Lucile Boullié

My name is Lucille Boullié; I’m an architectural engineer, and I just turned 40.

I’ve always been fascinated by the way spaces influence our well-being. It was through my travels, as a young adult, that I first developed an appreciation for architecture.

I observed different ways of living, homes that were all unique, and the special relationship between space and light. The way people used these spaces varied depending on their culture and climate—all of which inspired me to become an architect.

I trained as both an architect and an engineer. After completing preparatory classes, I joined L’École Spéciale des Travaux Publics (ESTP) before continuing my studies at L’École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture in Paris, where I completed the full architecture curriculum. After five years of study, I passed the certification to act as general contractor, an additional professional qualification that allows architects in France to independently sign and lead building permit applications. Then, I started my career in architecture firms.

Over the years, I’ve worked on a wide variety of projects, including residential developments, a school, and major commercial real estate operations in project management consulting, particularly in La Défense, Paris’ central business district.

Nonetheless, five-stars hotels have always held a special place in my career and remain the projects I am most passionate about. Unlike offices or residential buildings, where you mainly design empty spaces to be occupied, hospitality is about carefully crafting every aspect of the guest experience. From the layout of the rooms to the choice of furniture, materials, lighting, and even the restaurant tableware, every detail contributes to creating a coherent and memorable experience.

To me, fashion is a language—it’s a way of expressing your personality.

My work takes me into very different social environments, and architecture is still a predominantly male profession. Every day, I try to dress elegantly. My priority is to be taken seriously without completely giving up my femininity.

A white cotton shirt, because it feels timeless and conveys a sense of confidence and professionalism.

I also like it to have a distinctive detail, whether it’s a beautifully designed collar, interesting sleeves, or a particular volume.

As architects, we constantly work with proportions, materials, and volumes. That has shaped my eye and naturally influenced the way I dress.

I also enjoy pairing timeless wardrobe staples with more modern, trend-driven pieces.

I always try to anticipate what my day will look like. I may have client meetings that require a polished appearance, but I also stop by construction sites—and I cycle between most of my appointments.

Construction sites are often dusty, and the environment remains largely male-dominated. In that context, I prefer understated outfits that are appropriate for my profession. Above all, I look for a balance between comfort, practicality, and elegance.

I like wearing clothes that adapt to my everyday life and its demands, rather than having to adapt my life to my clothes.

Since becoming a mother, I’ve realized how hard we can be on ourselves. I’d love for women to have more confidence in themselves.

When you wear something you truly feel good in, you naturally feel more confident.

I believe everything is connected. Fashion and architecture have a great deal in common because both are fundamentally related to the human body.

When we design a space, its proportions are always based on the scale of the human body. Furniture and spatial layouts are designed around the way people move and live.

In the same way, fashion is built around the body’s proportions. Volumes and silhouettes are designed to enhance the body.

Clothing creates an emotional response, just as architecture does. The moment you enter a space, you immediately know whether it makes you feel comfortable. It’s exactly the same with a garment.

You can discover Lucile’s eye and her beautiful work on her Instagram and her website.