The holistic design firm conceived aesthetics for the likes of The Fleming, Bibo and The Krug Room

Dynamic Duo: Meet the Multicultural Minds Behind A Work of Substance
Facebook SharePinterest ShareTwitter ShareShareURL copied

Born in Brazil, raised in Europe and currently based in Hong Kong, the multicultural sensibility steeped in the DNA of Max Dautresme equally flows through the portfolio of A Work of Substance, the multidisciplinary design studio he co-founded in 2010 with Paris-based Florian Michaux, the cousin of his best friend.

Dynamic Duo: Meet the Multicultural Minds Behind A Work of Substance
Max Dautresme

“Substance was initially a collective of designer friends who wanted a platform to create things with more freedom,” says Max, who boasts extensive experience in branding and advertising.

Dynamic Duo: Meet the Multicultural Minds Behind A Work of Substance
Interior design and branding project for Fukuro, the izakaya restaurant on Elgin Street

Dynamic Duo: Meet the Multicultural Minds Behind A Work of Substance

Dynamic Duo: Meet the Multicultural Minds Behind A Work of Substance

Fast forward a decade, and the full-fledged design company specialising in all sorts of things, from branding to products, and from interiors to landscapes, counts a plethora of highly imaginative, intricately personalised projects under its belt.

Dynamic Duo: Meet the Multicultural Minds Behind A Work of Substance
Interior design project for the art-filled Bibo restaurant

These include the reimagining of The Fleming, the interiors for Bibo and the Mandarin Oriental’s The Krug Room, and branding campaigns for the likes of Hermès and Cartier, just to name a few.

Dynamic Duo: Meet the Multicultural Minds Behind A Work of Substance

Despite the portfolio’s multifaceted breadth, a common thread of handcraftsmanship and artistry is woven throughout. “We emphasise material, storytelling and playfulness,” says Max, who calls himself a “much more analogue person” than Florian, who focuses on the digital side of the business. “The platform of graphic design is where we meet. It’s really complementary in that sense.”

Dynamic Duo: Meet the Multicultural Minds Behind A Work of Substance
A Work of Substance was tapped to reimagine the aesthetic of The Fleming, including its ground floor Italian restaurant Osteria Marzia

That creative synergy continues to thrive as Max and Florian expand their footprint with upcoming projects in Paris and South Korea in the coming year, as well as their launch of a Taoism-inspired organic amenity line (“We look forward to projects that bring in nature in a holistic way”) and a standalone collection of elegant lighting fixtures dubbed Things of Substance.

Dynamic Duo: Meet the Multicultural Minds Behind A Work of Substance

Dynamic Duo: Meet the Multicultural Minds Behind A Work of Substance

“What excites me in entrepreneurship and partnership is working with friends, more than anything,” says Max. “Everybody is honest and there’s no real issue – it’s all a real pleasure.”

Dynamic Duo: Meet the Multicultural Minds Behind A Work of Substance
A lamp from the brand's Things of Substance collection

Scroll through the gallery below to see more work of A Work of Substance, and find out more at aworkofsubstance.com:

Dynamic Duo: Meet the Multicultural Minds Behind A Work of Substance

Osteria Marzia's main entrance and facade

Dynamic Duo: Meet the Multicultural Minds Behind A Work of Substance

The Fleming's extra large room

Dynamic Duo: Meet the Multicultural Minds Behind A Work of Substance

Stylish storage area

Dynamic Duo: Meet the Multicultural Minds Behind A Work of Substance

The bathroom

Dynamic Duo: Meet the Multicultural Minds Behind A Work of Substance

The lounge and lounge area

Dynamic Duo: Meet the Multicultural Minds Behind A Work of Substance

Graffiti-filled interiors of Bibo

Dynamic Duo: Meet the Multicultural Minds Behind A Work of Substance

A corner of Bibo is decorated like a library

Dynamic Duo: Meet the Multicultural Minds Behind A Work of Substance

Branding project for The Mills

Dynamic Duo: Meet the Multicultural Minds Behind A Work of Substance

Branding project for The Mills

Dynamic Duo: Meet the Multicultural Minds Behind A Work of Substance

A wall lamp from Things of Substance

Dynamic Duo: Meet the Multicultural Minds Behind A Work of Substance

A hanging pendant lamp from Things of Substance

Dynamic Duo: Meet the Multicultural Minds Behind A Work of Substance

A table lamp from Things of Substance

Dynamic Duo: Meet the Multicultural Minds Behind A Work of Substance

Rustic wood-centric interiors of Fukuro

Dynamic Duo: Meet the Multicultural Minds Behind A Work of Substance

Porcelain and tableware

Load more

We use Cookie on our website
In order to provide you with the best possible experience, this website uses cookies. For more information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Yes, I understand