Name: Massimiliano Mornati

Company: Karboxx

Position within company: Lighting projects partner

Website: www.karboxx.com

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc.)

I achieved a degree in architecture at Politecnico in Milan, then I proceed my studies in The Nederlands at Tu Delft. In 1998 I founded my own architecture firm.

How would you describe your personal interior design style?

I do not have defined and strict rules because I do believe that we need constantly to investigate and experiment. Then I work on purity, no excesses.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

I am always looking at peoples daily lives, with their needs and their changes, as I, everyone is constantly changing. This is liquid modernity.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

Design is constantly changing: it follows society, it wants to achieve people’ needs. It is something intangible, it has no boundaries. We have to live and consider it as a global and international presence.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2017 and beyond.

• Society
• Needs of human-beings
• Environment & sustainability
• Happiness & being positive
• Globalisation

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

Every project will be lived and seen by people, so I can suggest to listen to peoples requirements, it is all about needs and how you want to meet them.

How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?

These awards are important as they allow to have a criteria for comparison. It brings together international talents and shows their work on a pedestal, all together at the same time. Different minds and cultures that all believe in design and architecture.

What projects are you currently working on?

I am hectic so I am always working on different projects: I am designing some exhibitions space, residences, and also some objects such as a mirror and home-ware containers.

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

I want to intensify my collaboration with some companies such as Quadrifoglio and develop new researches.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself

Your most treasured possession?
My family

Your favourite holiday destination?
Corsica, it presents an amazing landscape: mountains in the Mediterranean sea

Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
Cerere in Ponte in Valtellina, Italy

Your favourite book / film / song?
Book – Book Memoirs of Hadrian written by Marguerite Yourcenar
Film – Marrakech Express directed by Gabriele Salvatores
Song – Love Sick by Bob Dylan

Your favourite food and drink?
Chestnuts with warm milk and cloves

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Playing football with old school friends

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
A woodworker

Anything else interesting?
Loving Bob Dylan vinyls