5 minute read
Federica Squillante Montoro
from Transcending Luxury
by design et al
FOUNDING PARTNER & PRINCIPAL INTERIOR DESIGNER MAII INTERIORS
Born in Rome 1964, married with four children, Federica Squillante Montoro pursued her ideas and passion for interior design, sharing with others that which had for years been incubating her head and has been doing so for over 30 years. Her choice in the use of natural materials that have not undergone treatment; cooper, iron, leather, wood, wool, linen, etc. Interiors treated with luminosity, airiness, comfort and simplicity - basic concepts of well-being which, over time have been solidified in her work and become a part of her style. Her aim is to create and deliver a product that represents an ideal reflection of the characteristics intrinsic to each individual client.
What are you currently working on? Maii Interiors has several projects in progress; a villa in Geneva, Switzerland, villa + deluxe and penthouse apartments in Rome and Milan. Two exclusive resort properties in the Caribbean Islands.
How would you describe your work/design style /ethos? The spaces designed at Maii Interiors are a creative expression of my interpretation of a classic-contemporary style. I’d like to think of my work / projects as “artistic compositions” possessing commanding emphasis on balance; light, colour, materials, details and the authenticity of craftsmanship – the ethos embodied in the “made in Italy” brand.
What led you to this career path? My career path was predictable. As a young child, I was fascinated watching new construction go up in Mato Grosso Brazil, where my family relocated to from Italy. I would look on from the sideline watching workers carry on their skills to erect a building from ground up. I was taken by the transformative possibility of space and how it can be manipulated.
Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success? This would be akin to choosing one’s favourite child (of which I have four). For me, all are successful. This is my belief, based on the passion and commitment I put into realising an idea and delivering for my clients a space that reflects the personality of who will occupy it.
Please describe a highlight of your career to date. Parenting. Raising our four children while building my career as an interior designer –growing my design firm. But I would also say, the acquisition of “soft skills” proved useful in helping me master the tools of the trade.
How did achieving this make you feel? Sheer fulfilment. I realise that mastering these skills which come through mothering, were a plus and important to the success of my firm – the application of which I have seen played out in my relationship with clients, vendors, employees and the lot.
Where in the world do you like to retreat to? I like retreating to the countryside and seaside. There is inspiration to draw from both. The landscape with its seasonal
change of colour and the sea, with its disappearing horizons and ever-changing light.
Where do you find comfort? Time spent with my family and creating. My work, over the course of my career brings me great satisfaction.
Has the recent global pandemic changed the way in which you work? Yes, particularly during the Lockdown phase. More attention was placed on conference calling /Zoom, than ever before. And, given that interior design is discretionary spending, I would say this crisis has become a learning opportunity. However, with no crystal ball on hand, the takeaway could be to remain alert and insightful for signs that offer a cue to the direction of the future. The still ongoing pandemic has changed how design will to be approached.
How do you feel it has changed the world? Remaining in lockdown for months has caused a seismic shift in how we feel globally about our security and safety. This crisis has nudged us to re-evaluate the way we live and to examine the deeper importance of “space” and how our spaces can be improved – how to render more quality oriented safer environments and become multi-functional. Statistics show that the pandemic has brought markets, the supply chain to a slowdown. How to interpret the future impact of this is not something I can predict.
What are your thoughts on the future of design? Design must create based on what is useful – form, again meeting function. The design community is galvanized and united around how to reconfigure, rethink, how to render personal and public spaces and the workplace multi-purposeful going forth.
What would be your key piece of advice for emerging designers right now? To be effective. An emerging designer might want to: observe, revisit design and related disciplines and create.
A personal experience in modern luxury living. A personal experience in modern luxury living.
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