OUR STORY
Founded in 1997 by Thierry François, François & Co. is committed to the principles of authenticity, ingenuity, and scrupulous attention to detail. Thierry and the François & Co. team of skilled artisans pride themselves on bringing heritage and history to life by painstakingly recreating and refining traditional methods and lost arts. Many of the signature François & Co. products make an indelible statement, honouring the highest standards of workmanship and quality while evoking the beautiful memories of Thierry’s European childhood and his love of the arts.
François & Co’s mission is to make statements that inspire — beginning with the highest quality raw materials and ending with a product with exquisite visual appeal. From Wood, to Stone, to Pewter, to Terra Cotta, every product in our carefully curated collection of stunning surfaces and architectural elements is something we have fallen in love with. Some styles are rooted in the distant past, while others are inspired by modern architecture. Discover the beauty of our French oak and limestone flooring in a variety of patterns and finishes. Let your imagination roam as you explore our architectural elements, including fireplace mantels and range hood collections.
Our offerings embody what the François & Co. lifestyle is about: authenticity, heritage, modern interpretations, and superior workmanship. As you explore this site, we hope that you will be as enchanted and inspired as we are by the love of history and innovation you discover along the way…
Throughout my travels I’ve always been compelled and inspired by the past. As a child, I remember walking for hours captivated by the timeworn facades built from the stone, clay, and wood surrounding me. Wandering the streets of Paris, Rome, Venice, Pompeii, and Florence, I often found myself humbled by gazing up above my head or gazing down below at the centuries-old stone paths leading me through these beautiful historic cities.
I wanted to learn more about those who once cut and carved these stones, forming the very foundation of the roads and structures of the villages—like the ones in front of Santa Restituta Church in my village of Calenzana, Corsica. I questioned where the marble had originated and how the paving stones were created and laid without mortar, positioned perfectly to prevail against centuries of wear. I reflected over the intricate ironworks—how long had they been here? How old were these woods and how were they seasoned and milled? The irregular shapes of the roof tiles glistening in the sun and the colors of the glazes, how did the artisans create such beauty? Not one of these wonderments went unchallenged: I examined with my senses—studying the method and use of the materials, the authenticity, and patina, smelling their antiquated history, trying to unlock the secrets of the ancient techniques that had formed them and their structures so long ago.
My appreciation for this extraordinary artistry has inspired me to respect and appreciate so many forgotten techniques and has fueled my life-long appreciation for art, beauty and craftmanship. One of them I have particularly cherished is the Italian technique of Scagliola Stone—the art of creating unique and colorful stone architectural elements and surfaces. François and Company’s Architectural and Surfaces collections are founded upon these early childhood memories, as we pay homage to the artisans whom came before us, and to those who carry on the techniques today. With our latest offerings, I am proud to honor the things that have so captivated me as we painstakingly create new products which complement today’s lifestyle.
