(Home) Design Theory: Tsé & Tsé

Image courtesy of Tsé & Tsé.

In Graduate School, professors love to discuss "Design Thinking." Design Thinking is an iterative process in which we seek to understand the user, challenge assumptions, and redefine problems to identify alternative strategies and solutions that might not be instantly apparent with our initial level of understanding (Dam and Siang). Design Thinking enables companies to understand consumer needs. In this series, I contacted different companies to learn how organizations applied Design Thinking. I spoke with Sigolène Prébois, Co-Founder of Tsé & Tsé, to understand how her company incorporates its mission and vision into its products.

Image courtesy of Tsé & Tsé.

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Interview with Tsé & Tsé Co-Founder Sigolène Prébois

Image courtesy of Tsé & Tsé.

1. What makes Tsé & Tsé different from other companies?

Tsé & Tsé is a small company with an international reputation—a striking contrast. I think of it as a nutshell, where we are the sole captains at the helm. For 20 years, I worked alongside Catherine Lévy, and for the past 10 years, I have been designing all of Tsé & Tsé's products on my own. Autonomy and freedom are at the core of our work. As pioneers of self-publishing, we take pride in seeing this model expand in Europe and the United States.

Image courtesy of Tsé & Tsé.

Our uniqueness is reflected in our creations. In our old Parisian workshop, we handle everything from design and prototyping to sourcing manufacturers, assembly, commercial representation, distribution, and shipping. I believe the timeless atmosphere of this space inspires a distinctive way of working, where we bring a level of care and attention to detail reminiscent of a bygone era. Small industrial companies craft Tsé & Tsé products like artisanal workshops. In our own way, we stand against mass production and the globalized industry.

Image courtesy of Tsé & Tsé.

2. How has Tsé & Tsé evolved since its founding?

With remarkable consistency, we believe in the strength of our ideas—especially since some of the world’s greatest designers have validated them. One of my professors at Ensci – Les Ateliers, architect Patrick Bouchain, instilled in me a passion for design that serves people—design that is accessible and inviting. For the past 30 years, I have created my objects with this mindset, shaping my environment through the forms and colors that inspire me. Perhaps this sincerity is the secret to Tsé & Tsé’s success.

Image courtesy of Tsé & Tsé.

I often joke that designers and architects should always use what they create. This philosophy has guided Tsé & Tsé from the beginning, focusing on crafting concepts that endure and selecting materials that develop a beautiful patina over time. Our aim is to create objects that age gracefully and can be repaired when needed. On our website, I even demonstrate how to sand down chips on porcelain—a simple technique that few people know about. At every stage of creation and production, we ask ourselves thoughtful questions—not just about the object itself, but also about its packaging. Our goal is to bring innovation while maintaining a mindful approach.

Image courtesy of Tsé & Tsé.

3. Where does Tsé & Tsé draw inspiration when creating your tableware, homeware, and lighting?

I find inspiration in unique, handmade objects—those crafted by individuals for personal use. I have a deep appreciation for items that show the marks of time and repair, as they tell stories and carry a sense of history. My preference leans towards light, unpretentious, and unobtrusive designs, even if they tend toward a beautiful chaos.

Image courtesy of Tsé & Tsé.

Of course, I am influenced by great designers. Charlotte Perriand is my favorite—she was a free-spirited and modern woman who feels like a godmother to us. After receiving our April Vase (Vase d’Avril) as a gift, she wrote us a lovely letter of encouragement. I also have a strong connection with Gaetano Pesce. I am inspired by his discussions on design. Sori Yanagi and Alvar Aalto showed me the beauty of simplicity, organic forms, and the softness of asymmetry. Meanwhile, Ingo Maurer and Ron Arad introduced me to humor and nonconformity in design. I am deeply grateful to all of them.

Image courtesy of Tsé & Tsé.

4. How does Tsé & Tsé incorporate its mission and vision into its products?

Our objects are made to serve. The sense of touch, less conceptualized and less conscious than the other senses, is very important in the use of our tableware and in the pleasure we get from it. The sense of play, the principle of the April Vase or the Scale Mirrors, is another subtle and pleasant way to appropriate objects. I also like the mechanism to be revealed at first glance, allowing people to learn and understand. Tsé & Tsé objects leave room for maneuver, a range of freedom or creativity to users. Recently, I offered (in open source) the plans for a floor lamp. The project, part of a personal creation process, allows you to make your own Elementary Lamp in the materials of your choice. 

Image courtesy of Tsé & Tsé.

I always have a great interest in talking with a manufacturer to understand the machines they use. I rarely work on a project with a final drawing. I move forward on tracks, in consultation with those who will perhaps manufacture it. Each distinct element is requested from a specific trade in France or Europe: the porcelain maker makes porcelain, the sheet metal worker, metal, the cutter cuts, the milling cutter, etc. The final assembly of the objects is done in our Parisian workshop. It is a bit paradoxical to want to be ecological and to produce objects. But beauty and joy are necessary for life. I do not make collections with objects that drive out others, there is no question of creating artificial needs. The year is spent trying to make a dozen new objects exist but finally, with all these requirements, there will only be one or two to pass the ramp. And that is quite enough.

Image courtesy of Tsé & Tsé.

5. What is the future of the company?

Our future is closely linked to self-publishing, which has always been at the core of our business model. This approach provides us with freedom and diversity, which are increasingly essential in a world dominated by multinational corporations that standardize lifestyles. The idea of purchasing the same products everywhere globally is uninspiring. Although traditional craftsmanship faces challenges, independent designers continue to thrive by blending artisanal techniques with modern production methods.

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Advancements in new manufacturing technologies allow for small production runs without the need for extensive tooling, which is a significant advantage. However, while we can avoid the pressures of marketing trends and seasonal collections, we cannot overlook the reality of financial constraints. The costs associated with creating and pricing our products remain a critical factor.

Image courtesy of Tsé & Tsé.

In the past, patrons of the arts supported artists by commissioning their work. Similarly, I believe that today’s wealthy individuals who appreciate beauty should invest in well-made, high-quality objects rather than mass-produced "designer" items. Although these pieces may come at a slightly higher cost, they offer far greater value in terms of creativity, craftsmanship, and ethical labor practices. On optimistic days, I hope we will collectively shift towards more thoughtful and responsible consumption.

Image courtesy of Tsé & Tsé.