Rudy Guénaire

A | Profile:

Key points:

• Founder of the interior design and branding agency Night Flight.

• Self-taught designer with a background in business (graduate of HEC).

• Cofounder and Creative Director of the restaurant chain PNY (Paris New York).

• Designs immersive, cinematic spaces, drawing every element by hand.

• Passionate about cinema, literature, and philosophy.

• Known for atmospheric storytelling through spatial design.

Nationality: French designer

Style: Immersive, cinematic and poetic

Immersive, cinematic, poetic, inspired by retrofuturism and nostalgic aesthetics.

B | Overview:

Studio Background: Founded in 2021

Rudy Guénaire founded the interior design and branding agency Night Flight in 2021. Previously, he co-created the restaurant chain PNY, where he gradually took charge of the interior design for all new locations. His creative journey began after working closely with architects such as CUT and Bernard Dubois, before deciding to fully embrace design himself. His approach is defined by storytelling, poetry, and a deep engagement with each project’s emotional and atmospheric resonance.

Founders: Rudy Guénaire

Approach, design philosophy: Places that tell stories

"My places tell stories, they make you travel. Going out to dinner is about stepping out of your everyday life." (Source: Le Figaro)

“I try to draw things that don’t belong to a specific period and come from within me.” (Source: Admagazine)

Style: Narrative, atmospheric, cinematic, and emotional

Rudy Guénaire’s style is narrative, atmospheric, cinematic, and emotional. He creates immersive environments where architecture, design, and ambiance serve a story. He’s known for blending references from pop culture, film, and literature with soft modernist and nostalgic aesthetics.

Main inspirations: Poetic architects

“Lawrence of Arabia was one of the first films I watched... I’ve always been drawn to beautiful films. The plot matters less to me. I’ve always loved poetic architects. Frank Lloyd Wright, especially for his approach to nature, and John Lautner with his wood structures that blend into the forest.” (Source: L'officiel)

”In architecture, Rudy Guénaire is influenced by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, especially in his approach to nature, as well as by John Lautner, with his Chemosphere in Los Angeles and his many wooden structures that blend into the forest.” (Source: L'officiel)

Identity and aesthetics: Soft, nostalgic, and modernist designs

The identity and aesthetics of Rudy Guénaire are characterized by an obsession with narrative and emotional resonance. His designs are soft, nostalgic, and modernist, often referencing cinema and poetry. Each space invites the visitor into a world that is both immersive and contemplative.

Values

The studio values sincerity, narrative depth, and a commitment to handcraft. Rudy emphasizes storytelling, authenticity, and creating lasting emotional impact through spaces. He draws by hand, avoids 3D modeling, and prefers a design approach rooted in literature and travel.

Creative process

“I spend a lot of time staring into space. Then gradually it comes together. I often start with the furniture or main elements.I never make a decision without a good night’s sleep. It’s in the freshness of the morning that you know if you’ve outdone yourself or completely failed.” (Source: Goodmoods)

Production and materials

“I love wood. It gives things a second chance. That’s fascinating.” (Source: Goodmoods)

In his interiors, Rudy uses natural and soft materials such as wood, formica, and muted tones, always choosing textures and colors that enhance atmosphere and light.

Production methods

All elements are hand-drawn. Rudy doesn’t use 3D software, preferring sketching to maintain control and coherence. From lighting fixtures to furniture, everything is custom-designed to match the project’s narrative and atmosphere.

Main categories

• Restaurants

• Custom furniture

• Lighting

• Residential interiors

• Brand design (logos, menus)

Notable collections

• Custom-designed chairs for each PNY restaurant

• Lighting and furniture for Matsuri and Super China

Major projects

• PNY (Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg, Bordeaux, Grenoble, Nantes, Lille) – 2012 to present – Design of restaurant interiors across France

• Le Belvédère : 2024, Crillon-Le-Brave – Integration of architecture with Provence’s natural landscape

• Matsuri : 2024, Paris 16e – Complete rebranding and redesign with California-Japan-Blade Runner inspiration

• Super China : 2024, Paris 10e – Original design for a new restaurant concept

• Apartment renovation : 2020, Paris 14e – First personal project; transformed a former artist's studio into a poetic living space

• Art déco apartment : 2025, Paris Panthéon – Residential interior for a private client

Recognition

Rudy Guénaire’s talent was recognized with features in major publications like Le Figaro, AD Magazine, and Goodmoods. He is seen as a rising figure in atmospheric and narrative-driven design.

Press/media quotes

• https://www.lofficiel.com/design/rudy-guenaire-pny-paris-architecture-design-interieur

• https://www.lefigaro.fr/gastronomie/rudy-guenaire-autodidacte-du-design-20241206

• https://ideat.fr/rudy-guenaire-reinvente-matsuri-un-voyage-du-japon-a-blade-runner-en-passant-par-la-californie/

• https://www.admagazine.fr/article/rudy-guenaire-fondateur-restaurants-pny-appartement

• https://www.goodmoods.com/fr/trend-setters/rudy-guenaire

• https://www.intramuros.fr/blog/rudy-guenaire-fondateur-et-directeur-artistique-intramuros

Awards and distinctions

• Named in AD Germany’s “20 most promising talents” – 2024

Headquarters and website

• Studio Night Flight, 15 rue de la Gaité, 75014 Paris

• https://studionightflight.com