François Chatillon, a graduate of the École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris-Belleville, founded his agency in 1986 in Ferney-Voltaire, near Geneva. After 15 years of diverse construction projects, he shifted focus towards cultural heritage preservation, prompting him to pursue further specialization at the École de Chaillot in 1999, where he graduated top of his class. In 2005, he was appointed Chief Architect of Historical Monuments, leading to high-profile commissions such as the restoration of the Grand Palais, the Arc de Triomphe, and the National Domain of Chambord. His practice emphasizes historical context and functionality, blending conservation with modern standards.

In 2010, Chatillon opened a second office in Paris to expand his team and be closer to his projects. Alongside his professional work, he serves as director of disciplines at the École de Chaillot, where he fosters critical debate on the transmission and interpretation of architectural heritage. Through both academic and professional channels, Chatillon continues to influence contemporary approaches to the preservation and rehabilitation of culturally significant sites.

The quality of Chatillon Architectes’ work has been recognised by national and international awards, including the BIM d’Or 2022 for the project to renovate the Grand Palais in Paris, the 2022 award by the Association of Friends of Old Strasbourg for the rehabilitation of the town’s Municipal Baths, the Docomomo Rehabilitation Award 2021 for the restoration of Le Corbusier’s apartment-studio, the Grand Prix Maître d’Œuvre du Geste d’Or 2020, the European Heritage Award/Europa Nostra Award 2015 for the rehabilitation of the Boulingrin covered market in Reims, etc.