Name: PAOLO CASTELLI 
Company: PAOLO CASTELLI S.PA. Via I° Maggio, 93 Ozzano dell’Emilia (Bologna) – Italy
Position within company: C.E.O. – Owner – Art Director
Website: www.paolocastelli.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I love to draw since I was young, my legacy with design was shaped by my family who manufactured some design icons like Plia chiar so I could say I was fed with pasta and design!
I chose to follow the familiar tradition becoming an entrepreneur but I never forgot the pleasure to share my dreams on a paper sheet and I happy to say that really dreams come through.
How would you describe your personal design style?
Inspired by the design tastes of architects who lived between London and Paris between the thirties and the fifties of the last century – great masters the calibre of Le Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright, Van Der Rohe, Gio Ponti, Carlo Scarpa etc in a modern reinterpretation, with great attention to detail and the new dwelling styles of an international client.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
20’s – 40’s the design golden age in my humble opinion.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Quality and elegance are my key word in the design industry.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
Elegance and beauty
Sustainability
Green
Tailor Made
Eclecticism
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
To draw with passion what you love.
How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
The emotion of a child who for the first time learns to ride a bike.
What projects are you currently working on?
“Unicum”: a touch free hand sanitising system
“Seventyonepercent” for Iris Ceramica Group: a contemporary vision of bathroom furnishings – https://www.seventyonepercent.com/
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Provide elegant and sustainable ideas to worldwide change of lifestyle in which in house living – working will play a central role.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession?
An ancient pantograph for drawing
Your favourite holiday destination?
Sailing towards Mediterranean islands
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Mandarin Oriental Milan Italy, Lutetia Hotel, Paris, Cafè Royal Hotel, London
Your favourite book, film & song?
The Art of War – Sun Tzu
Big Wednesday
Yellow – Coldplay
Your favourite food and drink?
Tortellini, Japanese food, Bloody Mary – Moscow Mule
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
I love pro-cycling
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
If I was not an entrepreneur I’d love to be 100 % designer
Paolo Castelli and Seventyonepercent – Iris Ceramica Group have been shortlisted for Bespoke Cabinetry/Installation Award in The International Design & Architecture Awards 2020.
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