DE-SO Asia

After a decade-long collaboration, François Defrain and Olivier Souquet co-founded DE-SO architectural firm in 1995 and have gradually affirmed their position with international awards and works (EUROPAN Prize; Memorial of Exile Victimes in Da-kar, Senegal; Millennium Museum in Seoul, Korea; Lorient Submarine Base, France). Various awards in the field of architecture (NAJA Awards, National Awards and Île de France Regional Awards for buildings using wood materials) also demonstrate the quality and innovative thinking in our approach to architecture and designs.
For 20 years, the firm with 7 shareholders and over 30 associates has carried out many public, cultural and educational projects, as well as many other residential and urban planning projects. One of DE-SO’s most notable strengths lies in the area of design and construction of public buildings (libraries, theaters, conservatories, and schools). In order to satisfy the diverse scaling requirements in areas with strict standards, the planning of projects always relies on the specific characteristics of each location as focal points and this serves as our operational and development strategies in both urban and rural areas.
Our designs also pay special attention to the surrounding landscape of each buil-ding. The harmonious integration of local practices, functions and materials is di-rectly shown on each drawing, through which the relationship between shape and geographical position is resolved in the finest and most optimal way.
Our environmental concern in a broad sense is indicated in sustainable construction, optimization of costs and materials, prioritization of products with organic origins and local production. In the context of multiple ecological changes happening on a global scale, research on innovation and use of sustainable materials is an important part of our mission in planning and design.
With an ambition of international development, DE-SO has participated in Viet-namese market since 2008 through many international competitions. Its reputation was especially asserted after winning the first prize in the design competition of public works at Thu Thiem, along the Saigon River. In 2016, DE-SO opened its office in Ho Chi Minh City, affirming its business development intention in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
In order to cater to the needs of public and private investors, DE-SO always seeks to improve the team of associates who are equipped with diverse professional capa-bilities that are suitable for the specialized requirements of each project. Thanks to a strong network of local partners, DE-SO has the ability to provide customers with the most extensive and complete services supported by experts in many fields: architects and urban architects, landscape architects, operation program specialists, economists, experts on heritage and tourism...
DE-SO architecture office has carried out many important projects in the whole country (Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Lao Cai, Quy Nhon, Son Tay, Can Tho ...) Highlights of urban and landscape planning: designing public spaces and planning projects in rural areas and sensitive locations (riverside areas, lagoon areas, man-grove areas), restoring traditional and heritage downtown areas.
Notable architecture and design projects: Exhibition Center of Ho Chi Minh City, Van Lang University, multi-function buildings, ecological villas in tropical climate condi-tions and most recently, tourism complexes.
DE-SO Asia will move forward to diversify the aspects of its operation, as well as ex-pand its fields of expertise thanks to a team of multicultural partners, and enhance the flexibility of its approach and the ability to meet strict regulations and upon request.