5 minutes with… Vittorio Garroni – CEO/Founder, Garroni Design

V Garroni 10-14 (Small)Name: Vittorio Garroni,  industrial and marine design professor, architect

Company: Garroni Design, Genoa, Italy

Position within company: CEO / Founder

Website: www.garronidesign.com / www.garroni.it

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

. What direction do you feel design is moving towards in general terms?

There are many design trends, in relation to the market they are targeting, the social position of customers and to its cultural roots. Generally speaking, Euro/American and Japanese cultures move from simplicity (minimalism) towards a more structured peaceful refinement. Arabs and Chinese, which never met with minimalism, remain on locally inspired decorative trends.

. Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2015 and beyond.

Garroni Design is an Italian design team and, even though participated by multinational team members and associates (from Europe to Middle and Far East) its cultural basis remain typically Italian, shared by the renaissance heritage, the unique environment and a deep knowledge on contemporary opportunities. So, our five themes are: style, refinement, culture, environment and technology.

. And key trends that we should be aware of?

Respect and appreciation of cultural diversity.

. What projects are you currently working on?

Garroni Design expertise ranges from the ship design to yachts, frequently digressing in automotive and architectural planning, mainly for mansions and resorts. Garroni Team is currently designing for a number of motor yachts, an over 100’ deep sea sailing yacht, cruise vessels in the horizon, recreational vehicles and the refit of an historical renaissance palace, which is also the company’s seat.

. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?

Simplicity and efficiency, with style.

. A designer’s work is so diverse – how do you manage to hold down a career and a life?

Sharing diversities is the typical designer’s work. Diversities in his proper lifestyle and working environment is natural for a designer. I spent 40 years sharing my life between university teaching in Europe, but not only, and working in the world, mainly in the Far East. It keeps young! Now my son and his studio partners are experiencing the same. A wonderful life!

. How important are The International Yacht and Aviation Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?

The IY&A Awards is rapidly growing in the specialised environment, both for customers and professional. Interesting to monitor.

. What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

Going on with my exciting work while sailing my boat, alone with my wife, in the wonderful Med seas.

. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself…

. The car you drive?

Any rental car, all over the world; unfortunately it’s difficult to find a nice Ferrari.

. Your favourite place to travel to in the world?

After visiting all the most renowned resorts, mainly for work, I am recently experiencing the extreme North and South, interesting destinations for my beloved clients.

. Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar?

I attended the Cala di Volpe, Costa Smeralda, from the very beginning, in the 60s, and still frequently mooring in the bay, facing the pier.

. The place that gives you the most energy?

My office, as we are continuously discussing the new deals.

. And the place that enables you to totally relax?

My boat, with my wife and dogs.

. Your favourite food and drink?

Pasta, pizza and vino rosso, obviously.

. Anything else interesting?

Everything.