Interview with Marco Naccarella

I've always dreamed of designing a building for the public. In fact, my degree thesis dealt with precisely this and that is the verification of a project of a building for strategic use. And by strategic we mean any building intended as a refuge in case of natural disasters.

My motivations derive from turning the imagination into reality. A dream of many, I am sure, but mine nonetheless.

I have always had the freedom to choose in my life, including my studies, because according to my family it was my responsibility. I still don't know what they would have preferred for me. And I asked several times out of curiosity even years later, having made my choice.

Each project is a new experience. It's like changing jobs every day. You have to reinvent yourself every day. Every day you have to research, study, change points of view. Every project, whatever it is, is a challenge. So the answer is that I want to design, and design anything that is new to me.

Listening by memorizing everything possible. To observe. Keep your hand warm by drawing continuously. Reason absurdly and then file each project following the restrictions of the set guidelines, with the precision and patience of a luthier.

A good designer just wants to improve his lifestyle. A great designer wants to improve your lifestyle.

When it is accessible to all, and makes them feel uniqe.

The value of a good design is subjective. I would not say there is a strict idea on it.

Currently, my dream project is a theatre. Theatres, in my opinion, hold a lot of potential for realizing beauty in almost all the senses.

The secret ingredient is to have no secrets. It is a great display of inventive and creative strength. I've always said that everyone can have "a giraffe neck" to copy your idea today, but I'll have ten ideas ready for tomorrow.

I dont want to come off as controversial, but all the designers I managed to study.

I have no favorite design, they all have their pros and cons.

It is impossible to answer this question. Often it is not possible to change destiny and often destiny changes us as people. I could have been a high school teacher, or died in an illegal motorcycle street race. I can only say that I was lucky.

I think I can only answer this question when I am seventy.

My partner in life, my mentor Rocco Zulli, and my father who is no longer here. They are the people who believed and believe in me.

Social redemption. Undoubtedly.

There were many that stood in my way, but seeing as they are too many to coun, I think it's best not to answer.

Everyone has a personal, subjective style. A sense of uniqueness. The important thing is that behind every gesture and choice, there is a strong and justified motivation, and that your signature can be interpreted beyond every drawing. It's not easy.

I don't want to get rich and I can't change the world. I would like to win people's respect.

The same things that I expect from myself. To walk in the other person's shoes, and see the things from their angle.

Design allows us to preserve the old and bring in the new. It honors timeless methods of expression and combines them with new modes. It therefore transforms society through inspiration and debate.

I have just signed a contract with the Indian government for the construction of a floating bar and restaurant in the Andaman Islands in India. But I'm already working on the next one.

I always dreamed about less robots and automation in the production line, because I want to respect the brand and the manufacturer. Automation has become a rising issue within not just within the design industry, but also within the world.

Each project is a puzzle. Sometimes it takes nine months just for preliminary studies and research, and the initial project.

From the simple assembly of two ideas. One is not enough.

Talent is not a quality at birth. The pursuit of perfection is like a dog running hysterically in circles to bite its tail. It is not innate and it is others who recognize it in you.

Trends distort the outward appearance of each model. Technology distorts design. Design creates a fashion. And the cycle continues.

I hold it in high importance, especially within this current era of design.

I try to keep up to date with the latest hardware and software available on the market, but a 0.35mm pencil, a Moleskine, a pen and an A5 size notebook with dots should never be missing. Let's leave the graphic tablet to those who want to erase often. The perfect hand drawing for a concept can be recognized with very few gestures. Sometimes less than 5 pencil marks.

I reduce the number of colors and materials to the minimum amount necessary. I think that perfection in architecture is achieved with the combination of iron, wood, stone, glass, and water. In industrial design it's different, and I can't get attached to carbon yet. Perhaps because it is not recyclable.

All or nothing. All if they are apprentices or colleagues in the sector. But nothing if they are buyers in the final market: they are probably more informed than me.

I feel satisfaction and feel reassured not to feel alone. However, I often feel melancholic, wishing to be whisked away into another historical era.

The ideal partner is any person, even a non-designer, who questions your work. Humility in learning is a necessary ingredient, and you always find someone who knows something more than you even if they are not from the specific sector of your project.

Normal people and their daily needs. Or their dreams.

I would say books that give you courage. They taught me that fear is a reaction, and that courage is a decision. I've never been afraid of wasting time reading a book.

Continuously observing people with discretion and with great attention at their objects, even taking them apart if possible or necessary. You can also be a designer with a screwdriver or a wrench.

Leonardo da Vinci, undoubtedly. Answering the same ferocious and atrocious questions that plague today's inventors and designers.

A long way to go. Always open with an outstretched hand so as not to neglect the people you love.

Nothing in particular. If I have to answer, maybe more than a thousand objects.

I decided to become an architect at the age of 7 and with great determination. I wish I still had the same freedom with which my father made me draw on the garage walls.

It is impossible to answer. There is no one clear answer, as the prospects of the future hold more than a thousand and one paths.

They can safely ask me in private via email. I will gladly answer any questions.

The company's conception was around 2003. Inspiration for the company's name derived from a writing workshop. And like a writing workshop, we model ourselves in a similar manner, from engineering designs from a variety of perspectives, to making them a reality. We have also developed an architecture and design website in 2019 with about 114 pages, both in Italian and English. It will launch in February 2021.

It is difficult to give a precise definition. We all have our personal ideas on what is design, and that I find special.

I have no preference, everything is fair game.

I have no favorite design, they all have their pros and cons.

A chessboard. It was a remarkable training experience in packaging, with the perfect interlocking of elements for minimum bulk, and sleek form.

Iron, without a doubt. It was a medium in which I learned, and experimented with, all the different welding techniques.

In moments of creative solitude, with nothing but peace and quiet. Often times this is late at night.

The fine details in every aspect of a design, in almost a pedantic manner. Ofcourse, adhering to the restrictions given by a project's regulations. And much more.

Self-reflection , admitting my physical, mental, experience and time limits. I only feel satisfied in a project when I believe I have given all that I can towards it; Give any more and the chapter is over.

Happiness, confidence, and desire. I make sure I have my projects whenever possible. I often get excited, and hide my feeling of celebration within.

Its usefulness. Especially when it evokes a subjective beauty that becomes charming for everyone.

I first look at its accessibility, seeing if the common person could use the concept in question. I then look at its emotion, analyzing if it can make that same person feel unique.

I have the same responsibilities as everyone else in my country and in the world; To preserve our environment and ensure it is there for the future generation.

It is impossible to know. There is no way to really know what the field will be, even within the near future.

My last exhibition was at the A’ Design Awards Exhibition.

My sources of inspiration is are around me and are not of a niche category. I have a wide variety of inspirations from all over the world.

It depends on the project, there is no one style of trend I follow.

I currently reside in Montecatini Terme, 37 km from Florence. However, my reference point is not my nationality, but rather my family. I do not feel bound by my cultural roots, nor the geography of where I live.

On a case-by-case basis; Every company has different needs, methods and contractual obligations.

My design process depends on the project itself. Sometimes different calculations are requirements are needed.

I prefer not to advertise brands.

I wake up before dawn without an alarmm. Most often I have breakfast, and then head straight to work. I skip lunch to focus on work and continue until 7:30 pm. Then my family comes to the fore.

Believe in yourselves despite any obstacles in your path, and everyone will notice you. But I must advise you: don't use Steve Jobs' motto and make it seem like a common right or duty.

Maintain a recognizable style. Each project must have its signature hidden.

It depends on what the design is and what the requirements are.

Outside of using the latest softwares, I still use using a 0.35mm pencil, a Moleskine, a pen, and an A5 size notebook with dots. One doesnt need a graphics tablet to make a good design.

Design takes up a good portion of my day. I work until I feel the work is done.

It depends, it may take a 1 week, it may take 2 years.

The next job!

Almost always private customers.

I am working on two new projects: An e-bike and a new take on the moped.

I never work alone. And I never work with too many people on the same project. If you work alone, self-criticism is not enough. If too many people work together, homogeneity, especially in terms of style, is forgotten.

I have a multitude of patents and contracts currently in the works

Via E-mail. I always reply as soon as possible.