We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Joao Silva + Paola De Francesco ("JS+PDF").

Defrancesco+Silva is an award winning architecture studio founded by Paola De Francesco and Joao Silva in 2004 in milan. Our projects travel from product design to interiors, retail & architecture. aims to develop new visions of architecture in nowadays society. We explore future conception of spaces and materials. We always try to create unseen and completely new living aproaches to our projects, never forgetting to preserve our planet

Joao Silva + Paola De Francesco Designs

We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Joao Silva + Paola De Francesco.

Designer Interview of Joao Silva + Paola De Francesco:

DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?

JS+PDF : in 2000 we started working with Aldo Cibic who we took inspiration from.

DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

JS+PDF : We are a 360 degree design studio, we work on product design, interiors, retail, architecture....

DI: What is "design" for you?

JS+PDF : it's our life

DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?

JS+PDF : Architecture competitions, thats what we like to do most

DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

JS+PDF : One of the most special designs is the Breathing House project.

DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?

JS+PDF : we designed the Dondolina rocking chair and the Lazy armchair in 2003. They were both featured in the Design yearbook 2004.

DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

JS+PDF : everything

DI: When do you feel the most creative?

JS+PDF : under pressure

DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

JS+PDF : the respect for our planet

DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

JS+PDF : it's our life

DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

JS+PDF : that's what we live for

DI: What makes a design successful?

JS+PDF : inteligent design

DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

JS+PDF : every aspect should be considered

DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

JS+PDF : The future of design will decide our future

DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

JS+PDF : 2015, zurich design museum

DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

JS+PDF : its our life experience that defines our inspiration. you can read books, magazines, navigate on google... but it's our life experience

DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?

JS+PDF : each brief defines a new approach.

DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?

JS+PDF : we live in Milan. one of the best cities to be contaminated with new ideas

DI: How do you work with companies?

JS+PDF : with an open mind

DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?

JS+PDF : first of all a good brainstorming.

DI: Can you describe a day in your life?

JS+PDF : its difficult because each day is different

DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

JS+PDF : sometimes the ideas we think are stupid are the best.don't be afraid to show them

DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?

JS+PDF : proportion. if you mistake that you fail everything

DI: What skills are most important for a designer?

JS+PDF : the sense of life

DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

JS+PDF : paper, pen, a computer and a bright mind

DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

JS+PDF : impossible to manage. it takes 24h a day in our life, 360 days a year

DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

JS+PDF : depends on everything

DI: Who are some of your clients?

JS+PDF : Limoni profumerie d'italiìa , Ersa office furniture, PHCY pharmacy industry, Pittarosso, Enoteca Rosso london, among others

DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

JS+PDF : All kinds of design

DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?

JS+PDF : archotecture competitions

DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

JS+PDF : as a team

DI: How can people contact you?

JS+PDF : By email: info@defrancescosilva.com