussion with world leading
interior and yacht designers about
the application of my design and
technical knowledge in class
leading private projects.
Working within the Superyacht
sector must be different than
the domestic and commercial
markets, have you found this to
be the case?
The superyacht sector is a unique
community. Of course many
people are in direct competition
but everyone seems to get along.
The sector is small and open for
newcomers, but I don’t expect the
sector to be forgiving if I should
deliver a substandard job. The
superyacht sector is a hub for
exploring and being challenged – a
bit like the ocean itself.
Please describe any relevant
technological advancements that
may have influenced your work in
recent years. And trends/design
directions moving forward.
I find that solid wood is the most
natural and honest material in
all the fields of carpentry work.
In my products I use mainly
the hardwoods of black walnut,
chestnut and ash. Their level of
hardness and their pore structure
are very suitable for my work -
and their simple grain gives my
product the desired character. I
love the way that forests are
sustainable: durability, longevity,
recyclability of wood makes
it the perfect material. The
wood is purchased exclusively
from sustainableforestry sources -
includingnational forests or from
international certified forestry
operations. I am a partner in Wood
Forever Pact. My suppliers are very
aware of my demand for integrity
in the supply chain and this is a
learning journey for us both.
Luxe Et Al 11