Riccardo Petruzzelli

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Riccardo Petruzzelli ("RP") 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?

RP : My background is more technical than artistic. I started my career by attending an industrial technical institute and then I studied engineering,that helped consolidate my inclination towards a more creative approach. This led to the decision to embark on the path in product design, a choice that day after day is more and more suitable to my aspirations. The desire to become a designer has its roots since childhood:since I was a child, I manifested an innate curiosity, constantly dismantling and reassembling my games to understand how they work. Over the years, this curiosity has turned into a desire to create objects with a precise purpose. My academic career in design has given me the opportunity to broaden my vision of what it means to be a designer: a professional figure who focuses his attention on human needs and is committed to translating them into practical solutions, products and effective services. Every designer's goal is to help improve the world around us, considering the progress and the potential that it contains. My desire is to create a positive impact on our environment through design, innovating and constantly trying to overcome current challenges for a better and more sustainable future.

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

RP : What motivates me to design is the ability to create solutions that improve people’s lives. Design allows me to combine creativity and problem-solving in unique and meaningful ways. Each project represents a new challenge and an opportunity to learn and grow, both professionally and personally. I became a designer because I always had a passion for art and technology, and design is a field that unites both. The ability to transform abstract ideas into tangible realities is incredibly rewarding. Design also has a direct impact on society and how people interact with the world. The satisfaction of seeing an idea take shape and make a difference in people’s lives is what inspires me to continue on this path.

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

RP : The choice to become a designer has been matured and considered, the result of evaluations based on my feelings and aspirations. I consciously chose this path, and it allows me to do what I love every day. The decision was driven by a strong passion for creativity and the desire to solve problems in an innovative way. This passion led me to explore different areas of design, developing skills and honing my style. Design gives me the opportunity to express my creativity, work on challenging projects and see my ideas come to life, which is extremely rewarding.

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

RP : Probably, if I had not become a designer, I would have continued the previous path, that of engineer. My training and my first work experience were oriented towards engineering, a field that I appreciate for its precision and analytical rigor. However, I felt that there was a lack of a creative and innovative element that could fully satisfy my aspirations and my desire to express myself artistically. Design, with its balance between functionality and aesthetics, offered me the opportunity to combine technical skills with a strong creative component. This transition allowed me to unite two worlds that seemed distant, creating solutions that not only work well, but are also visually fulfilling and user-friendly.

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

RP : From my point of view, design represents a discipline capable of transforming the way people live, offering solutions to the problems arising from the use of everyday objects. It’s not just about aesthetics, but improving the user experience, making objects more functional, intuitive and accessible. Design has the power to deeply affect our daily lives, from the way we interact with technology to the products we use to do the most common tasks. Good design can simplify complex processes, improve safety and increase efficiency. In addition, it can also help create more sustainable environments, reducing environmental impact through the use of environmentally friendly materials and innovative solutions. Ultimately, design is a powerful tool for improving the quality of life, responding to people’s needs and anticipating changes in society. Its ability to solve practical problems, while improving the aesthetics and functionality of objects, makes it a fundamental discipline in the modern world.

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

RP : Undoubtedly, my family has been a pillar in my path, providing me with constant and invaluable support. Even my friends have always believed in me, pushing and supporting me in pursuing my aspirations and dreams. Their confidence and encouragement were fundamental to my personal and professional development. An equally important role was played by my girlfriend, with whom I had the pleasure of sharing this training journey in the world of design. His presence and support were decisive, both emotionally and professionally. She has always believed in me and in my work, supporting my choices, such as participating in the A' Design Award with my project.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

RP : Several factors helped me become a great designer. First of all, the passion and dedication to design was fundamental. My studies and practical experiences have allowed me to acquire a wide range of technical and creative skills, fundamental to excel in the field of design. Curiosity and the desire to constantly improve also played an important role. I have always tried to learn from the best in the industry. This continuous search for knowledge has allowed me to stay updated on the latest trends and technologies, honing my style and improving my skills.

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

RP : My ultimate goal as a designer is to put into practice everything I’ve learned so far and continue to grow, pushing my limits. I constantly want to learn new techniques, explore different perspectives and experiment with innovative ideas. I believe that it is only through a process of continuous learning and personal challenge that the objectives can really be achieved. Another fundamental aspect of my goal is to try to leave a mark, even if small, in the world of design.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

RP : Design helps create a better society in many ways, thanks to its ability to solve problems, improve quality of life and promote innovation. Improve the usability and functionality of everyday objects and services, simplifying interactions and making life more enjoyable. Careful design includes accessibility, ensuring that products and environments are usable by everyone, regardless of physical or cognitive abilities, thus promoting a fairer and more inclusive society. Sustainable design focuses on reducing environmental impact through the use of eco-friendly materials, the design of durable and recyclable products and the optimization of production processes. This approach helps to preserve natural resources, reduce pollution and promote a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.

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

RP : For design, I use a variety of software that allow me to address different stages of the creative process. Here are the main ones: Modeling: I mainly use Rhino for its versatility and power, but I also have experience with Autodesk’s Fusion 360, offering an integrated approach to 3D modeling and parametric design. Rendering: To bring my models to life, I rely primarily on KeyShot and V-Ray, two leading rendering software that deliver realistic, high-quality results. These tools are essential to effectively communicate the final design. Graphics & Presentation: To create eye-catching graphic documents and presentations, use Illustrator and indesign. These software offer a wide range of tools for designing layout and creating high-quality visual content. Animation: To add dynamism to my projects, I rely on After Effects. With this software, I can create fluid and engaging animations which improve the presentation of my work. I am always open to learning new software or resources to expand my skills and achieve my goals more effectively. I recognize the importance of staying up to date on the latest technologies and tools available in the field of design and I am ready to invest time and resources to acquire new skills when needed.