Roberta Rampazzo

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Roberta Rampazzo ("RR") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

RR : My father worked with creative direction and art, sparking my interest in the field. Through him, I was exposed to diverse approaches—both creative and rational—that enriched my education, including graphic design.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

RR : Growing up in a creative environment naturally led me to design. My passion for interior decor and creating furniture and objects solidified my career choice.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

RR : Becoming a designer was a natural choice influenced by my upbringing and personal interests.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

RR : I primarily design furniture and objects but would love to explore other areas, such as jewelry, food, and even clothing.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

RR : Study, observe the world around them, and be open to experimenting with different materials, styles, and influences.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

RR : Their ability to imbue pieces with emotion and meaning, going beyond function and aesthetics.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

RR : Good design transcends form and function; it should evoke emotions, foster connections, and reflect high quality and social values.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

RR : Good design enhances spaces, positively influences lives, and brings emotional and aesthetic comfort.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

RR : I would explore various possibilities across different industries.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

RR : I would love to design for some renowned companies I admire.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

RR : Simplicity, elegance, and emotional design.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

RR : I don’t have one specific influence but admire various designers and objects.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

RR : Curva Chair by Joaquim Tenreiro for its simplicity and elegance, as well as Thomas Heatherwick’s Spun Chair, which I find playful and emotionally engaging.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

RR : The Illusion Table is one of my favorites—it combines simplicity with boldness, concept, and emotion, almost like a sculpture.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

RR : To be a better designer, observe the world, study consistently, and design with people's physical and emotional needs in mind.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

RR : I might have been an architect or a chef.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

RR : Design is the fusion of form, function, and emotion, reflecting society and creating connections between objects and people.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

RR : Some close people supported me, but no one specific stands out.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

RR : A combination of study, hands-on experience, and everyday observation helped me grow as a designer.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

RR : Finding high-quality manufacturers and balancing conceptual and commercial pieces were significant challenges early in my career.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

RR : Authentically.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

RR : I’m currently developing collections and new partnerships. In the future, I aim to work across various industries and collaborations.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

RR : Create pieces that inspire and emotionally connect, contributing to people’s overall well-being.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

RR : Innovative, functional, and emotionally resonant designs.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

RR : Good design improves spaces, well-being, and meets both emotional and functional needs.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

RR : My current project is confidential, but it involves developing a new product type.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

RR : The Lovely Table gave me the most satisfaction because of its emotional and conceptual depth.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

RR : I hope for more accessible manufacturing technologies and processes in the design industry.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

RR : I believe the future of design lies in greater freedom for designers and consumers, driven by AI innovations and more responsible consumption of high-quality, emotionally resonant pieces.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

RR : Project timelines vary—some are deadline-driven, while others evolve more freely.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

RR : I start new projects by creating a concept, sketching freely, then defining shapes, materials, measurements, and technical details.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

RR : Design your life.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

RR : Trends emerge from societal behaviors, with design reflecting and adapting to those changes over time.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

RR : Technology plays a crucial role in making products feasible.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

RR : I use various 3D modeling software and technical detailing tools depending on the project’s complexity.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

RR : Colors, materials, and ambiance are essential in design to convey emotions and harmonize with spaces.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

RR : About the emotions and stories behind each piece.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

RR : When I see great new designs, I feel inspired and curious about their development process and emotional impact.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

RR : It depends on the project, but I strongly believe in partnerships—with companies or other designers.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

RR : My designs are a reflection of who I am as a person.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

RR : I can't name a specific book but draw from a wide variety of reading materials.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

RR : I honed my skills through study, observation, and practice.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

RR : If I could, I’d love to talk with Terence Conran, Norman Foster, or Oki Sato.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

RR : I’m delighted by the awards and recognition; they reflect appreciation for my work.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

RR : Favorite color: white; favorite food: seafood; favorite season: spring.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

RR : A funny moment was when someone doubted the functionality of Illusion Table—it works perfectly!

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

RR : A great day involves inspiration, which keeps me motivated.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

RR : As a child, it wasn’t obvious I’d become a designer, but my interest in creativity suggested a similar path.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

RR : The infinite possibilities of the future excite me—let it unfold.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

RR : I’m a very spiritual, and every piece I create carries emotional significance, aiming to evoke feelings alongside functionality.