The lasting alliance of tradition and innovation

Who are we ?

Expertise

Values

Who are we ?

The history

1881

In the cradle of a family lineage of stonemasons, Antony Edouard Bechu was born.

1894

At the dawn of his thirteenth year, young Antony began his initiation into architectural art under the guidance of a master from Orléans. There, he immersed himself in the subtleties of geometry, quickly mastering stereotomy and the art of architectural drawings. Meanwhile, he honed his skills in quantity surveying and specifications.

1914

The great war calls Antony to the colors. Wounded, he is repatriated and assigned to a command where, under the aegis of experienced architects, he refines his art by designing battle plans and military works. Among his mentors, Camille Lefevre, winner of the grand prix de rome, becomes a precious friend.

1920

Antony Edouard Bechu lays the first stone of the family legacy by opening his workshop in paris, offering his expertise to architects and contractors for cost estimation.

1921

Birth of Antony Lucien Bechu at 82 rue Lecourbe, Paris 15th, an address that remains the agency's headquarters to this day.

1939

Antony Lucien Bechu embraces a dual education: engineer at the École des Travaux Publics and architect under the aegis of Camille Lefevre, then chief architect of the Louvre and the palais royal. Decorated with the croix de guerre by General De Gaulle, he enrolls in the beaux-arts and completes his engineering studies with the famous Auguste Perret.

1943

Antony Lucien Bechu obtains his diploma from the École des Travaux Publics.

1949

Introduced to the vast project of national reconstruction thanks to his father's network, Antony Lucien Bechu works for three years alongside Jacques-Henri Labourdette, artisan of the renaissance of the southern districts of Beauvais. At the same time, he completes 200 reconstruction projects in the space of one year.

1950

Birth of Anthony Emmanuel Bechu, future pillar of the agency. His father, Antony Lucien, shapes a modern and bold architecture through private residences. A precursor to bioclimatism, the agency ventures into Africa. It designs homes open to the outside, merging interior and environment, foreshadowing an avant-garde ecological approach.

1951

The agency, alongside Edouard Campenon, participates in the competition for the chamber of commerce of le havre for the iconic Tancarville Bridge.

1952-1954

A series of prestigious competitions in South America propels the agency onto the international stage: Autopista de Caracas, Viaduct of Cajamarca in Colombia, Bridges of Recife in Brazil.

1955

General De Gaulle launches the operation Million, a national competition aimed at reducing the cost of a three-room HLM to one million francs. Antony wins this challenge, building more than 3000 housing units and propelling the agency by establishing its reputation with institutional and private clients. At the same time, the agency multiplies parisian projects in various sectors.

1960-1963

The algerian epic begins. The agency establishes itself in Algiers, participating in the government development plan. It notably erects 550 housing units in Ain-el-Turck.

1964

Narrowly escaping the OAS, the algerian branch retreats to Bordeaux. It designs the ambitious project Bordeaux Lac, 230 housing units in Biscarosse, and innovates with the first all-electric buildings in collaboration with EDF.

1965

Construction of the CIDJ Branly in Paris with an innovative technique for the time: the pool shell, made of prestressed concrete allowed the enclosure of the pool and the extension of the building volume.

1966

Antony Lucien Bechu is proposed to join the french delegation commissioned by General de Gaulle to go to China and select chinese students invited to perfect their training in french architecture schools.

1969-1971

Realization of more than 200 youth clubs designed with an economical prefabricated system facilitating construction to such an extent that they could be assembled by the young people themselves.

1973

Antony rehabilitates a work of his mentor Auguste Perret, the headquarters of C&A in Paris.

1976

Anthony Emmanuel Bechu obtains his architecture degree at the age of twenty-six from the University Paris 8. The agency builds a real estate complex on rue Lecourbe with 20,000 m² dedicated to the offices of the national institute of consumption as well as a building of 700 housing units of which our agency still occupies the top two floors today.

1977

In just four months, the Deauville airport emerges from the ground, a feat made possible thanks to an ingenious system of prefabricated aluminum elements.

1978

The Gap barracks, Anthony Bechu's first achievement, designed during his military service, revolutionizes military architecture with its innovative approach.

1981

Anthony obtains his diploma as a heritage architect from the ecole superieure d'histoire et de conservation des monuments anciens, enriching his expertise.

1984

Anthony Emmanuel Bechu joins the management of the agency, bringing his vision to various projects, from cable car bases in Serres Chevalier to the metamorphosis of the tobacco factory in Toulouse, initiating a reflection on the reuse of industrial wastelands.

1985-1995

A prosperous decade for the agency, marked by its establishment in Corsica and a series of major parisian projects. From the metamorphosis of Passy Plaza to the restructuring of the Etoile Saint-Honore block, through the renaissance of the Hediard building on place de la Madeleine, the agency leaves its mark on the capital.

1996

The agency distinguishes itself in the design of press headquarters, delivering l'Independant in Perpignan, le Midi Libre in Montpellier, and the prestigious headquarters of Le Figaro in Issy-les-Moulineaux.

1998

Anthony Bechu founds Volume ABC, an entity dedicated to interior architecture, thus broadening the agency's spectrum of expertise. The same year, the agency completes the monumental rehabilitation of the Federation Francaise du Batiment.

1999

Pivotal year marked by the completion of iconic projects: the colossal rehabilitation of the Ilot Edouard VII and the Olympia in the heart of Paris, as well as the renaissance of the hotel complex Les Etangs de Corot. At the same time, Anthony Bechu begins his teaching career at ESTP.

2000

The agency shines internationally. In Hong Kong, it transforms a colonial building into a skyscraper, the first HQE building in China. Simultaneously, it delivers the headquarters of Dassault Aviation in Saint-Cloud, combining modernity and prestige.

2001-2002

The agency multiplies large-scale projects: rehabilitation of a building on place Iena, design of the facades of the Credit Agricole headquarters in Paris. Its expansion in China culminates with the master plan of the cultural and sports center for the Beijing Olympics.

2003

The agency delivers its first project on place Vendome, through the rehabilitation of a private mansion located at number 8 of the square and its development to host the headquarters of Chanel.

2004

The famous Samaritaine is reborn under the aegis of the agency, on rue de Rivoli. At the same time, Clémence Bechu, freshly graduated from Dauphine in finance, is initiated into the arcana of strategy and influence with industry leaders.

2005

The agency shines in China with the delivery of the colossal CELAP campus, the school of chinese elites, crowned with the prestigious Luban prize. Clémence Bechu perfects her mandarin there for a year, while Anthony is inducted into the Academy of Architecture.

2007

Paris sees the rebirth of the Cirque d'Hiver under the aegis of the agency, which also orchestrates the metamorphosis of private mansions on place Vendome. In China, a high-end residential district of 200,000 m² emerges, while Clémence Bechu obtains her MS in International Project Management.

2008

Anthony Bechu founds the agency A. Bechu & Associés. The year is marked by the completion of a major urban project in Pingyao, highlighting 71 hectares of one of the oldest chinese cities.

2009

The former headquarters of the Comptoir National d'Escompte, on rue Bergere in Paris, is reborn under the agency's baton, becoming the first renovated parisian building certified HQE.

2010

The agency multiplies parisian rehabilitations, including a real estate complex on rue Scribe for Uniqlo. In Spain, it designs the feasibility study for the new port of Marbella.

2011

The agency signs an elegant wooden extension for the Sainte Marie school in Neuilly, combining tradition and modernity. In Asia, it deploys its expertise with mixed-use towers in Mumbai and sketches the plan for a cinema city in Qingdao, a visionary project initiated by Jackie Chan.

2012

Aliénor Bechu obtains her double degree following her training in interior architecture and design at the École Camando and joins the Volume ABC team. That same year, Anthony Bechu is appointed Director of the American Art Schools in Fontainebleau and member of the academy of technologies. The agency shines internationally with numerous projects: hotel towers in Hanoi, an equestrian stadium in Riyadh, a cultural center as well as a master plan in Qingdao, a hotel in Beijing and mixed-use towers in Ulan Bator.

2013

The agency signs a major heritage metamorphosis by transforming the Hotel-Dieu in Marseille, a jewel listed as a Historical Monument, into a sumptuous 5-star Intercontinental hotel. The same year sees the emergence of the first eco-district in Strasbourg, a complex of more than 30,000 m² labeled BBC and THPE, while in Velizy-Villacoublay, the agency delivers 41,000 m² of HQE certified offices. Internationally, the agency is entrusted with the delicate mission of revisiting the work of a great master, by renovating and extending the Al Shaab stadium designed by Le Corbusier in Iraq. Still on iraqi soil, the agency develops an ambitious olympic stadium project in Nasiriyah.

2014

A pivotal year for the Bechu agency. Clémence Bechu joins the family business, instilling a development strategy focused on innovation and sustainable urban planning. At the same time, Anthony is honored with the title of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, crowning his exceptional career. This year also marks the completion of the D2 Tower at La Defense, whose bio-inspired exostructure symbolizes the ecological renewal of the first european business district. The agency continues its influence in France with the metamorphosis of the Domaine de Pins castle in Sologne, combining renovation, extension and development. Internationally, the agency multiplies large-scale projects: a conference center in Dakar, a bio-inspired city in Shenyang, as well as various achievements in Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Turkey.

2015

Aliénor Bechu takes the reins of Volume ABC, infusing it with her unique artistic vision. Her sensitivity to light and materials is now reflected in every project, creating a distinctive signature. That same year, the agency realizes several large-scale projects: in Aubervilliers, a mixed complex of more than 20,000 m² sees the light of day, while in Cergy, more than 10,000 m² of high-energy performance offices emerge. In Brittany, the agency signs the metamorphosis of the Miramar hotel and thalassotherapy center, an ambitious project of rehabilitation, extension and development spanning over 15,000 m², thus combining well-being and innovative architecture.

2016

Sees the completion of the rehabilitation and development of the prestigious pavillon Dauphine in Paris. At the same time, the agency shines internationally with large-scale projects: in Morocco, it participates in the competition for the design of the grand stadium of Oujda and develops a mixed complex of 40,000 m² in Anfa, both designed according to high energy performance standards. In Russia, the agency signs a monumental master plan of more than 370 hectares in Rostov-on-Don, demonstrating its ability to design on a large scale and its expertise in sustainable urban planning.

2017

This year is marked by the realization of three emblematic projects. In Skolkovo, Russia, District 11 emerges, a housing village for researchers, a true manifesto of sustainable development designed according to biomimetic principles. In the heart of Montmartre, Impasse Marie-Blanche sees the birth of 5,500 m² of timber-framed housing, combining tradition and innovation. The agency also signs the metamorphosis of Intown, a parisian office building of more than 20,000 m², now at the forefront of energy performance. On the international scene, the agency shines: its project for the french high school in Moscow is awarded, while it wins the competition for the construction of the ISM in Dakar.

2018

The agency signs a monumental project in Chengdu, China: a french-style castle of 80,000 m², a true tribute to Fontainebleau, built in cut stone by the Compagnons du Tour de France. Its majestic gardens complete this exceptional ensemble. In Paris, the agency delivers the metamorphosis of the Pavillon Gabriel in the gardens of the Élysée, as well as the renovation of the most imposing residence of the Cité universitaire.

2019

The agency deploys its expertise internationally with the creation of 500 luxury villas in Hangzhou, China, totaling more than 130,000 m², and 18,000 m² of housing in Perm, Russia. In France, its innovative project for the rehabilitation and extension of WHO buildings for Toulouse Metropole wins the votes, while elegant residential programs are born in Paris and Aubervilliers. At the same time, Clémence Bechu distinguishes herself by becoming a founding member of the Biomim'City Lab and partner of the French Society of Urban Planning. Her nomination to the prestigious Choiseul Ranking for three consecutive years crowns her path of excellence.

2020

The agency signs two major projects: the metamorphosis of a high-performance office building of 14,000 m² in Saint-Denis and the construction of a positive energy complex of 20,000 m² in Nanterre. At the same time, Clémence Bechu co-founds an innovative start-up, focused on urban adaptation to climate change.

2021

The moroccan desert welcomes ASARI (African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute) in Laayoune, a multi-award winning project offering 80% energy passivity. In Issy-les-Moulineaux, the new Canal+ headquarters opens its doors, combining energy performance, biophilia and avant-garde BIM design. The agency also reinvents a castle in Becheres-sur-Vesgre into a residential seminar space. Clémence Bechu strengthens her commitment by joining the mission committee of the Frey group and the board of directors of Longevity Partners.

2022

Dijon welcomes the International City of Gastronomy and Wine, a monumental urban project of 75,000 m² blending heritage, gastronomic culture and eco-district. This large-scale achievement opens up an entire neighborhood to the city. In Paris, avenue de Trudaine sees the emergence of an elegant rehabilitation of a 9,000 m² heritage block, combining offices, social housing and a nursery. Clémence Bechu is doubly distinguished, receiving the Green Innovation & Research Award from the Bulles Cardin Foundation and the prestigious Pierres d'Or award in the CSR and green innovation category.

2023-2024

We are about to unveil several large-scale projects, demonstrating our expertise and innovative vision. From the metamorphosis of a vast real estate complex on avenue de Courcelles to the rebirth of an iconic tower in the parisian landscape, through the reinvention of the Halles de Montrouge and the revitalization of a historic district in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, we leave our mark on the urban heritage. In Le Lamentin, Martinique, we rethink urban planning in light of climate and natural challenges. Our achievements, resolutely turned towards the future, will always enrich the urban horizon while respecting the architectural and cultural heritage of each place.

bechu & associés

A centennial heritage in architecture and urban planning

The history of Bechu & Associés spans a century, marked by a deep passion and constant innovation in the field of architecture and urban planning. Founded on solid family principles, the agency has transformed into an international reference, leaving an indelible mark on the architectural landscape.

Our mission

Combining tradition and innovation, we inscribe our action in respect for the environment, social inclusion, and the enhancement of heritage.

Harmonize

Our commitment to responsible urban planning and architecture translates into an integrated approach, with a constant search for balance between humans and their environment.

Transcend

Our philosophy is anchored in responsibility, excellence, and renewal, aiming to create a future where architecture and urban planning rhyme with ethics and sustainability.

Perpetuate

Respecting our cultural heritage, we adopt sustainable and innovative strategies, while anticipating future needs.

Our purpose

To be sustainable, a project must be born from its roots, and each of our choices guided by the responsibility we have towards the living.

By 2050, nearly 70% of humanity will reside in urban areas. Our cities will occupy only 3% of the planet's surface and yet are already both the main contributors and victims of climate change. This duality positions cities at the heart of humanity's future challenges. The real estate sector, influential and impacted by these changes, must adapt with responsibility, anticipation, and compliance with new standards. The 6th IPCC report underlines the crucial importance of construction professionals in positively orienting this transition.

Our essence

Our essence is shaped by sustainable innovation and by an authentic commitment to responsible urban planning and architecture. Our innovative developments are articulated around our own concepts such as "the biomimetic city", "climate architecture" considering climate as the "keystone" of the city. With a century-old family heritage, convinced that innovation is born from imitation, we reinterpret the common sense of the ancients to "augment" it thanks to these new tools, to breathe new life into our architectural projects, by harmonizing heritage and innovation.

Our approach

Our eco-responsible approach transcends the simple professional framework: it reflects our deep conviction that respect for the living is a guide for our creativity and our societal responsibility. This philosophy materializes in our daily actions, from the benevolent management of our intergenerational teams to our strategic partnerships, all focused on contributing to a more sustainable city. Through each project, Bechu & Associés reaffirms its commitment to a future where architecture, urban planning and design meet in a sustainable and respectful vision.

A collective of leadership and expertise

Led by Anthony Bechu and his daughters, Clémence and Aliénor, Bechu & Associés blends family tradition and innovation. Anthony's vision in architecture, heritage and urban planning, Clémence's commitment to climate transition and sustainable innovation, Alienor's direction of the interior architecture studio Volume ABC, illustrate the diversity of the agency's skills.

Alongside them are Jean Cornil, Associate Agency Director and Luca Bertacchi, another managing associate architect, responsible for major innovative projects. Supported by other specialized associates, figures of trust and experience, they together bring their know-how and expertise to guide and direct the teams.

Discover the leadership teamDiscover the leadership team

The team

Architect Project Manager

Expertise

Multidisciplinary expertise

Our expertise in urban planning and sustainable architecture encompasses a range of key skills, including historical monuments, design, landscape planning and consulting. We are recognized for our leading technical and creative approach, combining aesthetics, functionality and energy efficiency in each project.

Our team of experts stands out for the integration of innovative and customized solutions, emphasizing new uses, flexibility of spaces, and low carbon optimization. We prioritize biodiversity, biomimicry, and urban regeneration, integrating the principles of mitigation and adaptation to climate change to create resilient and adaptive environments.

By deploying cutting-edge technologies and avant-garde methodologies, we bring to life architectural visions that stand out for their sustainability, adaptability and positive contribution to communities.

Our approach aims to transform urban space into innovative and inspiring living spaces, where nature and architecture coexist harmoniously for the well-being of future generations.

Through our commitment to low carbon architecture and the development of projects promoting biodiversity and biomimicry, Bechu & Associés positions itself as a key player in urban regeneration and the creation of flexible spaces that respond to contemporary challenges. Our mission is to design projects that redefine the standards of modern and sustainable architecture, in harmony with the evolving needs of our society.

Geste d’Or

Trophée Eiffel

Prix Emporis Skyscraper

Archi design club awards

Trophée du bien-être

Green awards

Luban prize

1er prix du Green Project

ADC Award

MIPIM Award

Prix Versailles

Trophées de la construction

Reliability

Over the past 20 years, our agency has developed more than 1500 projects in France and 400 projects abroad.

A recognized commitment

Our long history and experience in numerous complex projects testify to our ability to meet the highest expectations of our clients, with consistency and professionalism.

Awards & honors

We are honored to have been recognized by numerous prestigious distinctions, testifying to our excellence in the field of architecture, urban planning and the environment. These awards reflect our commitment to quality and innovation.

International scale

International dimension

Our passion and curiosity for the world and its cultures are at the heart of our identity. Driven by a desire to explore and innovate, we have cultivated an international presence, realizing architectural and urban projects in multiple cultures and environments.

Cultural and climatic adaptation

Our expertise extends beyond borders, adapting our designs to local contexts. We respect cultural particularities and respond to the specific climatic challenges of each region.

Notable international projects

Our achievements abroad demonstrate our ability to integrate innovative designs in varied environments, while maintaining a high level of quality and use.

See the map

The agency internationally

Dakar

Hanoi

Hong Kong

Beijing

Ulaanbaatar

Accra

Mumbai

Laayoune

Warsaw

Rome

Crete

Istanbul

Riyadh

Baghdad

Beirut

Moscow

Brazil

Paris

France

A global vision

With great cultural diversity, our international team enriches our approach through a diversity of perspectives. This cultural plurality is reflected in our projects, reinforcing our global vision in architecture and urban planning.

Values

Agility

Agility is at the heart of our work and thinking process. We always start from a blank page on which we draw sketches and desires without preconceptions. The need to adapt quickly to the needs of our clients as well as to the reality of a site or space, always with boldness, nourishes this agility.

Creativity

Creativity is our driving force and the essential engine of innovation. This is what gives rise to ideas that are out of the ordinary. These ideas are then shaped to give birth to concepts from which innovations are born.

Respect

We give great importance to respect: respect for differences, respect for cultures, for our clients, respect for ideas, respect induces humility. It broadens horizons and offers us a great capacity for listening and creativity. We cultivate openness, exchange and consensus. Respect becomes a dialogue, the origin of our humanity and the positioning of the individual at the heart of our projects.

Benevolence and emulation

The benevolent management of teams within the agency promotes mutual support and innovation, we have established a corporate culture where employee well-being and creativity are priorities.

This approach has stimulated productivity and encouraged a collaborative dynamic, transforming the company into a model of efficiency and professional emulation.

Our institutional collaborations

Solid partnerships for large-scale projects.

Our agency, recognized for its expertise and reliability, is committed to constantly innovating in the field of architecture and urban planning. This ambition has paved the way for strategic partnerships with leading institutions and professional entities.

These collaborations are based on mutual trust, recognizing our ability to contribute significantly to large-scale and transformative projects.

They testify to our technical competence and our determination to push the boundaries of our sector, thus enriching our practice and consolidating our reputation in the industry.

List of collaborations

The collaborations

CEEBIOS

We are partners of CEEBIOS: European Center of Excellence in Biomimicry of Senlis, whose mission is to federate biomimicry actors, to support projects and studies as well as to train actors in biomimicry.

Fondation Palladio

We are patrons of the Palladio Foundation. The Palladio Foundation was created in 2008, under the aegis of the Fondation de France, around the major challenge of the 21st century which is the construction of the City. Apolitical and non-denominational, the Palladio Foundation, with its mission of general interest, mobilizes and brings together today all sectors and professions concerned by real estate and urban issues (planning, architecture, insurance, banking, construction, energy, environment, real estate, engineering, logistics, digital, transport, urban planning), public authorities, the associative world, researchers and the media.

AFEX

We are members of AFEX. AFEX, French Architects for Export, is a non-profit association that works to promote French architecture worldwide. It brings together 200 members including 120 architectural firms and public and private partners.

CIBI

We are members of CIBI, The International Council for Biodiversity and Real Estate, CIBI, is the first gathering place for a new Biodiversity and Real Estate sector. CIBI is supported by urban, real estate and living environment actors in urban areas. Its purpose is to promote urban biodiversity and the human-nature relationship in the sectors of planning, construction, daily life within neighborhoods and built blocks.

label bbca

We are founding members of the BBCA association. Association for the development of Low Carbon Buildings. The Association was born from the desire of many real estate, construction and ecology actors to unite to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings and promote more virtuous structures.

Real Estech

We are members of Real Estech, a non-profit association that federates and promotes all innovation actors in the real estate sector.

LA SOCIÉTÉ FRANÇAISE D’URBANISME

We are partners of the SFU, which since 1911, has been a place of exchange between professional urban planners and great associates, personalities who contribute to the reflection on urban planning. It is a place of continuous training for urban planners.

Our technical and scientific partnerships

These partnerships testify to the recognition of our expertise and our ability to effectively respond to the needs of the sector and to tackle complex challenges with seriousness and innovation.

They symbolize our commitment to developing sustainable and cutting-edge architectural solutions.

By consolidating our role in the field, these alliances allow us to access innovative initiatives and significantly shape the future of urban planning and architecture.

List of partners

The partners

CEEBIOS

LA SOCIÉTÉ FRANÇAISE D’URBANISME

We are partners of the SFU, which since 1911, has been a place of exchange between professional urban planners and great associates, personalities who contribute to the reflection on Urban Planning. It is a place of continuous training for urban planners.

Real Estech

We are members of Real Estech, a non-profit association that federates and promotes all innovation actors in the real estate sector.

Fondation Palladio

CIBI

label bbca

AFEX

Social responsibility

Bechu & Associés is fully committed to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Our CSR commitment is at the heart of our strategy, illustrating our contribution to a sustainable future.

Our approach revolves around three main axes: environmental, social, and economic.

Download our CSR charterDownload our CSR charter

Environmental commitment

We prioritize reducing our ecological impact. This translates into the use of sustainable materials, waste minimization and the adoption of energy-efficient technologies. Our goal is to promote innovation while preserving the environment.

Social responsibility

We value equity and inclusion within our agency. By promoting diversity and equal opportunities, we create a respectful work environment and support community initiatives to improve social well-being.

Economic performance

We adhere to ethical business practices, ensuring transparency and integrity in all our operations. Our aim is to reconcile economic growth with respect for CSR principles.