The Areva Tower provided an opportunity to bring in one of the most important American architectural firms: Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. Their involvement resulted in an innovative building. Unlike other towers, its facades provide wind bracing. Through the gradual widening of the windows, the design of its facades also avoids the impression of pyramidal distortion. The abstract character of the tower is the result of its black granite cladding and tinted glass.

Founded in 1936 by Louis Skidmore and Nathaniel Owings, later joined by John Merrill, Skidmore, Owings and Merrill is one of the world's leading architectural firms. Known for its ability to combine design excellence with innovative construction, it has designed numerous office buildings, airports, and engineering structures. Its Lever House, built in 1952 in New York, became one of the icons of international modernism. In 2009, the firm designed the world's tallest tower: the Burj Khalifa in Dubai (828m).

In 1969, it was invited by Epad to act as a consultant for the Fiat Tower, now known as Areva. For the project, it joined forces with French architects Saubot and Jullien. Although the Franco-American duo submitted bids for the EDF and Engie towers, they did not design any more buildings in La Défense until 2004, when Défense Plaza was completed.