Hugo Toro, a French-Mexican architect and designer, is renowned for his ability to infuse each of his projects with a unique narrative. His approach blends classic elements with contemporary touches, creating spaces that tell a story while meeting functional needs.
Background and philosophy
From an early age, Hugo Toro was influenced by the cultural richness of his French-Mexican heritage. This cultural duality is reflected in his work, where he combines European architectural elements with vibrant Mexican inspirations. He sees each project as an opportunity to tell a story, incorporating elements that evoke emotions and memories in those who experience them.
Notable achievements
Saint-Pères Apartment, Paris
Located in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, this apartment is a prime example of Toro's talent for blending classic and modern styles. By preserving traditional Parisian elegance while incorporating contemporary elements, he has created a harmonious space that reflects the history of the place while meeting modern needs.
Villa Albertine, New York
Working with Mobilier National in 2022, Hugo Toro redesigned and restored the fifth floor of this historic building, transforming it into a workshop for intimate dinners, meetings, and receptions for artists and writers. His design combines French grandeur with respect for the building's architectural heritage.
Booking Office 1869, London
As part of the renovation of St. Pancras Station, Toro designed the "Booking Office 1869," a space that combines Victorian Gothic architecture with modern touches, creating an atmosphere that is both historic and contemporary.
Gigi Restaurants
Hugo Toro has also made his mark on the culinary scene with the design of the "Gigi" restaurants in Paris, Saint-Tropez, Val d'Isère, and Dubai. Each location reflects a unique atmosphere, combining elegance and conviviality, while maintaining a consistent identity across the different locations.
Orient Express La Minerva, Rome
In 2024, Hugo Toro was chosen for the interior design and artistic direction of the first Orient Express hotel in Rome. This project aims to combine the elegance of Roman domus with a contemporary touch, reflecting the city's rich history while offering guests a modern experience.
Artistic approach
In addition to architecture, Hugo Toro expresses himself through furniture design. His "Amanecer" collection is a series of five pieces of primitive architecture, paying homage to pre-Columbian temples and the Mexico of his childhood. This collection reflects his exploration of forms and materials, and his desire to create pieces that tell a story.
Hugo Toro continues to forge ahead in architecture and interior design, earning him a place once again this year on the highly selective and influential AD100 list. For our part, we will be following his upcoming projects with great interest.