Doucerain Lièvre Delziani was born from the meeting of three individuals with intersecting paths — the result of chance, shared affinities, opportunities, and friendship. Pierre and Arnaud met in 1998 in the design studios of the Paris-Belleville School of Architecture, while Stéphane was beginning his studies at the School of Architecture in Saint-Étienne. After completing their final diploma projects, each of them went on to forge their own professional journey.
Pierre Doucerain quickly founded his own practice and, for over a decade, carried out both public and private commissions. Over time, his work increasingly focused on rehabilitation, with numerous projects that allowed him to develop deep expertise in this complex and rich field — cultivating a specific relationship with what already exists.
During the same period, Arnaud Delziani gained solid experience in architecture and urban planning through his work with renowned firms. As a project manager with Christian Devillers, Grand Prix de l’Urbanisme 1998, and later a collaborator at Atelier JAM, laureate of the Palmarès des Jeunes Urbanistes, he eventually became a partner at Clément Vergély Architectes, where he oversaw large-scale projects.
It was there that he met Stéphane Lièvre, who was also a partner in the firm for 12 years, following earlier experiences at Atelier Germe in Paris and Fabre & Speller in Clermont-Ferrand. He was awarded the Équerre d’Argent – Culture and Sport Prize in 2014 for the Amicale Laïque Chapelon in Saint-Étienne, and has developed strong expertise in managing both public and private projects, from design through to construction.
Building on their respective backgrounds, Pierre Doucerain and Arnaud Delziani reunited in 2016 to found Doucerain Delziani, which became Doucerain Lièvre Delziani with the arrival of Stéphane Lièvre in 2019.
Regardless of the scale at which we operate, they always work with the economy of what already exists — Drawing on traces of the past, on existing lines and paths, because they reflect uses deeply rooted in their territory, geography, landscape, and culture.
Harnessing the sun, light, and earth, as they are the keys to architecture that is both efficient and comfortable. Learning from those who build, fabricate, and assemble, because every detail matters. Observing and revealing the value of what surrounds us — near or far — because a building is never an isolated object. Starting with what is already there, and from that: continuing, connecting, bringing together, enriching — to offer a unique, efficient, and self-evident response for those who will inhabit the place.
