Interview with Libero Rutilo

Libero Rutilo ("LR") interviewed on Sunday, 18 March.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

LR : After the graduation in Industrial Design at the University of Montreal, in 2005, i move to Milan where I start to work with Alessandro Mendini and other leading design firms. In 2012 with Ekaterina Shchetina, we found DesignLibero multidisciplinary design studio that offers creative services in interior, product, graphic design and art direction. We created corporate interiors and furniture for many companies like: tim, intesasanpaolo, fiat, Nespresso, 3M, Morelato, United pets, hands on design etc…

How did you become a designer?

LR : I became a Designer because I liked art, technology, materials, industry and communication. I really appreciate my profession for always offering me new opportunities and emotions. What I like most of this profession is the continuous change of projects, clients, needs, materials, techniques, budget, values ... For me, design is something totally anamorphic, and that's what I like!

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

LR : Every new product we design is an emulsion of intuition, sensations, memories, needs and functionality. I love to discover new opportunities and improve the world around us in unexpected ways. This approach drives us in designing unique, meaningful and innovative projects

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

LR : when we design something new is like to have a new relationship with something, so the situation depends on a project and a client. I feel in love with every new project and brake this love when the project is completed.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

LR : if you want to be a designer you need to be: curious, passionate, patient, lucky and a bit talented. Probably the most important is to be curious and query everything around you as a child.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

LR : I have a list of company that I would like to work with in the future, I’m also starting teaching design. I sure would appreciate some new internationals collaborations in the future. My dream project is designing a high class urban farming restaurant with a very strong experience journey and fantastic dishes and drinks.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

LR : What I suggest is: work hard on communication, do not be afraid to shear ideas, concept and design with other people and don't be snub….. you are not a superstar!

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

LR : follow your dream and in the same time stay grounded!

What is your day to day look like?

LR : Usually I start each new day with a couple of espresso, I never read design news in the morning sometimes in the evening after work. 4 months ago, I became a father of a baby boy so my everyday life is in continuous evolution and each day is a new occasion to discover new and exciting things.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

LR : I do not follow trends at least even if I do I do not notice it! Still, living in the center of Milan gives me a possibility to catch something in the airI don’t have a defined style, and I like it that because I can approach each project as a new experience without having to relate to previous projects as esthetic models.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

LR : Good Design is something that doesn’t exist but should. It should be timeless and easily understandable.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

LR : Usually, my clients decide when design is ready, not me. Quite often is “the day before yesterday”!

What is your biggest design work?

LR : Actually, I’m working for a company called Morelato as an art director. My work covers all the communication aspect and consists of designing the new collection of products for the salone del mobile, stand, catalogues and more.

Who is your favourite designer?

LR : It’s depends for what kind of product or spaces we are talking about. I appreciate the work of some contemporary iconic designer as Alessandro Mendini, Philip Stark, Ross Lovegrove and Marc Newson, and also I have a lot of respect for Italian master like: Castiglioni, Mollino, Ponti, Parisi …..

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

LR : I’m a cultural nomad, I love traveling around the word and discover new cultures, foods and lifestyles. I like sophisticated things but at the same time raw and genuine stuff.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

LR : I’m a cultural nomad, I love traveling around the word and discover new cultures, foods and lifestyles. I like sophisticated things but at the same time raw and genuine stuff.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

LR : I would like to do more in the future, at the moment my eco conscience and integrity is what I can put in every new project I do. I always try to make things with meaning and intelligence

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

LR : We are a multi award winning agency so we believe in the A’ Design Award as communication tool in order to share our projects with the entire planet and be published in different digital and physical media.

Libero Rutilo Profile