Access Architects has acquired Yann Leroy Design & Planning, Paris and Studio Aria, Bangkok heralding the birth of AXS Designs. The newly formed entity will have offices in Paris, Bangkok, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
AXS Designs boasts of a portfolio of over 200 hotels globally along with luxury condominiums, super luxury villas, healthcare and office buildings in over 15 countries.
This collaboration addresses a pressing need within the industry for seamless integration of local expertise and global design innovation. As is the norm within the industry, the role of the international designers is limited to the concept and schematic design phases, leaving the later stages to local architects. This separation could result in a divergence from the original vision, potentially diluting the quality of the project’s final outcome.
Post the takeover, AXS Designs will have Yann Leroy as Chief Design Director. It will focus on innovative and sustainable architectural solutions, offering the best of both worlds global design excellence fused with local architectural know-how. This approach promises Indian clients constant access to the design team, while ensuring impeccable design, coordination, and maintaining the highest quality standards throughout the project’s life cycle.
With the acquisition of Yann Leroy Design & Planning, Access Architects has elevated itself to a position of unrivalled influence. AXS Designs’ revolutionary approach eliminates the disparities that often arise from distinct design phases, offering a harmonized continuum that guarantees design fidelity. Crucially, the firm goes a step further by ensuring continuous presence and engagement of international designers in India. By spending significant time at the Mumbai office, Yann Andre Leroy and his team will directly oversee projects from inception to completion. AXS Designs will function on a fee-based model, aimed at offering bespoke architectural and design solutions to high-end clientele.
“We are thrilled to welcome Yann Andre Leroy and his team into the Access Architects family,” said Jay Shah, managing director of Access Architects. “Access Architects has always strived to deliver beyond our clients’ expectations, and this new venture with Yann Leroy Design & Planning aligns perfectly with our philosophy. Together as AXS Designs, we look forward to creating architectural marvels that will shape the future of our industry.”
Known for his deep expertise in hospitality design and extensive experience with international hotel brands, Yann Andre Leroy brings a wealth of knowledge and a portfolio of over 20,000 hotel rooms designed and delivered worldwide. This includes Sofitel in New York, St. Regis Residences and Hotel in Bangkok, Centara Grand Bangkok, Westin Beijing and Yalong Bay St. Regis in China and Jumeirah Golf Estate in Dubai.
He was involved in these projects as partner in charge or owner during his stint at BBG-BBGM, New York and subsequently at Studio Aria as well as Yann Leroy Architects. As Chief Design Director, Yann Andre Leroy will continue to spearhead innovative projects, further enhancing the firm’s global influence.
“I am excited to join forces with Access Architects,” said Leroy. “The team’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of architectural design aligns perfectly with my vision for the future of the industry. Collectively, we will transform the concept of innovative and sustainable architectural solutions.”
