Antonin Hautefort & Ignatio Tenggara of Pendhapa Architects: Five Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Career As An Architect
An Interview With Jason Hartman
Be bold and innovative. Look at current trajectories and trends and look at what has been done. The human mind is an amazing resource and it’s all interconnected through our studies, what we see and what we hear. Through these observations we continuously innovate in designing based on all this information that we have sourced over many years. This allows you to create and recreate designs that people can engage with, with a point of discussion.
As a part of my series about the ‘Five Things You Need To Know To Create A Highly Successful Career As An Architect,’ I had the pleasure of interviewing Antonin Hautefort & Ignatio Tenggara — Pendhapa Architects.
Pendhapa seeks to preserve the art form of conversations, collaborations and intentionality through the means of buildings, spaces, objects and furniture. At the heart of Pendhapa’s collective of 26 architects, designers and makers lies a shared purpose: to explore new territories and create forms that challenge conventions, all while capturing a sense of timelessness, regardless of scale.
The studio was founded in 2019 by architects Antonin Hautefort and Ignatio Tenggara. With their french and Indonesian heritage, Pendhapa is the product of a cross-cultural exchange between the two visionary minds. At the core of everything they do is a steadfast commitment to contextual understanding, a willingness to consider multiple perspectives, and a dedication to engaging their innate human qualities.
They are located in London, Paris, Singapore and Jakarta, and operate globally.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us the “backstory” about what brought you to this particular career path?
Antonin Hautefort: We like to think we practice architecture in its most holistic way from looking into the detail of a structural beam to the selection of the fabric in a custom sofa all the way to the landscaping of a project… Having said that, I think we both brought our own interest and passion to the table. This eventually led us to where we are today: formally architects and furniture designers, on top of running our own business. I grew up in France, immersed in beauty, with a grandfather passionate about French gardening, while Ignatio grew up in Indonesia and Singapore spending a lot of his childhood around construction sites. We later met in University in London at The Architectural Association which structured our method of designing we apply today.
Ignatio Tenggara: I have always been inspired by my parents’ work as a child. They are both architects and their office is attached to our house. I was often brought to see their projects because of their busy schedule, and have always found what people in my parents office do to be amazing. I considered their drawings and hand renderings as art that could be brought to life through details, engineering and constructing. I am always amazed at the team and their efforts to bring a building into our landscape.
Growing up, our house was filled with architecture books: Modern villas of the tropics, Frank Lloyd Wright, Zaha Hadid… I sort of grew up knowing them and wanting to know more of where they come from and how they came to be. I then went on to study at the Architectural Association following their alma mater, worked at Amanda Levete Architects where I learned these great architects also did product design and furniture. Along the way, I met Antonin during my Master program, who challenged my ideas about western design and architecture. During our master studies together we were both interested in forms, culture and detailed construction which bring us together to create a practice that is meticulous and holistic in its approach.
Can you share with our readers the most interesting or amusing story that occurred to you in your career so far? Can you share the lesson or take away, you took out of that story?
AH: I think the funniest part about our studio is that we would design absolutely anything, with zero idea how to get it built when we first started. These pieces eventually became our best designs as we were truly challenging structure and craftsmanship! I remember our first client for custom furniture — we had designed this incredible solid wood table, it took us years to figure out how to build it. Lesson learned: it is important to not always think about the constraints to do good design. Innovation comes from thinking outside the norm.
IT: While learning to be an architect, we were always challenged to figure out our roles. It is very different today from hundreds of years ago where architects were considered master builders. Now, there are engineers, contractors, design and build, interior designer, landscape architect, builder, material specialist and the list goes on. There are so many occupations and studies that understand the subject in different ways and they are all experts. Having said that, we learned that we should apply and challenge what we do best, which is designing, while creating our first design. Designing a building, or even furniture, requires a lot of expertise. I learn by listening to those experts and challenging what is conventional. Through our exceptional design we can create something truly unique and innovative.
Do you have a favorite “life lesson quote”? Can you share a story or example of how that was relevant to you in your life?
AH: Learning while doing. Our minds are incredibly intuitive and we like to think that one just needs to follow their instinct. A design that takes too much intellect to conceive never works. The best ones always come from deep within ourselves.
IT: Produce the experience you want to experience. Our mind is incredibly complex and capable of producing the result we want to experience, but they are often clouded by worries and different thoughts. An understanding is what I want to create from this practice, which led me to where I am today.
Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that will help people?
AH & IT: We started our studio as a means for international collaboration between artisans and architects with the belief that with today’s technologies, we can get closer together and truly collaborate across oceans and continents. Today we are expanding our network of artisans we collaborate with more than ever! Working on collectible design and architecture, bringing together amazing artisans from France, Belgium, Italy and Indonesia together. We like to think that by bridging frontiers, we bring people closer together. Pendhapa was created on this basis as it brings Indonesian and French culture together on an international level between London and Singapore blurring the frontier of national identity.
What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
AH & IT: Our focus is to create designs that stand the test of time in collaboration with skilled artisans from all over the world. The century-old expertise in carpentry and a deep understanding of woods in Indonesia, were one of the defining factors for the studio to build up a local team, investing in training the next generation and supporting the local community. By working together with local artisans, Atelier Pendhapa prioritizes the use of high-quality materials to craft designs that are enduring in both their appeal and quality. Through their emphasis on timelessness and quality, they strive to reduce the need for frequent replacements or renovations, ultimately minimizing waste and environmental impact. By bringing a level of artistry and craftsmanship to their designs, Atelier Pendhapa aims to ensure their longevity, while also promoting sustainable practices.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
AH: There is definitely a person that was a true mentor to me: Thomas Heatherwick, for whom I worked for before we started our own company. He taught me how to design methodically with human intuition and bridging scales, from the scale of the city to the scale of the furniture. I also believe that since starting Pendhapa, Anna Zaoui, Co-Founder of The Invisible Collection has been fantastic in believing in our design language and pushing us to the international stage.
IT: I would say the same of Anna Zaoui — she really propelled us into the international stage. For architecture inspiration, I have to say Yori Antar and Amanda Levete. I worked for them previously. They are both inspiring and champions of their cultures and designs in their respective country. Amanda Levete taught me that building is human centric and design scale can be applied to furniture. Yori Antar Taught me that knowledge and experts are both like lost stories; they can be found if one seeks for them. Find people from all corners of the nation and have a conversation with them, for they hold invaluable insight. Last but not least, my parents. They are both entrepreneurial architects since they graduated and they understood what I was going through which helped me a lot in the beginning of our career practice.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
AH: INTUITIVE / FEARLESS / BOLD
We strive to avoid reinventing the wheel. Although we are all part of the same design industry and drawing from the same references, we never fail to question ourselves: Where can we innovate? What are we doing that is different? But most importantly, we firmly believe in our designs.
IG: INTUITIVE/ CURIOSITY / BELIEVE IN ONESELF
Ok. Thank you for all that. Let’s now jump to the main core of our interview. Can you share 3 things that most excite you about architecture and the Real Estate industry in general? If you can please share a story or example.
AH: TRANSFORMATION / DREAMING / ASPIRATION
Architecture is essentially about creating a whole world all together. It never ceases to amaze me how a single project can differ so profoundly from another, even with the subtlest changes in the brief or location. We always try to attentively listen to both the landscape and the client’s expectations, as these are the raw elements that form the foundation of a successful and innovative project. The most exciting part of architecture for the architects and real estate for the developer or client is undoubtedly the design process — a journey where we solidify our aspirations for a place.
We have this incredible project in Greece at the moment where we had to spend a lot of time on the island to really understand what this site deserved. It raises the question: How do you build upon a naturally beautiful landscape you almost hesitate to touch, yet yearn to inhabit and transform into a haven infused with human life?
IG: Addition TIMELESSNESS:
Some buildings can be called successful real estate when it stays relevant across many generations. Time and time again, we have seen that these designs are truly the most innovative and human centric.
Can you share 3 things that most concern you about the industry? If you had the ability to implement 3 ways to reform or improve the industry, what would you suggest? Please share stories or examples if possible.
AH & IT: WASTE / DE-HUMANIZATION / INSTAGRAM
This is a tough question but I would start by saying the most unattractive aspect of the industry today is the lack of true human creativity that we see around us. It seems like everyone comes in with a mood board and wants the same thing over and over again. There is a decline in creativity as designers and clients are continuously exposed to millions of references. The result is a general architecture language that lacks soul as they usually tend to look very similar from one project to the other. The same issue comes with furniture as you go to the most exclusive art and design fair and you keep seeing the same designs year after year… I think we need more bold architects and clients today to truly elevate what can be done today
Ok, here is the main question of our interview. Can you please share with our readers the “Five Things You Need To Know To Create A Highly Successful Career As An Architect?” If you can, please give a story or an example for each?
AH: Architecture is really everything so it really comes down to one trait: being curious. One needs to continuously search for more, look for more into people’s personality, be curious to understand their personality, how they live, but also be curious about how a flower grows, how it dies, how smells travel through space, how an oak tree grows and is made of. Architecture can be extremely scientific and look into the latest construction technology but it really needs to look into how life develops on this planet; an architect is a curious observer which transfers what they see into matter to live in.
IT: KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND YOUR TARGET MARKET / BE BOLD BUT INNOVATIVE NOT INVENTIVE / UNDERSTAND TECHNOLOGY /
As architects, we encounter a diverse array of specializations within our field. There are those who champion sustainability, others delve into the political aspect of architecture, while some focus on bespoke design, engineering or materials. At the end of the day, knowing what you like and finding the audience that you want to appeal to is also important. But don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t imply the necessity of specialization, as curiosity in other aspects remains essential. Nevertheless, it is important for people to perceive your expertise in order to engage with you. If you are specialized in a multitude of design scales then so be it, but let them know.
Be bold and innovative. Look at current trajectories and trends and look at what has been done. The human mind is an amazing resource and it’s all interconnected through our studies, what we see and what we hear. Through these observations we continuously innovate in designing based on all this information that we have sourced over many years. This allows you to create and recreate designs that people can engage with, with a point of discussion.
Understanding technology is also important especially in the beginning of your career. Choose your tools wisely that can help you communicate with your client. For instance, at the time we first started, real time rendering was already possible at a very realistic level. This quick and fast technology enabled us to design and communicate our design effectively to clients who don’t comprehend architectural drawings. This enhanced our communication with our clients.
Because of your position, you are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
AH & IT: We think every architect is influential in the sense that they define the experiences that unfold with their buildings. We like to think that more architects would come back to look at architecture in a more holistic way. We have been told there is a retro futurism to what we design, almost ancient but futuristic… We like to think we design timelessness, not by borrowing antique details, but by transferring our experience of the world today in a form that will last for centuries and is rooted in today’s lifestyle. We think all designs today should prioritize designs that last while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of form and innovation.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
on our website or instagram, :)
Thank you for your time, and your excellent insights! We wish you continued success.
About The Interviewer: Jason Hartman is the Founder and CEO of Empowered Investor. Jason has been involved in several thousand real estate transactions and has owned income properties in 11 states and 17 cities. Empowered Investor helps people achieve The American Dream of financial freedom by purchasing income property in prudent markets nationwide. Jason’s Complete Solution for Real Estate Investors™ is a comprehensive system providing real estate investors with education, research, resources and technology to deal with all areas of their income property investment needs. Through Jason’s podcasts, educational events, referrals, mentoring and software to track your investments, investors can easily locate, finance and purchase properties in these exceptional markets with confidence and peace of mind.
Starting with very little, Jason, while still in college at the age of 19, embarked on a career in real estate. While brokering properties for clients, he was investing in his own portfolio along the way. Through creativity, persistence and hard work, he earned a number of prestigious industry awards and became a young multi-millionaire. Jason purchased a California real estate brokerage firm that was later acquired by Coldwell Banker. He combined his dedication and business talents to become a successful entrepreneur, public speaker, author, and media personality. Over the years he developed his Complete Solution for Real Estate Investors™ where his innovative firm educates and assists investors in acquiring prudent investments nationwide for their portfolio. Jason’s sought after educational events, speaking engagements, and his popular “Creating Wealth Podcast” inspire and empower hundreds of thousands of people in 189 countries worldwide.
While running his successful real estate and media businesses, Jason also believes that giving back to the community plays an important role in building strong personal relationships. He established The Jason Hartman Foundation in 2005 to provide financial literacy education to young adults providing the all-important real world skills not taught in school which are the key to the financial stability and success of future generations. We’re in a global monetary crisis caused by decades of misguided policies and the cycle of financial dependence has to be broken, literacy and self-reliance are a good start. Visit JasonHartman.com for free materials and resources.
