Josiane A. Raphael | Cultural Storytelling, Bold Elegance, Timeless Worldview
+3 Josiane A. Raphael | Cultural Storytelling, Bold Elegance, Timeless Worldview
Josiane A. Raphael | Cultural Storytelling, Bold Elegance, Timeless Worldview
Josiane A. Raphael | Cultural Storytelling, Bold Elegance, Timeless Worldview
Josiane A. Raphael | Cultural Storytelling, Bold Elegance, Timeless Worldview
Josiane A. Raphael | Cultural Storytelling, Bold Elegance, Timeless Worldview
Josiane A. Raphael | Cultural Storytelling, Bold Elegance, Timeless Worldview
Meet Josiane A. Raphael
Architect & Interior Designer
Luxury Guide Design Curator
Josiane A. Raphael is a French-trained architect and interior designer with over three decades of international experience creating interiors that are as refined as they are emotionally resonant. As the founder and creative force behind Ebotan Interiors, Josiane is known for designing ultra-luxury spaces that celebrate bold elegance, global influence, and cultural storytelling.
Born in Cameroon and now based in South Florida, Josiane’s journey has taken her through Paris, New York, and Washington, D.C.—each city adding depth to her aesthetic and perspective. Her diverse portfolio includes residential palaces in Africa and France, African embassies in the U.S., and high-end private residences across the country. Her work seamlessly blends architectural discipline with richly layered interiors, offering clients a full-service design experience that includes strategic planning, 3D renderings, space planning, FF&E selection, and project management.
At the heart of Josiane’s design philosophy is a deep reverence for heritage, craftsmanship, and individuality. Every project is approached as a narrative, thoughtfully composed to reflect the client’s personal journey while upholding timeless sophistication.
Expanding her creative vision, Josiane is also launching Maison Ebotan, a signature home décor collection featuring wallpaper, artisan leather goods, and curated accessories. This new venture completes the Ebotan universe—an ever-evolving expression of culture, artistry, and distinctive luxury.
In conversation, Josiane shares the philosophy behind Ebotan Interiors, her international influences, and her vision for spaces that merge heritage, artistry, and contemporary luxury.
ORIGIN & INSPIRATION
Where are you from?
Born in Cameroon, studied Architecture & Interior design in Paris, France.
Has your cultural background or personal upbringing influenced your design approach—and if so, how?
In a way it did because my parents introduced all of us to art and culture while traveling overseas. That’s how I build a library of colors, textures and forms.
How did you get started in design?
After graduating from high school I went to study Architecture in Paris at l’Ecole Speciale d’Architecture.
What first sparked your love of design—was it a person, a place, or a moment?
I believe a moment when at three years old I drew on the biggest piece of white canvas: my mom’s bedsheet – which didn’t end well for me.
If you weren’t an interior designer, what would you be doing instead?
I can’t see myself doing something else.
Do you have a design mentor or idol?
I learned a lot from Olivier Clement Cacoub, one of the greatest architects known for the cities he built in Tunisia, Presidential palaces in Africa and major iconic projects in France. He taught me work ethic, excellence, attention to details and patience.
What’s one project or accomplishment you’re especially proud of?
Casa Sottovento – The project in Park City, Utah that landed us to be featured in Mountain Living.
Awards or recognition:
Silver Award Winner in the Best in American Living Awards – BALA. One of the top 2025 Interior designers for that project.
SIGNATURE STYLE & PHILOSOPHY
How would you describe your signature style in three words?
Expect the unexpected.
What’s the one design rule you always follow?
Create a design around max 5 words from the clients’ vision or wish list
And equally, what’s one design “rule” you love to break?
Hmmm…
How do you make a home feel both beautiful and livable?
Flow, balance, layers, textures
What color or material are you obsessed with right now?
Leathered natural stones.
What’s your favorite room in a home to transform, and why?
Powder room because it’s the signature or I like to say the clients’ “business card”.
If budget weren’t a factor, what is the one room or piece you like to splurge on?
Bathroom.
If your design aesthetic were a car, what would it be?
Lucid.
What is one lesson you learned from a difficult project?
Define everything early. Document everything. Align everyone.
DESIGN ADVICE FOR HOMEOWNERS
What’s one small change anyone can make that has the biggest impact?
Cosmetic ones when bones are good.
Where should homeowners splurge—and where can they save?
Splurge: Kitchen, Bathrooms, quality furniture.
What’s a timeless element you always recommend, no matter the trend?
The main sofa or sectional.
What’s your go-to trick for making a small room feel larger?
Extend paint or wallcovering from an accent wall to the ceiling.
What’s one thing every homeowner should do before starting a project?
Do their homework on matching with an Interior designer who understands their vision and expectation.
RAPID-FIRE ROUND
Favorite city or destination for design inspiration?
Paris, France.
Dream client or celebrity home you’d love to design?
Michelle Obama
Favorite paint color to use right now?
Snow white by Sherwin Williams.
Favorite flooring choice (wood, tile, stone, marble, etc.)?
Leathered stone.
One material you’re obsessed with lately (stone, brass, wallpaper, linen…)?
Rugs from Maison EBOTAN Collection.
Most underrated room in a house?
Garage or laundry room.
Most overused design trend?
Grey everywhere.
First thing you notice when you walk into a room?
Scale.
One piece in your own home that makes you happiest right now?
My foyer.
Favorite design era or decade?
Art Deco.
One thing you can’t live without in a space?
Color.
One tool or app you can’t live without?
My phone.
Coffee, wine, champagne, or tequila when in design mode?
Veuve Cliquot Rich.
Ebotan Interiors
Josiane A. Raphael, AIA, ASID
www.ebotan.com
[email protected]
@ebotaninteriors
+1 240 565 7411
