Francesca Schiavello

Specialized in Lighting Design.

Francesca Schiavello

About Francesca Schiavello

Francesca is an Italian architect who has always been passionate about arts. In 2017 she graduates at Accademia di Architettura of Mendrisio, Switzerland, and her diploma project is chosen among others for the temporary exhibition “Neues Salzburg - Zwischen Erinnerung und Zeitgenossenschaft”, at Museum der Moderne in Salzburg, Austria. She has been working for international architecture practices between Italy, Belgium, Switzerland and is currently living and working in London, both as an architect and designer. In 2018 she has founded Frami atelier and since then works on commissioned and private lamps projects. In 2024 she is selected to be part of Homo Faber Foundation, a creative international movement centered on artisans.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Lighting Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Lighting
Adamas Floor Lamp

Adamas Floor Lamp

Lighting Design

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Interview with Francesca Schiavello

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
My interest in manual skills and creativity has been cultivated since I was a child, starting with making ceramics and continuing through my university studies in architecture. There, I learned about the relationship between volumes, proportions, and aesthetic sense, concepts that still guide me today in the process of developing my lamps.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
Besides my work as an architect in London, I founded my lamp brand in 2018, following my receipt of the Silver A' Design Award.
What is "design" for you?
For me, design permeates every sphere of life. Every object we use is created with both functional and aesthetic purposes, whether to facilitate a specific task or simply to stimulate our minds. When functionality and aesthetics align, magic happens.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
In addition to my work as an architect, I design and make Japanese paper lamps.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
My favorite design is the Adams Lamp. The combination of two distinct materials, paper and metal, underwent a design process spanning two years before achieving the balance and geometric expression I sought.
When do you feel the most creative?
I feel the most creative when I think of an object on commission.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
I focus on the proportions, usually generated by a thorough balance of delicate geometries.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
When I design a feeling of gratitude inebriates me, as it's the moment I am the most connected to my mind and creative spirit. The design process usually starts from a sketch on paper, as our hands are the most powerful tool.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
Seeing my design realised generates a sense of satisfaction and personal achievement.
What makes a design successful?
I believe a design is successful when it's unexpected and generates curiosity.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
Our responsibilities as designers is to be aware of new technologies, explore the use of ecological and/or recyclable materials, but also reduce our lifestyle
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
I feel the most creative when I go to an inspiring art exhibition. What I find fascinating is that any form of art can generate brilliant ideas for others.
How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
My style is inspired by the precision of origami art and folding techniques. Working with paper comes naturally to me, and I enjoy exploring new and surprising geometries by experimenting with folded paper.
Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
Nowadays I live in London but I was born and raised in Italy. my heritage of Italian culture has led me to always seek a balance between geometry and elegance. One of my reference points as a designer has always been Achille Castiglioni
Can you talk a little about your design process?
My design process typically begins with in-depth research on a specific topic. After gathering information and sources of inspiration, I start sketching multiple ideas and refining them until I’m satisfied with the final concept. Throughout the production phase, the design often continues to evolve.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
A water bottle, a ceramic bowl, an eclectic pen, a moka, one of my lamps.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
I have realised that when creative people feel unproductive or stuck during a design process, it incredibly helps to leave it aside for a while, start something new and come back to it later with a fresh perspective.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
Being a designer leads us to always explore new areas and to a continuous research that satisfies our desire to know more about the world around us. However, the creative process can often take longer than expected and it is essential to combine several arts and crafts to find suitable solutions.
What is your "golden rule" in design?
As an architect and designer, I believe we should learn from what has been done in the past.
What skills are most important for a designer?
hand drawing, use of 3D softwares, intuition and sense of curiosity.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
I have always with me a sketchbook, which I use it anytime an idea comes to my mind. I also model in 2D and 3D with Rhino or Vectorworks.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
I work at my best when I have a deadline and organise my design process and production accordingly.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
Every object I design can take from one to several months to be developed.
What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
I have been asked frequently how did I start to work as a designer and from where I take my inspirations.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
I am working right now on the design of a wall lamp, with a combination of timber and paper.
How can people contact you?
I can be contacted through my website https://www.framiatelier.com/contact

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