Name: Giovanni Griggio
Company: Phi Design Lab
Position within company: Founder
Website: www.phidesignlab.com
Tell us a little about your background in design:
I received my Bachelor of Science in Furniture Design and Manufacturing from Politecnico Milan in 2009. In 2012, I received my Masters in Yacht Design from Genoa University. From 2011 to 2012 I worked at the Nuvolari & Lenard studio where I had the opportunity to develop a semi-displacement yacht project and my thesis project, with the support of Ing. Carlo Nuvolari.
During 2013 I worked as project manager in Maori Yacht shipyard. This experience provided me with a valuable practical knowledge that still helps me to find the best solution to avoid problems during the boats construction. In January 2014 I decided to found my own design studio, Phi Design Lab, in the meanwhile in 2017 I started a new collaboration with TenderWorks, in The Netherlands.
How would you describe your personal design style?
I’m really focused to find the best way to satisfy the clients needs taking into account my personal eclectic taste and the feasibility of all my projects. I could describe my design style as the combination of all these items, the results are really sleek and organic lines with a real nautical soul.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Most of my inspiration clearly comes from nature but I think I’m partially influenced by everything that surrounds me. I try to capture what I see everyday and convert it in my projects using them for aesthetics and functional solutions.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Every kind of project is now influenced by a real respect for nature, so I think design will be really influenced by all the new eco-friendly technologies.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
Ecology
Functionality
Quality
Custom
Innovation
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Satisfy the client needs considering all your projects as timeless masterpieces.
How important are The International Yacht & Aviation Awards?
I think it’s a great tool to see the design trend of tomorrow.
What projects are you currently working on?
I’m actually really busy with some projects for luxury and fully custom tenders. In the meanwhile I’m also working on two mega yachts concepts above 80 m and I keep working with Rosetti and other shipyards.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
I hope to start soon the production of a mega yacht.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession?
Family and friends
Your favourite holiday destination?
Sardinia
Your favourite hotel?
The Nautilus, Maldives
Your favourite book/film?
Book – io uccido by Giorgio Faletti
Film – The Grand Budapest Hotel
Your favourite food and drink?
Pizza and beer
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Playing golf
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
Probably a dentist