Interview

Where do you look for inspiration?

Inspiration is a strange thing. Often one idea leads to another and one project leads to another. Sometimes it could be an image, a thought, or a discussion with a friend; a passing remark or an observation of a new situation. All of this and more could inspire or motivate me to create or think of a new way of doing something. But I would like to mention another important source of inspiration has been closely collaborating with industrialists, such as Paolo Avvanzini of Erreti, Eugenio Perazza of Magis, Alberto Alessi of Alessi, Giulio Cappellini of Cappellini, and Vittorio Livi of Fiam. These are very inspiring personalities in the design industry.

What have you learned from other designers, past and present?

There are many, many people, such as Setsu Yanagi, Daisetz Suzuki, Isamu Noguchi, Ettore Sottsass, Issey Miyake, Frederick Kiesler, and Shiro Kuramata. I have been fascinated by their lifelong commitment to creation and the idiosyncrasy of their huge body of work.

What is your favorite product and why?

It is difficult for me to give you just one favorite product. There are many, from simple objects of utility to pure poetic pieces filled with symbolic meanings and associations. There are many objects and products that I think are really great. I especially like everyday products that work very well and become part of the user’s life without them even realizing it. I also like products that defined a new era and created their own culture and therefore new traditions. These might include the first Beetle car for Volkswagen by Ferdinand Porsche; the first Macintosh for Apple by frog design, and the first Vespa for Piaggio by Corradino D’Ascanio.

Which designers do you admire?

I don’t believe in creating “gods.” I have been fascinated by many people; thinkers, engineers, reformers, industrialists, artists, filmmakers, writers, poets, architects, social workers, scientists, and many more. To give just one name is very hard for me. But if you insist, one name that comes to mind as one of the greatest designers is Ettore Sottsass. I had the great privilege of knowing him personally during my formative years. He successfully created works ranging from clay to computer and everything in between, and his body of work is enormous. I continue to be impressed with, and fascinated by, his ability to consistently create great works in ceramics, glass, and technological products, all the way to architecture—and let’s not forget his wonderful writing, photographs, and drawings.

Add-On Radiator, 2004, designed for Italian manufacturer Tubes.

Amisa door handle, 2004, for Colombo Design, manufactured in die-cast brass.

B.M. Horse Chair, 1998. The limited-edition cast-metal chair is produced through lost-wax casting.