Born on March 3, 1963, in Boulogne-Billancourt near Paris, Philippe Villeneuve has long been a prominent figure in the delicate and demanding field of architecture, a calling he embraced from a young age. After obtaining his DPLG architect diploma in 1989, he pursued a career deeply committed to heritage preservation, becoming an Architect in Chief for Historic Monuments (ACMH) in 1997.

Throughout his career, he was entrusted with the responsibility of several departments, where he worked tirelessly on the restoration and enhancement of significant historical landmarks. He oversaw the departments of Charente (1998–2005), Creuse (1998–2010), Haute-Vienne (2002–2010), Charente-Maritime (2005–2023), and Loir-et-Cher (2010–2019).

His recognition in the field of heritage conservation culminated in his appointment as Architect in Chief for Historic Monuments (ACMH) at the Domaine National de Chambord in 2011, followed in 2013 by his appointment to the same position at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, one of France's most iconic monuments.

In 2013, he was made Chevalier of the Arts and Letters, a distinction that honors his dedication to art and culture.

His Major Achievements are :

• Restoration of the Abbey Buildings of Saint-Amant-de-Boixe and creation of the Romanesque Architecture Interpretation Center, Charente (16)

• Interior and exterior restoration of the choir of the Saint-Pierre Cathedral in Angoulême (16)

• Rescue and restoration of the bell tower of the Notre-Dame Church in La Souterraine (23)

• Restoration of the Saint-Jean Portal and the apse of the Saint-Étienne Cathedral in Limoges (87)

• Restoration of the Château and Grand Staircase of La Rochefoucauld (16)

• Restoration of the western façade fronton of the Saint-Louis Cathedral in La Rochelle and restoration of the façades and stained glass windows of the choir (17)

• Reconstruction and restoration of the City Hall of La Rochelle (17)

• Restoration of the superstructures and sculptures of the Henri V, Dieudonné, and François I sections of the Château de Chambord (2011–2016)

• Creation of the visitor's pavilion at the Domaine National de Chambord (2016)

• Redesign of Place Saint-Louis at the Domaine National de Chambord (2016)

• Restoration of the French-style gardens at the Château de Chambord

• Restoration of the Rochefort Transbordeur Bridge

• Rescue, reconstruction, and restoration of Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral following the fire of April 15, 2019

His work is a living tribute to the masterpieces of the past, a bridge between eras, and a testament to the importance of conservation for future generations. Through his expertise, rigor, and passion, he has helped preserve and elevate France's historic heritage for the entire world.

← back