Espace Libre is an established, full-service urban and landscape design office that is well-equipped to deliver quality projects in all areas. The studio works on urban planning, roads and utilities, historic urban centers, public real design, gardens, green walls, playground and recreational areas. The design office is recognized by its technical expertise, its vast knowledge of horticultural, and its design approached based on the enhancement of the structures of the existing landscape. Our know-how, backed by our experience and skilled team, allows to provide the design with versatility, connections that unify the site with its surrounding urban grid and roadways, and spaces which are lively and engaging. Espace Libre preserves the freedom of creation and refuses any logic of confinement while becoming expert in any type of landscaping and urban planning design.
Our designs aim to minimize the extent of surfaces and the substitution of infrastructures by natural drainage systems. Before conceiving the project, Espace Libre analyses the different uses for the site and carries out a historical study of the location; it is not possible to recreate a place unless its history is known.
“What is important, it is to remain humble about the project. Nothing can be taken for granted, let yourself be surprised, adapt to the uses stay in your place. The temptation of authoritarianism is often a reptilian reflection of the designer, who fears that his intentions and his conception will change. On the contrary, we believe that every single spot always mutates. Once the project is delivered, the designer is no longer the master of it and must let it transform, assuming the risk of disappearance of the site.”
Nowadays, a team of 16 people, with complementary profiles of urban planners, architects and landscaper, work together to improve the areas. Our work allows to maximize the outdoor experiences, which not only promotes sports and health, but also enriches our relationship with the environment, giving priority to nature and our living context. The design office is based in Bonsecours (France), and has four branches, in Lille, Rennes, Paris and Bogotá (Colombia).
The Team
Maxime Saïsse
Landscaper and Urban Planner / Founding Co-Director
Since 2009, Maxime has held the position of Managing Director of the agency. He is responsible for ensuring the coordination, management and landscape design guidance of the various projects. His experience over the years has enabled him to develop know-how in the different fields of landscape and site development.
Anaël Maulay
Engineer – Landscape Designer / Co-managing Director
Landscape Engineer – National School of Nature and Landscape (Blois).
Anaël is responsible for project design and for managing the studies, graphic documents and technical documents. He also has a wide range of skills across all project phases. His sense of innovation, aesthetics and creativity has led him to design harmonious and relevant landscape spaces.
Johan Galhaut
Landscape Designer / Co-managing Director
DPLG Landscape Architect – National School of Architecture and Landscape (Lille)
Johan is able to develop projects at different scales throughout all phases. Thanks to his expertise and creative mindset, he develops planning strategies that enhance the functionality and use of sites, in consultation with the client/contracting authority.
Julien Reviron
Landscape Designer – Engineer
DPLG Landscape Architect – National School of Architecture and Landscape (Lille) / Project Manager
Since 2013, Julien has delivered and supported all project phases. He has solid skills to carry out assignments at different scales. He also demonstrates creativity, innovation and rigor to ensure high-quality project design.
Amélie Saboural
Landscape Designer – Engineer
Landscape Architect – National School of Nature and Landscape (Blois) / Project Manager
Amélie delivers and supports all project phases. She has solid skills to carry out assignments at different scales. She also demonstrates creativity, innovation and rigor to ensure high-quality project design.
Romain Duthilleul
Landscape Designer
Higher School of Garden Architecture / Project Officer
Romain has always been passionate about the world of plants and architecture. His background offers extensive experience in both design and works supervision/project delivery as well as client-side project management. He approaches all project phases with strong knowledge, enabling him to meet all your expectations precisely and concretely.
Floriane Gojoz
Architect
National School of Architecture of Normandy / Project Officer
Floriane contributes to the layout and development of architectural and landscape projects. She produces the graphic and technical materials. Her expertise, know-how and attention to detail lead her to deliver studies and design high-quality projects.
Thibault Arnould
Landscape Designer
DEP Landscape Architect – National School of Architecture and Landscape (Bordeaux) / Project Officer
Thibault brings his expertise to respond to all project requirements and contingencies. He supports the project directors in producing graphic and technical documents. He has in-depth knowledge of plants and of the technical components of landscape projects.
Estelle Ropers
Landscape Designer – Engineer
Landscape Engineer – Agrocampus Ouest Institute / Project Officer
Estelle supports the project directors on various development plans and across different phases, taking into account the overall analysis of the site. She is able to manage several projects in parallel thanks to her versatility. Estelle also has strong experience in a wide range of green space assignments.
Takuo Ujikawa
Architecte and Urban Planner
Architecte DE diplômé de l’Ecole d’Ingénierie de l’Université de Hokkaido et Urbaniste diplômé de l’Université de Tokyo / Chargé de projet
Takuo has specialized over the past 5 years in the design and development of sustainable and innovative urban projects. His command of contemporary challenges and his creative approach make it possible to propose solutions tailored to the needs of the cities of tomorrow. Passionate about improving living environments, Takuo is a major asset to our team.
Maria Cristina Piazzese
Landscape Designer
Landscape Architect – University of Florence / Project Officer
Cristina brings her expertise to respond to all project requirements and contingencies. She supports the project directors in producing graphic and technical documents. She has in-depth knowledge of plants and of the technical components of landscape projects.
Florian Roussel
Works Supervisor
Works Manager / Agricultural CAP (vocational certificate), Landscape Works option
Florian ensures the proper execution of worksites, from preparation through to handover, guaranteeing compliance with deadlines, quality and safety. Thanks to his technical expertise and organizational rigor, he coordinates teams and partners efficiently.
Cécile Grandchamp
Communications Director
Architect – National School of Architecture of Normandy
Within the studio, Cécile is responsible for external communication on digital platforms and for the agency’s consultation/participation approach. She also provides additional support to all team members and to the assistant in managing tender submissions.
Marie Dumont
Excecutive Assitant
Executive assistant / Bachelor’s degree in Economic and Social Administration
Marie is the administrative link with clients, partners and contractors. She also manages the agency’s administrative operations. Her organizational skills allow her to successfully handle several tasks at once.
Jean-Loïc Farré
Administrative Assistant
Administrative assistant / Law degree
Jean-Loïc ensures the administrative management and operational support necessary for the smooth running of the company. Thanks to his organizational skills and versatility, he ensures efficient internal processes and high-quality follow-up of files.
Santiago Priolo Villegas
Head of External Relations
Head of External Relations / Master’s degree in Applied Foreign Languages
Santiago ensures the maintenance and development of strategic partnerships while promoting and increasing the company’s visibility among its various stakeholders. Thanks to his expertise and interpersonal skills, he actively contributes to the development and outreach of the organization.