Piero Lissoni: an influential figure in Italian design

A prodigious career in the world of design

Born in Seregno in 1956, Piero Lissoni studied architecture at the Milan Polytechnic University. As soon as he graduated in 1985, he hit the ground running. Only a year later, together with his partner Nicoletta Canesi, he founded his own firm: Lissoni Associati. This agency became a breeding ground for international projects in the field of architecture and interior design.

His genius immediately came to the industry’s attention and, in 1986, he was hired as artistic director at Boffi. He smashed the traditional codes of the kitchen, reinventing its design. Over the years, his success continued unabated. A key figure in Italian design, he works alongside famous furniture makers such as Kartell, Alessi, Cappellini, Flos, Living Divani, Glas Italia, etc. Partnerships that give rise to remarkable projects, especially in the luxury hotel and high-end real estate sectors.

Recognised world-wide, during his career he has been the recipient of prestigious international awards and prizes, including the Good Design Award, the Red Dot Award and the ADI Compasso D’Oro.

Italian elegance: a unique take on art

Piero Lissoni has a humanistic vision of his profession, placing the human being at the heart of each of his hand-drawn creations. The object in question must be beautiful but, above all, it must improve people’s lives. He cultivates simplicity, functionality and beauty. Pared down furniture with soft, minimalist lines and luxurious finishes has become his trademark. His creations blend in naturally with any interior, bearing witness to the sense of detail, rigour, proportion and function of this talented designer.

His imagination is overflowing and his curiosity boundless. Each project is a process, the creativity drawn from everyday life. “I have never woken up in the morning with a specific idea in mind.” He feeds off everything he sees around him and is spurred on by unexpected surprises, spontaneous encounters, new experiences and the world of fashion. Inspiration comes knocking at his door. He is also influenced by traditions and cultures, European in particular. Avant-garde, but also modernist, he has a true knack for combining past and future in his projects, coming up with his own contemporary take on tradition.

Emblematic creations

Over the course of his career, Piero Lissoni has been the brains behind numerous architectural projects for villas, restaurants, hotels, showrooms and yachts. Among the most emblematic we can mention the design of the Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam, the Roomers Hotel in Baden-Baden, the renovation of the Teatro Nazionale in Milan and the interior design of the Mamilla Hotel in Jerusalem, Israel.

In the field of industrial design, he has designed and crafted everyday furniture and accessories with leading manufacturers:

• Knoll’s Divina Lounge chair (2001);
• the Wa desk by Knoll (2007);
• the Alphabet corner sofa by Fritz Hansen (2008);
• the 8 sofa by Cassina (2014);
• the Avio sofa by Knoll (2016);
• the Piuma chair by Kartell (2016);
• the Commodore sideboard by Glas Italia (2017);
• the Borea table by B&B Italia Outdoor (2021).

Exceptional creations signed by Lissoni, always recognizable by their sober and elegant style.

His future plans for the end of 2021

Having designed for Knoll since 2007, the brand appointed its collaboration with the contemporary designer. His sleek, minimalist style is a perfect fit for the manufacturer, making this move a natural progression.

At Knoll, he creates collections that reflect his own style: sober and chic. Contemporary pieces that are true to the Bauhaus style and respectful of the environment. The renowned furniture maker, a pioneer in clean technology, is committed to a responsible approach, dubbed sustainable design

On 25 May 2021, Piero Lissoni unveiled his comprehensive range of seating models: the KN collection. More of his designs for Knoll are set to be showcased at the 2021 Salone Del Mobile, as well as lamps and furniture created for Kartell and a new kitchen commissioned by Boffi.

The Italian designer is on a roll, with many exciting new creations in the pipeline. He currently heads a team of more than 80 people at his firm Lissoni & Partners in Milan and is working on several international projects.

The future of design by Piero Lissoni

The health crisis has had an impact on many fields, and has not spared the world of design. Most of Piero Lissoni’s projects have had to be postponed, but he has not stopped imagining, innovating and creating.

According to the designer, the pandemic will not have a major impact on design. What will change, however, is the approach, which will be more ethical and responsible. The quest for sustainable solutions is of increasing concern to the designer, with the environment taking a front seat in each of his creations.

A brilliant interior architect and designer, Piero Lissoni has built up an international reputation. He has captivated the world with his many unique and remarkable creations and will continue to do so. When asked which project he is most proud of? “Without a doubt, the one I will design tomorrow”.