Luigi Ippoliti and Rosita di Mizio

Specialized in Pet Care Design.

Luigi Ippoliti and Rosita di Mizio

About Luigi Ippoliti and Rosita di Mizio

Luigi Ippoliti and Rosita Di Mizio operate in the fields of architecture and design through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates technical innovation with humanistic sensitivity. Their practice is characterized by ongoing experimental research aimed at redefining the relationship between space, function, and well-being, with particular attention to inclusive design solutions that address the complexity of contemporary living. Their work spans multiple disciplines, translating an open methodological approach into projects that connect nature, culture, and emerging technologies. The relevance of their work is demonstrated by international recognition, including awards received in 2025 at the A’ Design Award & Competition and the International Design Awards (IDA).

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Pet Care Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Pet Care
Shake Off Dog Washing Station

Shake Off Dog Washing Station

Pet Care Design

Good Design Deserves Great Recognition

Nominate Your Work for the A' Design Award.

Sign-Up

Interview with Luigi Ippoliti and Rosita di Mizio

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?
We come from different backgrounds, but we share a common vision: using design as a tool to improve people's daily lives. What brought us together is the desire to transform complex problems into accessible, human, and sustainable solutions. We became designers because we believe in design as a cultural, social, and civic act.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
We are a team, but in essence, we are a multidisciplinary laboratory where design, research, and a commitment to social and environmental issues come together. We work on projects ranging from product design to public spaces, with particular attention to inclusion, sustainability, and the creation of environments and objects that, through a zooanthropological approach, promote pet-friendly design.
What is "design" for you?
For us, design is a language for generating change a tool to create meaningful connections between people, animals, objects, and environments. It is not merely about aesthetics or function, but an approach that integrates creativity, technology, and sustainability. Design is also a modus operandi that enables the development of innovative products, which we follow from concept through to production and distribution.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
We are passionate about projects that are useful, democratic, and sustainable, with a particular focus on the world of pet design. We love designing open, modular systems that adapt to their context and generate long-term value. Our greatest interest lies in projects born from intuition those we can develop with “slowness “ and “care”.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
Our favorite kind of design is the one that enhances everyday life, bringing something extraordinary, unique, and unexpected to every object.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
It is a small object, designed to be durable, sustainable, and iconic.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
We are keen to work with recycled and bio-based materials, as well as with digital platforms that enable distributed and adaptable production, such as 3D printing and parametric systems.
When do you feel the most creative?
When we take our time to think, when we immerse ourselves in a real context. For us, creativity emerges through dialogue and from observing the complexity of the world, which we approach with curiosity.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
For us, the social impact of the project, sustainability, the zooanthropological approach, form related to functionality, and Beauty are fundamental.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
A combination of enthusiasm, passion, attentiveness, and responsibility. It is a process that engages us both intellectually and emotionally.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
We take great satisfaction in the awareness that every object, once in the world, generates complex and sometimes unpredictable relationships.
What makes a design successful?
When it is ethically sound, aesthetically coherent, and socially useful. Successful design is that which leaves a lasting impact and is open to influence from diverse and heterogeneous disciplines.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
We focus on the honesty of the project, the clarity of its intent, and the real impact. If there is a lack of coherence between the initial insight and the final result, for us, it simply doesn’t work.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
The responsibilities are many. In our view, we must design less, better, and for more people. Every choice carries material, symbolic, environmental, social, and economic weight.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
We believe that design is becoming more relational, interdisciplinary, and conscious. For us, the future of design lies in regeneration, co-design, and shared responsibility, with greater focus on the key challenges of our time.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
The last one took place in a public space, where we exhibited a participatory project. The next will be within the context of MOOD (Museum of Design) in Como, where we will showcase our project “Shake Off.”
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
For us, inspiration comes from people's everyday gestures, social relationships, nature, art and architecture, and the beauty of the sea, which is our muse.
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?
Empathetic, ironic, modular, innovative. We seek flexible and accessible solutions that adapt to the time and place in which they exist.
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?
We live in Italy, in Tortoreto, Abruzzo, where the places inspire projects in dialogue with memory but without nostalgia, because fundamentally, it is nature that is our true muse.
How do you work with companies?
With a collaborative and transparent approach. We seek reliable partnerships based on shared values and clear, achievable goals.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
Companies should have a clear vision, listen, trust, and be open: design is not just a finished product, but a process built together.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
We start by listening to people and observing nature. This is followed by research, synthesis, and initial concepts. We prototype extensively and conduct numerous tests. It is an open, dynamic, and participatory process.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
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 striking form, and Karim Rashid’s “Kontrol” chair. Lastly, a design object to which we are particularly attached is Aldo Rossi’s espresso coffee maker “La Cupola,” created for Alessi.
Can you describe a day in your life?
Every day is different. We alternate between moments of research and discussion, and more hands-on phases.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
We recommend always nurturing curiosity, learning from mistakes, and placing people’s needs at the center of design.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
The positive aspects of being a designer include the opportunity to innovate and positively impact people's lives. Among the negative aspects are the high expectations that need to be managed.
What is your "golden rule" in design?
Creating accessible design that combines functionality and beauty, focusing on the user experience with an optimistic and inclusive approach.
What skills are most important for a designer?
The most important skills for a designer include creativity and innovation, empathy, flexibility and adaptability, interdisciplinary knowledge, effective communication, and a passion for continuous improvement.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
Paper, pen, modeling and visualization software, 3D printing, physical models. But also: conversations, concept maps, co-design workshops.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
We embrace the complexity and timing of the process. We strive to maintain a balance between rigor and flexibility, knowing that time is an integral part of the project.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
It depends on the context. It can take weeks or months. Each project has its own evolution, including pauses and revisions.
What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
The most frequent question? Probably: Where does inspiration come from? And my answer is always the same: from observing life. Design does not come from an aesthetic whim, but from a deep desire to improve daily life. Every object must serve an idea, not the other way around.
What was your most important job experience?
For us as designers, every job even the smallest is important. Each project is a unique opportunity to experiment, learn, and contribute with value.
Who are some of your clients?
Our clients include both private individuals and companies, active in various areas of design and architecture.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
We are particularly passionate about pet design because it combines functionality, aesthetics, and attention to animal well-being, creating solutions that improve the coexistence between people and their pets.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
We have several projects in progress and are enthusiastically working on upcoming challenges. We invite you to follow us on our social media channels to stay updated on all news and future developments.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
We always work as a team, including with external partners. We believe collaboration is the driving force behind the project.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
We are currently developing pet design projects focused on animal care and on improving the quality of indoor spaces in homes shared by humans and animals.
How can people contact you?
Through our website, email, and social media channels, we are always open to exchanges, collaborations, and new visions.
Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
We would like to add that the ethical and legal aspects of design, such as the protection of intellectual property, design transparency, and social responsibility, are fundamental and deserve further attention.

Designer of the Day Interview with Luigi Ippoliti and Rosita di Mizio

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
We have been working in the fields of design, visual communication, and architecture for years. Both of us have an academic background in architecture and have developed projects ranging from architectural design to product design. We have collaborated with companies, public institutions, universities, and cultural organizations, always focusing on attention to detail, contextual analysis, and design consistency.
How did you become a designer?
Our journey began from a shared passion for art, visual communication, and architecture. Since our university years, we understood that design was a tool to read and interpret reality, improving it through functional and meaningful projects. The desire to give form to impactful ideas has driven us to work in this field, refining our skills both through study and practical experience.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
Our design approach is based on listening, analysis, and synthesis. We always strive to deeply understand the context and client needs to create coherent, functional, and lasting solutions. We combine analog and digital work, manual sketches, prototypes, physical mock-ups, and modeling and rendering tools. For us, every project is a balance between thought and form, content and image.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
Designing gives us a sense of discovery and deep involvement. There is an initial excitement tied to the idea, followed by focus and technical challenge in shaping it, and finally gratification when the project comes to life. For us, design is a form of storytelling that unites emotion and rationality, and it is in this dialogue that we find our creative balance.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
Beyond design skills, we have been strongly shaped by observation ability, cultural sensitivity, and critical thinking. A solid architectural foundation taught us to think in systems and relationships, while interest in graphics, art, and photography enriched our aesthetic vision. Multidisciplinarity is one of our main resources.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
We have several projects underway and are enthusiastically working on upcoming challenges. We invite you to follow us on our social channels to stay updated on news and future developments.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
Our most important advice is to cultivate curiosity, observe carefully, and listen before designing. Building a solid visual culture and not fearing mistakes are essential. The best projects often come from nonlinear processes. It is also important to engage in dialogue and accept constructive criticism. Finally, invest in your design identity without chasing trends.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
We recommend always keeping a clear view of the world, avoiding self-referentiality. Design is not decoration but a responsibility. One must learn to design consciously, be rigorous, but also capable of surprising. We believe in professional ethics, sharing knowledge, and building authentic relationships.
What is your day to day look like?
Every day is different. We alternate moments of research and discussion with more practical phases.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
We follow trends with a critical spirit. We pay attention to the evolution of visual language but prefer to build a personal design identity. We read industry magazines, attend exhibitions, follow conferences, and engage with colleagues and students. However, the most powerful inspiration often comes from non-design contexts: nature, literature, urban life..
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
For us, good design clearly, coherently, and honestly communicates. It must be functional but also capable of evoking emotions. When a project is simple without being banal, elegant without being cold, we know the goal is achieved. Common mistakes include excess form, poor attention to context, and lack of thought behind aesthetics.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
We know a project is ready when it can stand on its own, without further explanations or justifications. This is also an intuitive moment when form and content align. However, we recognize that every project could still evolve: for this reason, we carefully archive everything, ready to revisit if needed but also able to let go.
What is your biggest design work?
For us as designers, every work, even the smallest, is important. Every project is a unique opportunity to experiment, learn, and contribute value.
Who is your favourite designer?
We admire many designers and architects, but if we had to name a few, we would say: Alvar Aalto, Eileen Gray, Charles and Ray Eames, Philippe Starck, and Karim Rashid.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
We live and work in Italy, a country with an extraordinary cultural and visual layering that inspires us daily. Our culture has taught us the value of beauty, detail, and balance. Music, art, photography, and literature are part of our daily life and deeply influence our work.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
We work collaboratively, both between us and with our partners and clients. We seek professional relationships based on trust, respect, and dialogue. We carefully evaluate every project, preferring quality over quantity. We are demanding with ourselves but open to confrontation. We consider it essential to have an ethical and responsible vision of our work at every stage.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
As a team of architects and designers, we deeply believe in the value of design serving the community. We actively engage in pro bono projects for social initiatives, offering sustainable and accessible solutions. Additionally, we participate in workshops and conferences to support and inspire young talents, thus contributing to the growth and wellbeing of society through design.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
Participating in the A’ Design Award has been a valuable opportunity for exchange, visibility, and growth. The three main benefits we found are: international recognition, the chance to be part of a global network of professionals, and the appreciation of the design process. Design awards motivate us to do better, reflect, and constantly raise quality standards.

Extended Interview with Luigi Ippoliti and Rosita di Mizio

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
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.
How did you become a designer?
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.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
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.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
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.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
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.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
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.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
Good design effectively addresses contextual needs with clarity and coherence, while also evoking emotion and communicating authentically.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Good design improves quality of life, promotes sustainability, and makes spaces and objects more accessible and functional, representing a long-lasting investment.
What is your day to day look like?
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.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
The recipe is deep listening, careful analysis, and the balance between emotion and rationality, which allows us to develop coherent and engaging projects.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
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.
What is your biggest design work?
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.
Who is your favourite designer?
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.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
To improve, it is necessary to observe carefully, develop cultural sensitivity and critical capacity, integrating multidisciplinary and practical experiences.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
We probably would have worked in related fields such as art or visual communication, remaining connected to creativity.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
Design is a narrative process that unites emotion and rationality to improve daily life through functional and aesthetic solutions.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
Mutual support, along with collaborations based on trust and dialogue, has been fundamental in our journey.

Stay Updated with Latest Design News

By clicking Sign-Up, you are opting to receive promotional emails from A' Design Awards, World Design Rankings, World Design Consortium and Designers.Org You can update your preferences or unsubscribe any time.

You are now at the right step

Join Designers.org & Start Promoting Your Design Worldwide.

Create an Account