MEET THE DESIGNER HUGO TORO

The French-Mexican interior architect is commanding attention for his exacting approach to exuberant interiors

How did your career as a designer begin? I studied interior design at the Penninghen ESAG school in Paris, before undertaking a masters in architecture with placements in Vienna and Los Angeles. I was lucky to go straight into designing when I returned to France, with a number of small apartments and then a rooftop bar. More recent projects include restaurants such as Perruche, BB Blanche and the Michelin-starred La Scène, as well as villas and boutiques in France and abroad.

Tell us about your studio I originally worked as a freelance designer, before setting up my own office in Saint-Martin, in the heart of the city. We’re now a wonderful team of five – and growing. I love to work closely and collaborate with everyone in the studio, even if it’s my vision. We’ve got to a position now where we’re starting to design furniture, fabrics, patterns and graphics – we created a lot of the furniture for the Booking Office.

How would you define your style? I’m nomadic in my inspirations. I love working with colour and atmosphere – maybe that’s because of my mother and my Mexican heritage. I’m always interested in texture and light as they define the atmosphere of a place. Historical context is also really important, and I like working with a mix of old and new. And I’m not scared of pattern! What are you currently working on? I recently designed Gigi, a rooftop restaurant in Paris on top of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées on the city’s iconic Avenue Montaigne, and I’m currently working on some residential projects in the city. hugotoro.com