JML is made up of a highly skilled team of multinational, multilingual professionals led by Jean Max and Stéphane Llorca – both recognized leaders in the specialized world of water feature design. Our collective expertise covers the entire spectrum – from traditional craftsmanship to sophisticated BIM modeling. We collaborate with acclaimed architects, landscape architects and engineers who value our multidisciplinary approach and drive for design excellence.
Stéphane Llorca
Managing Director
Stéphane holds a degree from ESCE and is certified from Ecole Centrale Supélec in Sustainable Engineering. He joined the Paris studio of Jean Max Llorca in 1996. 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, JML 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.
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.
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.
Ngan Thai Ngo
Water Feature Designer
Ngan is an excellent BIM Technician. Originally from Norway, she worked for several years at Snøhetta Architects before joining JML. Her excellent 3d modeling skills and her systemic approach are real assets for the development of complex projects. Open and direct by nature, she quickly adapted to the team and Mediterranean climate of Barcelona.
Paulina Panus
Water Feature Architect
Paulina holds a Bachelor of Architectural Science from Toronto Metropolitan University and a Master of Architecture, Urbanism and building Science from Technical University of Delft. Since she has graduated Paulina has focused on innovation & creative design and she is passionate about experimentation and architectural research. Before joining JML she has gained experience at Schmitt Architects and Bjarke Ingels Group in New York.
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.
Sean Casey
Water Feature Designer
Sean is a BIM Technician. Originally from Dublin, Ireland. He worked for several years at OBFA Architects before joining JML. He has over 10 years of experience in designing plans and documents using BIM. He actively contributes to numerous projects.