When Remi Pascal joined Hyphen in 2016, the Paris office was just a handful of people and one director. Fast forward a few years, and he’s stepped into that role himself, now leading a multi-cultural team of 35 professionals and helping to drive strategic growth in France and beyond.
Remi collaborated on some of the most iconic buildings in France, including the Palais Longchamp, and built strong relationships with global clients in automotive, logistics, and luxury retail.
We caught up with him to find out about his journey, leadership approach, and what lies ahead…
How would you describe your career journey so far?
Intense!
I’m proud of how far I’ve come since joining Hyphen in 2016 as an architectural assistant. Back then, our Paris office was just a handful of people and one director.
I quickly took on more responsibility, working on some of the most iconic projects at Hyphen and across a range of sectors: hospitality, retail, residential, and logistics. I also got involved in Hyphen’s sustainability committee.
I love the variety of my role – no two days are the same. I enjoy switching between tasks, solving problems, and keeping things moving. There’s always something to do, and it’s never boring.
Being promoted to director is incredibly rewarding. I take this challenge not as the final destination, but as the start of a new, exciting chapter.
What’s shaped your professional growth the most?
Staying curious and approaching challenges with enthusiasm has been key. I’m always looking for ways to learn and develop new skills.
I’ve also made a point of going the extra mile in everything I’ve been entrusted with, and I’m grateful to work alongside people who recognised this. This is something I want to give back to the team, looking out for people who put this extra effort into building the reputation of Hyphen.
Most importantly, I believe in Hyphen, our values, and our people behind them. That sense of belonging has always motivated me to be better.
Are there any experiences that have left a lasting impact on you?
One of my first major projects was Palais des Arts in Marseille. Looking back, those three years of developing the project from the first drafts to its completion were probably the most challenging of my time at Hyphen. But they were also the most formative. This experience offered me a deep dive into project development.
What’s the essential ingredient for strong client relationships?
Successful collaboration starts with understanding your client – where they’re coming from, what their role is, and what constraints they’re under. Putting yourself in their shoes is essential.
Taking time to engage in meaningful conversations with our clients is key. Even side conversations often lead to close relationships. It might not be related to the project, but it helps you to understand the client, and sometimes even helps the client understand who we are.
I had a unique opportunity to work within the pre-construction team of one of our logistics clients. Seeing things from the client’s side gave me invaluable insight into their expectations. I’d recommend that experience to anyone, even just once in their career.
What does being a trusted advisor mean to you?
It means delivering quality, tailor-made solutions. This is especially important for international clients who may be used to different standards or processes. Adapting our communication and approach goes a long way and ultimately builds trust.
France might be one of the most feared markets for international clients looking to expand. It’s our job to break down what might seem like a complicated and bureaucratic regulatory landscape.
With our local know-how and understanding of our clients’ needs, we navigate complex local rules together while keeping their interests at heart.
What are you most proud of since joining Hyphen?
The incredible growth of Hyphen, both in France and across the group. When I started, we were a small team. Today, we have 35 talented professionals in Paris alone. It took a tremendous team effort to get to where we are now.
We often say “we offer careers, not jobs” at Hyphen. I’m proud that my own journey proves that this isn’t just a slogan.
What’s next?
I’ll keep fostering close collaboration across all our teams while leading worldwide rollouts, like our current one for a luxury automotive brand involving colleagues in Europe, Mexico, and Australia.
I also plan to take on a larger portfolio of international clients, building long-term relationships that lead to shared opportunities.
On the quality management and sustainability side, I’ll keep pushing to raise the bar – for both our team and our clients.
