Jean-Paul, the leader of Atelier Viollet today, was born with the genes of a woodworker, but the heart of a maverick. Outwardly happy mastering the family business, he still felt persistent tuggings. The first lured him with the infinite (but unplumbed) possibilities of beautiful veneers. The second was his unquenchable fascination with Art Deco.

For several years, Jean-Paul travelled the globe, soaking up the arcane lore and intricate techniques that transformed his craft into an art. Then he was ready to establish today's incarnation of his family firm.

The Atelier Viollet workshop: a refuge where he and his fellow artisans bring to fruition Jean-Paul’s long-incubated ideas.