Background

Steven Leprizé, the grandson of a carpenter and son of an agricultural mechanic, immersed himself in the world of crafts during his childhood. Days spent in his father’s workshop and sawmill, alongside his biologist older brother, shaped his deep connection with materials and engineering. He pursued training as a cabinetmaker, excelling at the École Boulle in Paris, where he graduated top of his class in 2008 and has been teaching since 2011. His professional journey commenced as a cabinetmaker in Paris. Steven’s creative vision births new aesthetics and materials, drawing inspiration from movement, surrealism, traditional crafts, and scientific innovations. In 2009, he founded the ARCA workshop (Workshop in Research and Creation in Furniture), specializing in cabinet making and pioneering innovative wood derivatives like flexible marquetry and thermoformable wood. His collaborations with scientists birthed hybrids of wood and metal and the iconic Larmé Wood used in Hermès’ KellyWood bag. He integrates these innovative materials into surrealist creations with movement. 

Signature Style

Steven Leprizé’s hallmark lies in the element of surprise woven into his work. His creations often emanate a surrealist essence inspired by movement. Grounded in his personal background, Steven is deeply intertwined with the realm of science—a seemingly intricate universe perpetually seeking the most minimal and innovative outcomes. Having been raised in a workshop and trained as an art cabinetmaker, materials and processes serve as pivotal elements in his creations. 

Showstoppers

Leprizé’s innovative materials redefine design innovation. His collaborations, such as the iconic KellyWood handbag with Hermès, crafted from his proprietary Larmé Wood, exemplify his creative prowess. Other notable designs include the WoodEagle—a motorcycle featuring a fully restructured fairing in C°Wood and marquetry—as well as Squama and Marsupio, both crafted from WooWood.