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

Published: February 21, 2020

BY Cherry Lai

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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.

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.

Interior design and branding project for Fukuro, the izakaya restaurant on Elgin Street

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.

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.

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.”

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.

“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.”