“I am keen on monochromatic palettes - either it is grey or shocking green” - Pietro Franceschini
Pietro Franceschini, an architect and designer based in Milan and New York, blends contemporary design with classical Italian sensibility. His furniture is characterized by its irreverence and emotional impact, merging playful energy with sophisticated, timeless elements. Educated in Italy, Portugal, and the United States, he holds a B.Arch cum laude from Università degli Studi di Firenze and an M.S.Arch with first-class honors from Pratt Institute. Franceschini has collaborated with prominent firms including Leeser Architecture in Brooklyn, Claudio Nardi in Florence, Laisné Roussel in Paris, and Carlo Ratti Associati in New York. In 2020, he launched PF|Studio, focusing on interior and furniture design. His work has been showcased internationally at venues such as Galerie Philia, The Invisible Collection, Studio 27, The Collectional, 1818 Collective, Stahl Band, Objects with Narratives, Origine Au, Elle Decoration, and Simon De Pury.
iPremium DD: What inspires you and how did you develop your unique style? How would you describe it?
P.F.: I don’t like to frame my work with words such as style and that is because I like to evolve, to switch references and find new inspiration. If then people can see a thread through my production that makes me very happy. In the last few years I have been fascinated by the interplay between some binomial opposites such as Digital/Physical, Reality/Illusion and I liked the term ‘Digital Surrealism’ to define my works. Lately I have been exploring new topics that are now giving birth to a new production.
iPremium DD: What are your thoughts on eco-friendly design and materials?
P.F.: “Eco-friendly” is a word that I never use. I believe there is a huge misconception not only about what sustainability is, but even about the real meaning of Nature. Most people still believe in a quite obsolete idea of two big entities - Nature on one side and Human Activity on the other - fighting against each other. I believe humanity and its whole activity (technology and pollution included) are 100% products of Nature. Once we will be able to see that a new era for ecology will be possible. Tim Morton wisely calls it ‘Ecology without Nature’.
iPremium DD: Do you agree that smooth, soft shapes and plush textiles enhance comfort and contribute to a calm emotional state?
P.F.: Yes, I believe that curves and soft edges give furniture that friendly and visually-comfortable look that most people look for. Straight and harsh geometries on the other hand can trigger very different emotions. I like to experiment with both.
P.F.: I don’t like to frame my work with words such as style and that is because I like to evolve, to switch references and find new inspiration. If then people can see a thread through my production that makes me very happy. In the last few years I have been fascinated by the interplay between some binomial opposites such as Digital/Physical, Reality/Illusion and I liked the term ‘Digital Surrealism’ to define my works. Lately I have been exploring new topics that are now giving birth to a new production.
iPremium DD: What are your thoughts on eco-friendly design and materials?
P.F.: “Eco-friendly” is a word that I never use. I believe there is a huge misconception not only about what sustainability is, but even about the real meaning of Nature. Most people still believe in a quite obsolete idea of two big entities - Nature on one side and Human Activity on the other - fighting against each other. I believe humanity and its whole activity (technology and pollution included) are 100% products of Nature. Once we will be able to see that a new era for ecology will be possible. Tim Morton wisely calls it ‘Ecology without Nature’.
iPremium DD: Do you agree that smooth, soft shapes and plush textiles enhance comfort and contribute to a calm emotional state?
P.F.: Yes, I believe that curves and soft edges give furniture that friendly and visually-comfortable look that most people look for. Straight and harsh geometries on the other hand can trigger very different emotions. I like to experiment with both.
iPremium DD: I would dare to call the objects you have created 'pieces of art.' What do you think about incorporating art into interior design? Is it a 'must'?
P.F.: Yes, that is correct. I believe my products but also my creative process swings between the realm of art and the one of more functional design. Definitely it is not a must, everyone needs his own personal approach to creativity (this is a must).
P.F.: Yes, that is correct. I believe my products but also my creative process swings between the realm of art and the one of more functional design. Definitely it is not a must, everyone needs his own personal approach to creativity (this is a must).
iPremium DD: What is your preferred architectural style, and how do you balance the relationship between exterior and interior design?
P.F.: That also changes quite often. What really has stayed throughout my whole career is a deep fascination for Brutalism.
P.F.: That also changes quite often. What really has stayed throughout my whole career is a deep fascination for Brutalism.
I would live in a concrete box with only stainless steel objects around me. The perfect balance between exterior and interior is when you forget about their distinction.
iPremium DD: What are your thoughts on color? How significantly does interior color impact emotional states?
P.F.: Either colour or its absence is fundamental, it completely defines our perception of the space around us. Together with geometry and our personal references is one of the three main bricks Architecture is made of. I am keen on monochromatic palettes - either it is grey or shocking green.
P.F.: Either colour or its absence is fundamental, it completely defines our perception of the space around us. Together with geometry and our personal references is one of the three main bricks Architecture is made of. I am keen on monochromatic palettes - either it is grey or shocking green.
