Chimi Gutierrez

Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

My name is Chimi Gutierrez. I’m Franco-Mexican, a designer, and I’ve been living in France since 2015. I work with many different materials, but for the past few years I’ve developed a real passion for wood.

What is your story with L’Établisienne?
When I was living on the Île d’Yeu and planning to move to Paris, I started looking—remotely—for shared workshops. L’Établisienne immediately stood out to me. As soon as I arrived in Paris, I walked through its door, proposed running toy-making workshops, and instantly felt that what I do fits naturally with this place. I felt welcomed and at ease. There’s a great openness here—an inspiring space that balances rigor and freedom.

What do you do there?
I lead wooden toy-making workshops, as well as woodworking and object/furniture design training sessions as part of L’Établisienne’s program.

Your favorite material?
Each project calls for its own material, so my favorite material is always the one best suited to the project. For toy-making, that would be beechwood, but I also really enjoyed working with recycled Tetra Pak to create lamps.

Your favorite tool?
The scroll saw. It allows you to draw in the wood as you cut it, and you can feel the density of the material as you guide the piece toward the blade. Precision comes directly from the hand.

Your favourite gesture?
Guiding the wood with the scroll saw. It’s almost like a dance—fully engaged in a precise movement that still leaves room for improvisation.