Atelier YDB Architectes

Founded by Yaëlle Devaux-Baruh and David Bitton, two passionate architects, YDB architectes is a new firm that takes architecture to another level. Here, they like to shake up conventions, offering functional and aesthetic architecture where spaces blur the boundaries between interior and exterior and where nature becomes a source of inspiration. Renovation, refurbishment, creation, interior architecture, design: these two experts have pooled their skills and experience to offer their clients ambitious, tailor-made solutions. Portrait of a studio that stands out for its vision and unusual background.

A STORY THAT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS...

Sometimes an encounter can change a life... Yaëlle Devaux-Baruh and David Bitton met while studying at the Paris Val-de-Seine School of Architecture. This encounter was the starting point for a story that has lasted more than 20 years between these two enthusiasts. It continued in 1999 when they enrolled at California Polytechnic State University, where they obtained their degrees in architecture, began their respective careers in Californian agencies, and participated in numerous large-scale projects. In 2002, Yaëlle returned to France and joined the Paris Institute of Urban Planning, where she prepared a DEA (Master's degree) in urban planning alongside her DPLG (State-approved) architecture degree. She quickly joined the largest urban planning and architecture firms in Paris, then moved to Switzerland in 2008 to join a team of leading firms, where she participated in projects by Jean Novel, such as the National Museum of Qatar in Doha for 2.5 years and the CEVA project in Geneva. Ten years later, she registered as an independent architect with the professional associations of the cantons of Geneva, Vaud, and Neuchâtel. David Bitton, meanwhile, continued his career with numerous collaborations in the United States and returned to Paris to obtain his D.P.L.G. architecture degree. In 2004, he founded his own agency, DB Design, offering a vision that reflects his personality and through which he has carried out numerous architecture, renovation, and landscaping projects. More recently, he created David Bitton Design, which exclusively offers limited-edition design objects of his own creation or in partnership with artists. Building on their diverse experiences and collaborations on numerous projects, in 2020 they decided to combine their skills to create YDB Architectes, based in both Geneva and Paris. More than just a shared career path, these two experts are driven by a genuine passion and a shared philosophy!

A DIFFERENT VISION OF ARCHITECTURE

The philosophy of this firm: to offer vibrant architecture that serves the client! YDB Architects is made up of two complementary personalities who share the same vision. Elegance, simplicity, and functionality are essential concepts for these two architects, who incorporate them into each of their projects. They play with light, which is of paramount importance to them and makes each project unique, drawing inspiration in particular from Californian architecture, which is both innovative and daring. The firm attaches great importance to nature. A true source of inspiration, they integrate vegetation into everyday life, creating harmonious and relaxing living spaces imbued with peace and serenity. David Bitton is very involved in this field and is a member of the jury of the France Bois et Forêt Foundation for French heritage, which is working on the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. They also worked on the Eden project for the 2019 edition of the Chaumont-sur-Loire International Garden Festival. They like to shake up conventions, offering something new and original, and do not hesitate to blur the boundaries between interior and exterior to create large spaces.