JEAN-MARC TANG
Born in Port Louis, Mauritius, into a large multi-generational family, Jean-Marc grew up in a nostalgic era. Living in the colonial family house ‘La Cour’, home to multiple families, the series of interlocking buildings and rooms created a lasting impression on his passion for architecture and design. These memories shaped his sense of private and social spaces that imprints his work today. The transcendent quality of this grand colonial house, the illuminative nature of the tropical sunlight and deep dark shadows of cool intimate spaces made him dream. Soon, his passion for architecture and the artistic narratives of local life won him the Mauritian Arts Laureate in 1989.
‘I had the freedom to roam and explore, each room projected a different emotion. There was a communal dimension, rooms that people would gather and share their lives, contrasting with the private world that gave serenity and a sense of liberty.’
He followed his passion to the UK, acquiring his Degree and Diploma in Architecture. Upon graduating he joined Benoy UK, renowned for their award winning work in retail and office development, and then onto New York City where he joined the Rockwell Group as a creative director and designer. Working for David Rockwell exposed him to inspiring hoteliers and restaurateurs. Here he led a wide range of international hospitality projects, from hotels, restaurants, spas, gyms, nightclubs, retail, and events. Jean-Marc was then recruited by the Virgin group, to lead the conceptual design of their latest venture, Virgin Hotels.
His growing reputation and natural talent in luxury hospitality design next drew the attention of Ian Schrager. As the guru of modern hotel design, Ian soon became his mentor. Jean-Marc spent the next 6 years refining his aesthetic and craft of luxury hotel design. He led the development of the new Schrager - Marriot brand, The Edition, in Bodrum, Abu Dhabi, Singapore and the flagship in Times Square, New York. The Times Square Edition, opened in 2019, and was hailed as the next generation of modern luxury.
In 2019, Jean-Marc decided to pursue his own vision. He founded STUDIO DES ILES in Mauritius, where he can blend his personal heritage with his expertise. He is dedicated to build a fresh vision of hospitality in the region. He dreams of elevated experiences and creating new stories that inspire, innovate, and transform.
‘I have had the privilege to work and learn from the best in the industry, but I had always felt the need to tap into my natural affinity to this tropical island. After more than 30 years away, I continue to reflect on this lost era, its simplicity, heritage and glamour of an idyllic island, but now with a fresh appreciation for the local context. I am striving to create a new standard in luxury modernism and elevated experiences.’
STUDIO DES ILES | ARCHITECTURE & INTERIOR DESIGN
GRAND GAUBE. MAURITIUS | INFO@STUDIODESILES.COM