Thierry Despont, the renowned architect whose work spanned iconic New York City sites and homes of the rich and famous, died on August 13. He was 75.
A spokesperson for the architect, who was born in 1948, confirmed his death to The Real Deal on Tuesday afternoon.
Born in France, Despont’s early work included serving as an associate architect helping to restore one of the most famous imports between the countries: the Statue of Liberty.
From there, Despont’s career in the United States went on to include designing and restoring New York City icons like the Woolworth Building and 220 Central Park South. In recent years, he designed the converted Battery Maritime Building, today a luxury property known as Casa Cipriani in Lower Manhattan.
Other projects of his include a renovated $75 million mansion on London’s Kensington Palace Gardens, an East Hampton mansion previously owned by Calvin Klein and galleries of Los Angeles’ Getty Museum.
He also amassed a high-end personal real estate portfolio, parts of which have hit the market in recent years. The listings include a Tribeca townhouse asking $25 million and a Southampton estate, known as Rosewood Farm, listed for $23 million.
He built a design firm specializing in luxury projects — such as hotels, residences and retail — as well as museum projects and historical restorations. Based in New York, his office employed dozens of architects and decorators, according to the firm’s website.
Despont’s accolades include becoming a Knight of the French Legion of Honor and a Knight of the Arts and Letters. He is also a member of the Interior Design Hall of Fame.
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