Interviews with Nicoletta Santini

After my graduation in Interior Design at IED - International Institute of Design of Milan in the July 2015, I started my collaborations as Exhibition and Interior Designer with several Architectural and Design Studios, like Studio di Architettura FM, Studio di Architettura Barbara Pizzi and Forfun Design Studio, and Companies, like BD Expo s.r.l.. Thanks to this collaborations I had the possibily to design and realize projects for well-known clients (Caffarel, Pavoni Italia, Telcom, Bottaro, Koelnmesse, Sicam) and to improve my professional skills.

I have always considered designers as supporters of the world progress and the idea of be potentially part of this change motived me to become a designer.

During designing I am firstly focused on the function of my project that should satisfy the client's needs. After that, I research sustainable materials and innovative lighting system to propose something unique to the client and I never forget to take care about the aesthetical impact of the project. Innovation and emotions are the basis of all my designs and the technology I use to realize them is the rendering such as the virtual reality.

During the designing time I feel my self a bit under pressure because I am focused on all the requests of the client and to the way I should satisfy all of them but when I am in front of my creations I feel a unique sense of freedom. This is the reason why design is my passion in addition to my work.

During my last year of the classical high-school I discovered my interest for the design world. I was researching about its origins when I realize that I would have liked to become a designer of the future.

My passion for the design world is wide but I focused my work on the interior and exhibition fields. I wish to take part soon of a furniture design process.

The constant research of uniqueness is the fundamental ingredient of the design process to create always something "out of the box". Problems, failures and difficulties are part of the creative times but it is foundamental to be aware of our abilities and keep on working and designing without fears.

I suggest young designers to be adaptable specialists, possessing the attitude and confidence to move out from their comfort zones and work with whatever method and prototyping tools are appropriate to communicate and realize their ideas. In addition to that, simplicity and clearness permit the designer to make his works understandable and valuable by the public but he should never forget to create a bit of suspension to let the clients desire their creations.

Before to start my ordinary days and to focus my self on different projects, requests and thoughts I am used to take some minutes for personal reflection. It helps my to remain open-minded and concentrated on the following steps of my life.

Because of the variety of my projects I don't have a defined inspiration and I try to be inspired always from different elements which can be latest design trends but also nature, architecture or arts. More than the latest design trends, I am more focused on new technics and sustainable materials.

The value of good design is characterized by ethic and moral function in addition to the traditional aspect of a well-done design like the functionality and the aesthetics. Because the good design takes care to its impact on the future and the society, all the companies and the buyers should prefer this type of production.

The main aspects of a complete and good design are the simple and clear use, the innovative shape and the sustainable materials. The constant research of uniqueness is the fundamental ingredient of design process ti create always something "out of the box".

The project I developed for my thesis called "Stream", a 65 mt superyacht where sustainability, elegance and research were melt to satisfy to needs of an hypothetical foreign client.

Bruno Munari was the first designer I studied and the one who inspired me most. Because of his versatility and openmind, this versatile artist and designer has the ability to define and distinguish the role of the designer to the artist one. His creativity and positivity are the main reasons why I would like to meet him, if I was given a chance.

The Italian culture based on the research of beauty and the history of art and design is the base of my education such as the foundation of my design career. The Minimalism is the style which defines my projects and inspires me more. The simplicity of the shapes, the basic colors and the selected materials in addiction to clear functions are the characteristics of my design such as the minimal style.

I usually collaborate with companies as a freelancer or employer, it depends on the type of collaboration I am defining. During designing I am firstly focused on the function of my project that should satisfy the client's needs. After that, I research sustainable materials and innovative lighting system to propose something unique to the client and I never forget to take care about the aesthetical impact of the project.

Design is thought, it is cultural anthropology, because it must understand the needs of the world, of cultures and must know how to respond with an ethical conscience, technical knowledge, aesthetic harmony. The main aspects of a good design are the simple and clear use, the innovative shape and the sustainable materials.

When I decided to attend the A' Design Award I was unsure about my victory. The partecipation to this wellknown competition permitted me to prove my design and communication skills, to make me visible internationally and to live a unique experience in this particular year.

The futuristic shape of the central structure combined with the simplified lines of the displays are the representation of this philosophy, usually expressed with the words "less is more".

Simplicity combined with functionality and emotional connection were the concepts behind this minimal exhibition stand.

This award winning design will be the inspiration for my future projects in order to achieve other successes.

After the first hybrid idea and the starting sketches, it takes me almost one month to complete this project.

The main challenge of this innovation structure was the defying gravity.

This design was produced and realized for a unique client for a specific event.

The creation of a unique and breathtaking stand drove me during the all design.

Two people were active supporters of this project, the BD Expo Company's owner, Mr. Eugenio Benaglia, such as the De Rosa Associates's Owner, Mr. Dario De Rosa. They suggested and helped me in particular during the first steps of this design.

The target of this design is everyone who wants to make a great impression of his company, showing his products under the defy-gravity gate.

The futurist shape combined with the high-quality of materials and the attention to the details stand out compared the other exhibition stands.

The name "Hello Future" sounds like a warm welcome to a new era of fair stands.

Professional rendering and modelling software such as 3ds Max plug-in Vray and Inventor in addition to our visionary idea.

The illusion of different view point changes is the distinctive element that makes this stand unique.

Engineers, graphic designers and fair experts were active participants of the project.

The innovation ledwall technology such as the high-sound system defund an important role for the client brand communication.

The idea of the project raised in my mind following the necessity to create something new.

The main challenge was the defying the gravity, creating a structure on the limit of the impossible.

I would like to compete against such important and experts designers all over the world to do a bit of soul-searching.

The design of this structure obliged me to improve my knowledge about materials, software and lighting solutions.

I would like to really thank all the BD Expo team, the De Rosa Associates members and our open-minded client Pavoni Italia, who permitted me to achieve this important goal for my design career.

During my last year of the classical high-school I discovered my interest for the design world. I was researching about its origins when I realize that I would have liked to become a designer of the future. The next year I started my studies of Interior Design at the European Institute of Design in Milan, a three years course in which I had the opportunity to learn different sectors of the design and to improve my software and creative skills. After the unforgettable exchange program at the Willem de Kooning Academy in Rotterdam and the graduation project in yacht design, in the July 2015 I concluded my studies at IED Milan and, finally, my passion become my job.

I have always considered designers as supporters of the world progress and the idea of be potentially part of this change motived me to become a designer.

I was lucky to choose this amazing profession thanks to my open-minded family which permits me to follow my dreams.

My passion for the design world is wide but I focused my work on the interior and exhibition fields. I wish to take part soon of a furniture design process.

I have never considered myself a legend, I am still a young designer and I need to improve my skills and experience too. Anyway, I suggest young designers to be adaptable specialists, possessing the attitude and confidence to move out from their comfort zones and work with whatever method and prototyping tools are appropriate to communicate and realize their ideas.

While a good designer is able to satisfy the client's following the traditional design rules, a great designer is able to predict the future desires, to create new trends and develop innovative ideas using new materials and methods, like a pioneer.

The difference between a good design and a really good one is the impact it has not only for the present but also for the future market.

The value of good design is characterized by ethic and moral function in addition to the traditional aspect of a well-done design like the functionality and the aesthetics. Because the good design takes care to its impact on the future and the society, all the companies and the buyers should prefer this type of production.

If I had time I would like to design a new concept yacht and I would like to try a collaboration with an Italian yacht producer company.

My dream project I still haven't time to dedicate myself is my future house, which I would like to design and realize by my own with all my creativity and fantasy.

The constant research of uniqueness is the fundamental ingredient of design process ti create always something "out of the box".

I have always admired the creations and methods of legendary designers such as Bruno Munari, Achille Castiglioni, Charles Eames and Patricia Urquiola.

It is really difficult to name a few because I should mention icon designs such as innovative and unknown creations. What associates them is their combination between beauty, function and innovation.

The project I developed for my thesis called "Stream", a 65 mt superyacht where sustainability, elegance and research were melt to satisfy to needs of an hypothetical foreign client.

The research of new technics and of sustainable materials in addition to the study of the design legends and history are fundamental to become everyday better designers.

To satisfy my instinctive sense of duty, I am quite sure I would have tried to become a doctor or an engineer, an active actress for the common progress.

The perfect union between functionality and aesthetic define the term "design".

My family and in particular my mother have always supported my passion for design. In addiction I have the big fortune to have lots of friends with the same interest of mine for design so I have also their helps.

The education was fundamental for my professional development such as my constance and passion.

The main obstacle was my young age which something made me appear wiseacre or incompetent by clients and suppliers older than me. My perseverance and kindness fortunately triumphed always.

Simplicity and clearness permit the designer to make his works understandable and valuable by the public but he should never forget to create a bit of suspension to let the clients desire their creations.

My next project is a line of furniture made by sustainable materials, a complete new design for my carrier.

The creation of innovative and inspirational projects for young designers is my real ultimate goal.

Continuity and innovation.

Solving everyday issues each design help to create a better society.

I am actually working on some exciting interior projects in collaboration with an architecture studio near Milan.

The collaboration with companies to create their desired exhibition stand give me the most satisfaction.

The increase of sustainable materials and green energy to produce our designs.

I think that the design field is headed to years in which assembly production will be substitute with custom made design.

It depends on the the type of design project we are referirng to. It can take from one month to one year.

I start from the briefing and the concept.

Never aesthetic without function.

Design is the origin of trends, or it should be.

Fondamental. After the first sketches I develop all my projects using softwares for modelling, rendering and presenting my designs.

3Ds Max plugin VRay

Autocad

Illustrator

Photoshop

After the creation of the concept, the designers should consider and balance these three elements to proceed with their creations.

I wish people to be curious and interessant about the stories behind my creations. All my designs have ones.

After the first attraction, several questions come up in my mind and I usually try to answer to all of them and to understand completely the creation I have in front of me.

I have always believed in co-design because two creative and collaborative minds are better than ones but coordination and common professional values are fundamental to do so.

More experienced professionists than me with whom I collaborated with during the latest years.

"Da cosa nasce cosa" of Bruno Munari was the first book I read about design and the one which influenced me so much that I decided to become a designer.

I am constantly working on my skill and I will always need to improve them.

If I had this chance, I would love to meet and talk with Bruno Munari.

I feel honoured by this recognition but my designs never had awards like the main goal.

Red, Milan, pizza, spring, my laptop and Armani.

The days in which I create new concepts or some of projects are realised are the motivation of my entire working life because these days give me the energy and passion to keep designing even during bad times.

I have always been a creative person. Since I was a child, I spent my free time drawing and creating unusual prototypes but I have never consider myself a great design, just a good ones.

I really hope future generations will change our approach to lifestyle and consumption, we really need to respect more our planet and our cultures.

Keep your habits simple and your minds opened and curious. In this way you will be creative and wise for years.

Born in 1993, in July 2015 I graduated in Interior Design at the IED Institute in Milan with excellent results and collaborations and since September 2015 I am collaborating as Exhibition and Interior Designer with different Architecture and Design Studios based near Milan. My passion for design started during the last year of the high school when I decided to focused my studies on the origins of the Italian Design reading the milestone Bruno Munari's book, "Da cosa nasce cosa".

BD Expo s.r.l. has been present in the sector of Event Outfitting ever since the 80’s, offering its turn-key services to clients in Italy and abroad.

Design is the perfect union between functionality and aesthetics;

it is awareness; it is a necessary practice to create something good, regardless of the sector of application.

Exhibition stands and interior designs are the works I am more focused on and I also like more.

The design of an innovative and customized layout of one 65mt Super Yacht called "Stream" was my thesis project and it is still my favorite design. This project was the fruit of six months of researches and experimentations with my colleague, Ludovica Rocca, and its creativity and innovation permitted us to reached excellent results.

The design of six graphics for German brand of handkerchiefs, Tempo, was the first real project I realized. The aim of it was to show the importance and the presence of the brand which accompanies Italians since ‘60s.

Innovation and emotions are the basis of all my designs and the technology I use to realize them is the rendering such as the virtual reality.

I feel the most creative when my customer leave me free of action, so I can design in completely freedom.

During designing I am firstly focused on the function of my project that should satisfy the client's needs. After that, I research sustainable materials and innovative lighting system to propose something unique to the client and I never forget to take care about the aesthetical impact of the project.

I feel my self a bit under pressure because I am focused on all the requests of the client.

When I am in front of my creation I feel a unique sense of freedom and satisfaction, the reasons why design is my passion in addition to my work.

A design can be considered successful if it responds to the requests of the present and if it can predict the needs of the future.

The main aspects of a good design are the simple and clear use, the innovative shape and the sustainable materials.

Design is thought, it is cultural anthropology, because it must understand the needs of the world, of cultures and must know how to respond with an ethical conscience, technical knowledge, aesthetic harmony.

The design sector is quickly evolving considering the global evolution.

Because of the climate changes and the high level of pollution, designers pay always more attention to the materials and finishings they select for their projects such as the transports and the energy resources.

The theme of sustainability is going to be fundamental for the design process such as new strategies of present projects using innovative technologies. The virtual reality and the 3D printing are becoming the best ways to present new ideas to the clients.

The last exhibition I participated was Sigep 2020 at Rimini Fair (18-22 January 2020).

This was one of the latest exhibitions in Italy of the current year before the beginning of the lock-down for Covid-19.

Because of this uncertain and dramatic worldwide sanitary situation, I don't have any idea and expectation about future exhibition we could partecipate but I really hope it will be as soon as possible.

Because of the variety of my projects I don't have a defined inspiration and I try to be inspired always from different elements which can be animals, views, architecture or arts.

The Minimalism is the style which defines my projects and inspires me more. The simplicity of the shapes, the basic colors and the selected materials in addiction to clear functions are the characteristics of my design such as the minimal style.

The Italian culture based on the research of beauty and the history of art and design is the base of my education such as the foundation of my design career.

I usually collaborate with companies as a freelancer or employer, it depends on the type of collaboration I am defining.

I have always considered more important the perseverance and the intelligence to the simple creativity for the selection of a good designer. With such a worldwide competition, companies should search for smart designers to have real success and profits.

After having analysed the clients requests and the market needs, I firstly make some brainstorming researching keywords as pillars of my design. During this fase I usually come up with same ideas that I sketch on my book, not to forget them. I think about the different ideas and starting points for hours and I usually look for an exchange of views with colleagues or friends about them. When I consider one of this ideas good enough I start with the design of it in 2D and 3D. The presentation of the project to client is for me possible when I am completely satisfy about the project and I have no doubts about it.

"Arc" Table of Foster and Partners, produced by Molteni&Co

"Arco" Lamp of Achille Castiglioni, produced by Flos

"Juicy Salif" of Philippe Starck, produced by Alessi

"Kettle" produced by Smeg

"iMac" produced my Apple (1998)

Before to start my ordinary days and to focus my self on different projects, requests and thoughts I am used to take some minutes for personal reflection. It helps my to remain open-minded and concentrated on the following steps of my life.

Take your time before to conclude and present your creations to the public because the real creativity is never improvised.

The research of new ideas and comparisons can be sometimes frustrating but the pleasure of seeing your own project realized and the client satisfied are the most important aspects of being a designer.

There must not be an art detached from life: beautiful things to look at and bad things to use.

The creativity in addition to a good dose of perseverance are the most important skills for a designer because a great design takes always lots of time and energy.

The softwares I am used to work with are 3Ds Max plug-in V-ray for the 3D models and the renders, Autocad for the 2d drawings and Illustrator and Photoshop for the editing and presentations.

For each project I am working on I create a time schedule I should try to respect to avoid waste of time. Anyway, for a creative work is impossible to predict the exact timeline.

From the client briefing to the presentation it takes me almost three weeks.

The usual question I frequently receive is "What inspired you for this project?"

The exhibition company, BD Expo srl, where I am actually working is the most important job experience of my life because of their original approach to this field and their familiar sign.

I usually design exhibition stands for international companies while interiors for private clients.

Designing exhibition stands I can express my complete creativity and intelligence because of the necessity of always new smart solutions and the versatility of each project.

Because my career is deeply focused on the exhibition design and I have been studying German from two years, I would like to move to Germany, homeland of the most important European Fairs, and have a job experienced there.

I usually develop my designs by myself but I always request the opinion of my colleagues after the first creations.

I am collaborating to a new line of wooden furniture that would have unusual shapes, researched materials and charitable purpose.

Regarding collaborations or other questions please write me at ncltsantini@gmail.com.