early life and education charles percier, a renowned french architect, interior decorator, and designer, was born on august 22, 1764, in paris. his family's humble background did not deter him from pursuing his passion for art and architecture. at the age of 12, percier attended a free school for teaching drawing, where his talent was quickly recognized. partnership with pierre fontaine percier's collaboration with pierre fontaine, a fellow student at the studio of architect antoine-françois peyre, marked the beginning of a lifelong and highly successful partnership. from 1794 onward, their j…