FACE-A-FACE with Victoria Bodevin

With a strong interest in architectural heritage, Victoria Bodevin transforms existing buildings into contemporary living spaces that pay tribute to their own history. With a conscious approach to architecture, she renovates ancient or atypical places while preserving their cultural value. We’ve met architect Victoria Bodevin in the house “La Vigneronne” in Clarens, her first renovation project that has marked an important milestone in her career.

Victoria Bodevin‘s interest in architecture was fuelled by a childhood spent in several countries, living in atypical places – some listed as heritage sites – including a triplex designed by Gustave Eiffel in Paris. Throughout her international path, a small mountain village has gained a special place in her heart: Zinal (VS), where her family’s chalet, a former inn built in 1790, holds many holiday memories. The Alpine heritage continues to inspire the architect, who has since graduated from the École polytechnique de Lausanne and founded her own architecture practice.

True to her values, the architect particularly appreciates renovation projects. “To preserve nature, we have to rethink what already exists,” she says. Switzerland’s architectural heritage is vast, it carries major cultural value. In Valais, for example, each region has its own specific construction characteristics. That’s why it is essential to take into account the context of an existing building, to respect its soul. To do this, she immerses herself in the place, explores it and familiarises herself with its historical components. In her opinion, it is the architect’s responsibility to ensure that this heritage endures, to reinforce the context in which a construction is set.

Building a residence is an intimate process. Working as much on the structural elements as on the interior spaces, Victoria Bodevin puts listening and discussion at the core of her approach, taking into account the desires and needs of the people who will live there. She guides them to make informed, sustainable choices. “As an architect, you have to take a back seat and let the place itself, and the people who will inhabit it, express their true colours,” she explains, in a humble manner. The human connection comes first, and that means finding the right compromises. Above all, her aim is to give life to a warm space where people feel at home, in which they will create memories. From the initial drawings to the choice of materials and the creation of bespoke furniture, every project is different!

“Sobriety is the key to success”. It’s about maximising the impact by doing only what is necessary. Sometimes removing a single wall is enough to create the right proportions. A space well built, with noble and durable materials, and good lighting, are key elements. Victoria Bodevin focuses on timelessness. Buildings have to stand the test of time!

For us, she reveals what she makes space for in her creative process. Passionate about architecture, Victoria Bodevin takes the time to nurture her creativity by exploring other fields of interest and by spending time in nature. For her, keeping her balance is essential to reaching a state of flow, which is why she enjoys mountain hikes and yoga.