Thomas Bay, a 47-year-old licensed architect and mayor of Cazevieille in the Hérault region of southern France, navigates the unique challenge of balancing two demanding professions. The independent politician has been leading this village, located about 20 kilometers north of Montpellier near the famous Pic Saint-Loup tourist site, for the past two years while simultaneously running his architectural practice specializing in residential renovations, wine cellar projects, and other private sector developments.
In a recent interview with Batiactu, Bay shared insights about managing this dual role and offered advice to fellow design professionals considering public service. Born in Montpellier to a family deeply rooted in the region, Bay's connection to the area runs deep. 'I absolutely knew this region before opening my practice and entering public life,' he explained. 'I was born in Montpellier to a Montpellier family. When I was born, my parents bought a farmhouse that was quite isolated at the time, about twenty kilometers from the city. I love this region. We have views of the Mediterranean and the Cévennes mountains.'
Architecture runs in Bay's family, with both his father and sister also working as architects. However, he notes that his father never explicitly pushed the profession on his children. 'We were influenced, my sister and I, but our father didn't talk to us about architecture directly,' Bay recalled. 'However, I remember that as a child, we would stop to visit all the churches during long car trips. During my studies, I realized how much knowledge I had accumulated during childhood. I thank my father today because this transmission is wonderful.'
Bay pursued his architectural education at the University of Montpellier and enhanced his studies through the Erasmus program at the Polytechnic School of Madrid during what he describes as a flourishing period for Spanish architecture and economy. After graduating in 2004, he immediately established his own practice in the Montpellier hinterland, specifically choosing an area where architects were scarce. 'I distanced myself from public commissions and the idea of competition. I love collective work, thinking together about a project and seeing it through to completion,' he explained.
From the beginning, Bay was passionate about rehabilitation projects and breathing new life into spaces with character and history. He deliberately built his career step by step, much like his approach to becoming mayor, starting by collaborating with established agencies before developing his independent practice. His focus on the private market has allowed him to specialize in individual house renovations and wine industry projects, taking advantage of the region's strong viticultural heritage.
The dual role of architect and mayor presents unique challenges and opportunities that Bay continues to navigate. His architectural background provides valuable perspective in municipal decision-making, particularly regarding urban development and preservation of the region's architectural heritage. Located in one of France's most scenic areas, with the Pic Saint-Loup serving as a major tourist attraction, Bay's expertise in both fields positions him to balance development needs with environmental and aesthetic considerations that are crucial for the community's future.
