Stéphane Llorca

Managing Director

After graduating from ESCE International Business School in 1996, Stéphane joined the Paris studio of Jean Max Llorca. He quickly became fascinated with water feature design, and Jean Max trained him in construction methods and techniques unique to the industry. Stéphane opened JML in Barcelona in 2001. Under his direction, it has become one of the world’s most dynamic water feature design companies, lauded for innovation, artistry and technical excellence. 

Jean Max Llorca

Founder

Jean Max graduated from the French École des Métiers du Bâtiment, and trained in stonemasonry. He carried out plasterwork and ornamentation on important historical buildings in Paris, including the Opera House and the Church of the Val-de-Grâce. After discovering water feature design, Jean Max decided to open his own firm in 1981. He quickly became a recognized water feature designer in Paris, working on prestigious projects such as the Parc André Citroën and the Parc Diderot. Jean Max’s wealth of experience and holistic approach continues to be a driving force at JML. 

Pierre Bertheux

Director of projects, Associate

Pierre is a qualified engineer, who graduated from the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers. After working in Australia for seven years, he joined JML in 2012. Thanks to his expertise, personal skills and pursuit of excellence, he heads the engineering side of our fountain systems, and leads on-site construction supervision. Pierre is an Associate since 2021.

Inês Barata

Water Feature Architect

Inês studied architecture at the Faculdade de Arquitectura in Lisbon and Rome. She gained experience in architecture practices before joining JML in 2013. Inês is now a very valuable water feature designer, working hand in hand with Pierre on the selection of components and technical development. 

Mela Tubino

Senior Water Feature Architect

Mela studied architecture at the UPC in Lima, Peru. Before joining JML she worked for a number of years in large architecture practices in Peru, the USA and Spain. She has deft organizational skills, and makes sure projects run smoothly and successfully. She led several large-scale projects in the Middle East, such as the East Waterfront and Lusail Plaza in Doha, and the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi. 

Tais Veinert

Water Feature Architect

Tais graduated in architecture at the PUC in São Paolo (PUC Campinas), Brazil. She has extensive 2D experience – invaluable for design production – and the versatility to tackle all kinds of projects. Her personal skills and sunny Brazilian disposition make her an invaluable member of the team. 

Christelle Khoury

Water Feature Architect

Christelle is a graduate of Politecnico di Torino, Italy. She holds a master’s in Architecture and Construction City and volunteers in her spare time. She considers herself a lifetime learner, eager to build on her academic foundations and is always interested in a challenge. Her French-Lebanese roots boost the cultural diversity of the team; Christelle is fueled by her passion for understanding the nuances of cross-cultural backgrounds. Not only is she a team player but she can also advise the team on where to find the best tabbouleh in town.

Léa Garguet-Duport

Water Feature Architect

Léa holds a RIBA part I degree from Oxford Brookes and has several years of work experience in Architectural  offices. She continued her studies in Spain with a master’s in Advanced Architecture. Originally from France but has had the opportunity to live in over 6 countries where her multicultural diverse mindset was developed and has influenced her approach in work.

Kate Sokolenko

Architect

Kate studied and practiced Architecture in Ukraine, Canada and Spain. She is graduated from Poltava National Technical University and Cégep André Laurendeau in Montreal. She honed a strong technical expertise leading the development of several important projects in France and Internationaly. Kate has strong knowledge of BIM and she is fluent in 5 languages.