Jean-Michel Wilmotte is a visionary French architect, urban planner, and designer whose work seamlessly blends contemporary innovation with rich traditional craftsmanship. A graduate of the École Camondo, Wilmotte founded Wilmotte & Associés in 1975, quickly establishing himself as a leader in the design world, creating timeless, groundbreaking designs that stand at the intersection of art and functionality.

Wilmotte's influence spans across various disciplines, from luxury interiors to iconic architectural landmarks. His work is celebrated for its ability to push creative boundaries while maintaining a deep respect for heritage. Notably, Wilmotte's architectural genius is reflected in projects like the Musée du Louvre’s Richelieu Wing and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where his designs have elevated these historic institutions to new heights of modernity and elegance.

In his collaboration with Forge de Laguiole, Wilmotte applied his minimalist, sculptural approach to the brand’s iconic cutlery, producing a collection of table knives that are both strikingly modern and steeped in the brand’s rich legacy. Using materials like Dacryl® acrylic and densified ash, Wilmotte’s designs bring a bold, contemporary flair to traditional craftsmanship, making each knife not just a tool, but a piece of art.

His work is a testament to his belief that design should balance tradition and innovation, form and function. Whether shaping the future of architecture or reimagining classic objects, Wilmotte’s ability to blend past and present has cemented his status as a global design icon.