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 12 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 two branches, in Lille and Paris.
The Team
Maxime Saïsse
Landscape Designer / Founding Partner
Since 2009, Maxime is the manager of Espace Libre. He is in charge of the coordination, the piloting and the landscape orientations of the projects. His experience over the years has allowed him to develop a know-how in several fields.
Anaël Maulay
Engineer – Landscape Designer / Partner
Ingénieur – Paysagiste à l’Ecole Nationale Supérieure de la nature et du Paysage de Blois
Anaël is in charge of designing the projets. He also realizes studies, graphic and technical elements. He has varied skills in all phases of the project. His sense of innovation, aesthetics and creativity have led him to design harmonious and relevant landscape spaces.
Johan Galhaut
Landscape Designer / Partner
Paysagiste DPLG de l’Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture et de Paysage de Lille.
Johan is able to develop projects at different scales during all phases. Thanks to his expertise and his creative spirit, he develops development strategies that enhance the functionality and use of sites in consultation with the client.
Emmanuel Devillers
Landscape designer / Head of Agency Hauts-De-France
Landscape designer from the Ecole Supérieure des Jardins et de Paysage de Paris. Emmanuel is the head of the agency and project manager. He has more than 20 years of experience in the field of landscape design as a company manager and now as an agency manager; this experience has given him diversified skills in landscape and urban planning.
Julien Reviron
Landscape Designer
Paysagiste DPLG de l’Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture et de Paysage de Lille.
Since 2013, Julien has been carrying out and supporting all project phases. He has solid skills to lead missions at different scales. He also demonstrates creativity, innovation and rigor to ensure good project design.
Floriane Gojoz
Architect
Formation de L’Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Normandie
Floriane participates in the development of architectural and landscape projects. She ensures the production of graphic and technical supports. Her expertise, know-how and precision lead her to propose studies and design quality projects.
Thibault Arnould
Landscape Designer
Paysagiste DPLG de l’Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture et de Paysage de Bordeaux / Chargé de projet
Thibault apporte son expertise pour répondre à toutes les éventualités du projet. Il assiste les directeurs du projet dans la production des pièces graphiques et techniques. Il a des connaissances approfondies sur les végétaux et sur les éléments techniques du paysage.
Estelle Ropers
Engineer – Landscape Designer
Ingénieure Paysagiste de l’Institut Agrocampus Ouest / Chargée de projet
Thibault brings his expertise to bear on all aspects of the project. He assists the project managers in the production of graphic and technical documents. He has extensive knowledge of plants and technical landscape elements.
Véronique Du Bellay
Administrative assistant
Assistante de direction / Licence professionnelle RH
Véronique is the administrative liaison with the project owners, partners and companies. She also ensures the administrative management of the agency. Her organizational skills allow her to work successfully on several tasks.