Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 31
Occupation: Art director and designer.
Instagram: @federicabiasistudio
Hometown: Saronno, a town close to Milano, Italy.
Studio location: Milano, Via Giovanni Ventura.
Describe what you make: My profession is split into two souls—one part focuses on art direction and consultancy for companies in the design field, and the other part consists of designing products. Basically, when I get up in the morning, I know I have to solve more problems and cases than the FBI. But I love what I do, and I enjoy doing it every day… giving shape to things, giving birth to new products that didn’t exist before is a wonderful feeling that gives a lot of satisfaction.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: I’ve been designing for the past ten years, and of course each project has its own importance and value. Among all of them, the “Lume” project for Nespresso meant a lot to me. I was chosen among many designers to rethink the entire collection of cups, mugs, and accessories that launched at the end of 2020. Working with such an international company and designing a series of accessories that can be accessible globally made me and my team very proud.
Describe the problem your work solves: It depends. Sometimes my design is made to solve a problem of use, sometimes only of shape and aesthetics with ergonomics if it’s a sofa or chair. Others are “only” design thinking and logistical/operational problems to solve. Design finds solutions in every field and that’s its beauty and real mission. I strongly believe in this.
Describe the project you are working on now: In the studio, we’re working on many projects. We never stopped even during these hard times. Some works include lamps, sofas, and outdoor collections, but I think that most important is probably the “Flame for Research” project we’re doing with Mingardo, an Italian metal carpentry company I’ve been working for as art director since 2017. We’re developing a charity project in which ten well-known international designers are involved as well as an important curator. I can’t reveal much more, but stay very tuned for September.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: In April, we’re presenting Huli, a lounge chair with an “outdoor” look but designed for indoor use for Figerio. I’ll also launch a bookcase and dining chair for Fest Amsterdam, and spin chair extensions from the Livre collection for Galotti & Radice. I’ve been very busy!
The new studio is also almost finished. This is another project that makes me super proud! As you know, all designers spend most of their days in the studio and the new space is really a translation of my practice into a human dimension. I’m very happy about it.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: Vibes, sunlight, peaceful colors, music (currently obsessed again with Like a Rolling Stone by Bob Dylan), and absolutely green tea.
What you do when you’re not working: I like to think of myself as a person full of hobbies. I really like hiking, especially in the mountains (I’m lucky because we have many beautiful locations just a few hours from Milano), but also cooking. I love cooking any kind of world cuisine and it makes me so happy to share my creations with my dear ones. Of course traveling—even better if I can take my camera with me to document all the colors and natural inspirations I can then take into my practice.
Sources of creative envy: Charles and Ray Eames.
The distraction you want to eliminate: Instagram.
Concrete or marble? Concrete.
High-rise or townhouse? Townhouse.
Remember or forget? Remember.
Aliens or ghosts? Both.
Dark or light? Light with many shadows.
