What are some of your earliest memories of home, as a child? Were there any traditions in place surrounding the living areas of the house?

My father is an architect and my mother studied fabric design so you can imagine that they had a great awareness of design and colours in their home and I was exposed to this at a very early age. Also the kitchen was always the heart of our home, and our table in the kitchen was where we spent most of the evenings. I can’t help to think that this was a part of my inspiration.

As a designer, what are some concepts, items or experiences that are inspiring you right now?

I think we are more than aware of the purpose and putting in the center of our design the person not the object. I feel that the object should follow the purpose and person, not the other way around. With the recent openings of museums and exhibitions, I feel we have found even a greater appreciation for them considering the lack of availability for the past two years, so I find that I am visiting many that I would have passed due to time limitations and this has been very inspirational. In fact, yesterday I went to find some friends in Turin and we visited the home of Carlo Molino that was so interesting, not only aesthetically but also intellectually. He was a very interesting man and so different to his contemporaries.

Working alongside specialists and artisans through R+D Lab, have there been any memorable moments here to note?

Behind every item of R+D.LAB as you know there is an artisan that is the provider for his family and community. Although much has changed, and the situation will continue to stay uncertain for some time, I remain hopeful that brands with strong values will fare well through this crisis and ultimately serve the future in a creative, positive, and sustainable way. We are putting all of our support behind our artisan workshops and being hand made in Italy means so much more now than ever before.

We resonate with your idea that the right objects together can bring a memorable experience. During your travels, or perhaps local to you, have you had any memorable dining experiences, where the light, aroma, taste and company was magical?

So many, I live in Italy! Italy is a place where food is cherished and is the central focus of life, the procurement, the preparation and of course the consumption, all along we talk about food in the process. So the items that go around the consumption of food are also of great importance. In Italy we go out to stay with friends and spend time together but when we want to eat well and enjoy the food experience we eat at home and this is why making products for everyday use is important for us: to enhance the experience for home to share with loved ones.