Thomas Bouveret
Interior Design Manager • DS Automobiles
DS
What are the interior design features of the DS models?
T.B.
Five elements contribute to the well-being and appreciation of passengers: light, sound, immersion with the disappearance of screens, tailor-made storage and the artistic dimension in the cabin. These are the keys to a successful journey. At DS, we do not advocate a GPS-tracked route from point A to point B. In our interiors, the occupants must escape, feel like being in a bubble. We must cultivate this French Art of Travel, which was lost with time.
What achievement are you most proud of?
I was very proud of the launch of DS 4. It was the first one that I oversaw the interior design from the beginning to the end of the project. I will be just as happy with future accomplishments, but in hindsight, what I am most proud of is the team I was able to create and bring together. It is very positive, everyone is committed to the brand. Finally, the team is more important than the object of our creation.
In our interiors, the occupants must escape, feel like being in a bubble. We must cultivate this French Art of Travel, which was lost with time.
What are your sources of inspiration?
I’m curious about everything related to art and civilizations. I love the Egyptian culture and admire the finesse of the way of life and the development of the human mind at this time. I love cultures because they teach us that throughout centuries, the human being has been able to be inventive, creative and it is our turn to create objects that must bring a benefit to our century. Recently, I visited the Arts & Métiers Museum in Paris (Art & crafts), and I am fascinated by how engineers built bridges, locomotives…
I am also inspired by travelling. I was lucky enough to be expatriated in China for 4 years with my family. Any culture is enriching, in its history, its cuisine or its architecture.
By designing interiors with these inspirations, I strive to find the right balances to provide a feeling of well-being on board. Also, it’s a nice satisfaction when I hear “I feel comfortable” when someone sits in a DS.
What are your passions, what drives you?
Cooking relaxes me, it is not only a distraction, but also a real moment of conviviality to discuss with the family, without mobile phones.
When I was younger, I was passionate about mountains, and I almost became an alpine hunter instead of a designer. Being from the East, I need to find these snowy mountains every winter, it frees my mind. Music is also important in my life, there is always music at home and I like to create a musical atmosphere according to the context: a meal, a party, a moment of relaxation… Student, I was a Disc-Jockey for more than 3 years. It formed my ear and since then I am looking for the right sound.