Luigi Ippoliti and Rosita di Mizio

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Luigi Ippoliti and Rosita di Mizio ("LIARDM") 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?

LIARDM : We are both architects with a solid academic background, which has allowed us to delve into disciplines related to architecture, design, and visual communication. Throughout our careers we have worked with private clients, companies, public institutions, and cultural organizations, developing a multidisciplinary and integrated approach.

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

LIARDM : The desire to improve the world around us through design, combining functionality and aesthetics, drives us. For us, design is a means to interpret society’s needs and transform them into concrete and innovative solutions.

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

LIARDM : The choice was entirely natural, stemming from our passion for art, architecture, and creativity. We never felt compelled—we were driven by the desire to express ideas through design.

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

LIARDM : We primarily work in architecture and integrated design, but we would like to dedicate more energy to sustainable projects that have a positive impact on communities and the environment, promoting social innovation.

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

LIARDM : Young designers must cultivate curiosity, observe carefully, and build a solid visual culture. It is also essential to welcome criticism and feedback in order to grow and develop one’s own design identity.

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

LIARDM : A great designer doesn’t just create beautiful forms but is capable of integrating aesthetics, functionality, and innovation, producing solutions that endure over time and bring real value.

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

LIARDM : Good design effectively addresses contextual needs with clarity and coherence, while also evoking emotion and communicating authentically.

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

LIARDM : Good design improves quality of life, promotes sustainability, and makes spaces and objects more accessible and functional, representing a long-lasting investment.

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

LIARDM : If we had more time, we would dedicate ourselves to social and environmental projects focused on disadvantaged communities, aiming to improve their well-being through innovative solutions.

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

LIARDM : The next one…

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

LIARDM : The recipe is deep listening, careful analysis, and the balance between emotion and rationality, which allows us to develop coherent and engaging projects.

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

LIARDM : We draw inspiration from figures such as Alvar Aalto, Eileen Gray, Charles and Ray Eames, Joe Colombo, Philippe Starck, Zaha Hadid, and Karim Rashid for their ability to combine innovation and artistic sensitivity.

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

LIARDM : A Shaker-style chair and table, which embody a way of living and designing based on simplicity, spirituality, and a rigorous approach that successfully combines functionality and beauty. Equally interesting to us are Philippe Starck’s “Juicy Salif” citrus juicer for its surprising shape, and Karim Rashid’s “Kontrol” chair. Finally, a design object we feel particularly attached to is Aldo Rossi’s “La Cupola” espresso coffee maker for Alessi.

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

LIARDM : Our best project is one that combines attention to context, care for detail, and durable solutions, managing to be simple and effective at the same time specifically, we feel a deep connection to a villa we are building on a hillside among licorice fields.

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

LIARDM : To improve, it is necessary to observe carefully, develop cultural sensitivity and critical capacity, integrating multidisciplinary and practical experiences.

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

LIARDM : We probably would have worked in related fields such as art or visual communication, remaining connected to creativity.

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

LIARDM : Design is a narrative process that unites emotion and rationality to improve daily life through functional and aesthetic solutions.

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

LIARDM : Mutual support, along with collaborations based on trust and dialogue, has been fundamental in our journey.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

LIARDM : Passion, consistency in study, and the ability to listen to and interpret the context in which you work.

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

LIARDM : The main challenges were balancing creativity and functionality and overcoming technical and cultural limitations.

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

LIARDM : With clarity, narrating the design process and highlighting the added value of their choices.

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

LIARDM : We are working on projects that integrate sustainability and social innovation, aiming for innovative and responsible solutions.

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

LIARDM : To create projects that endure over time and concretely improve people’s lives.

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

LIARDM : Coherence, project rigor, innovation, and constant attention to context and needs.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

LIARDM : By offering accessible, sustainable, and functional solutions that meet real needs and improve collective life.

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

LIARDM : Multidisciplinary projects that unite architecture, design, and communication, with a special focus on sustainability.

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

LIARDM : Those capable of integrating beauty, functionality, and respect for context, generating a lasting positive impact.

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

LIARDM : Greater attention to ethics, sustainability, and an inclusive and participatory approach.

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

LIARDM : A design increasingly integrated with technology and sustainability, capable of actively engaging society.

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

LIARDM : The time varies depending on complexity, but we prefer processes that allow for care and depth.

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

LIARDM : By carefully listening to the client and deeply analyzing the context and needs.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

LIARDM : Curiosity, rigor, and balance between emotion and rationality are our guiding principles.

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

LIARDM : Design must engage in dialogue with trends, while maintaining its own original and enduring identity.

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

LIARDM : Technology is a fundamental tool that supports creativity and precision, without replacing critical thinking.

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

LIARDM : We use software for 3D modeling and rendering, supported by manual sketches and physical prototypes.

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

LIARDM : They are essential elements for defining identity, communicating, and ensuring sustainability and comfort.

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

LIARDM : We would like them to ask which design choices were made and how the project responds to real needs and context.

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

LIARDM : I analyze the balance between function and form and the value it brings to the user.

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

LIARDM : We believe in collaborative work and open dialogue, based on mutual trust.

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

LIARDM : Colleagues, professors, and clients who have encouraged us to reflect and continuously improve.

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

LIARDM : Which books you’ve read have had the greatest impact on your design? Texts exploring the relationship between form, function, and context, enriching our design vision; among these, we can mention: History of Design by Renato De Fusco, Manuale di storia del design by Domitilla Dardi and Vanni Pasca, and Da cosa nasce cosa. Appunti per una metodologia progettuale by Bruno Munari.

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

LIARDM : Through continuous study, practical experience, and constant dialogue with other professionals.

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

LIARDM : We would like to discuss with masters like Le Corbusier, Alvar Aalto, Eileen Gray, Joe Colombo, Zaha Hadid, Philippe Starck, Charles and Ray Eames, Luigi Moretti to deepen their vision.

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

LIARDM : Awards are important recognition, but true success lies in the quality and coherence of the work, not fame.

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

LIARDM : For Rosita Di Mizio: favorite color is orange; place is the sea; food is Abruzzese timballo; season is spring; brand is “Tubes.” For Luigi Ippoliti: favorite color is black; place is the sea; food is pizza; season is summer; brand is “Alessi.”

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

LIARDM : Moments of brainstorming where spontaneous ideas led to surprising solutions.

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

LIARDM : Discovering new solutions, the technical challenge, and the satisfaction of seeing a project take shape.

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

LIARDM : It was not a defined thought, but the passion for art and design has always been present.

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

LIARDM : I imagine a future where design and technology are deeply integrated to improve global life.

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

LIARDM : We would like them to know that our work is guided by passion and the desire to contribute to a better world through design, with a special focus on the pet world.