Interview to Paolo Dovichi, Artist and Interior Designer
Date
25 March 2025
Paolo Dovichi's journey in interior design begins with a diploma in Interior Design from IED Firenze, which provided him with a method to channel his great sensitivity into structured projects. Later, Paolo honed his skills at Studio Viviani, working alongside architect Viviani in the delicate task of giving identity and character to luxury hotels, private residences, and offices. Through the studio, he had the opportunity to collaborate on international projects and see his works published in magazines like AD Italia, AD Middle East, and Interni Now.
Today, he is a freelance professional whose stylistic signature lies in bringing, into every project, the sensitivity to deeply understand the client's needs and make a home comfortable, respecting its historical soul and the characteristics that make it unique.paolo's projects have often been compared to tailor-made suits, where the initial concept comes to life precisely from what most characterizes the environments, but especially the people who live in them: their present habits and desires for the future, relationships, and their stories.
First with Stefano Viviani Architect, now on your own, over the years you have developed several projects in Italy and abroad: Paolo, can you tell us what you think is the most interesting aspect of designing luxury residences?
The experience at Studio Viviani taught me the importance of paying attention to detail and to the the genius loci and the ability to create an excellent relationship with the client.
The most interesting and stimulating aspects of designing and realizing luxury residences are the risk factor and the opportunity factor. The risk factor consists of the responsibility assumed in the design process. When a client entrusts you with a prestigious property, they understandably expect an excellent result. If the project concept is not tailored to the client and the property, the project will be a failure. For me, the risk factor is very stimulating; it prevents me from becoming too attached to the first concept I think of and, most importantly, forces me to find more appropriate design solutions.
The opportunity factor, on the other hand, is a very simple concept: designing and overseeing projects in the heart of Milan or the heart of Manhattan are opportunities not to be missed, and the final result must be impactful.
Have you noticed any difference in approach with your international clients?
Different cultures and lifestyles have a significant impact on interior design projects, both in the design phase and during the construction phase. What touched me the most for its gratifying value is the great esteem the whole world has for Made-in-Italy products. After the experience of renovating two apartments in downtown Manhattan, in collaboration with Studio Viviani, I can guarantee that made-in-Italy is a real asset to play well. We have an edge; our style and culture allow us to achieve excellent results.
Does traveling the world for work inspire you in any way for your future projects? How?
Traveling and seeing the world, even if not for work but simply out of passion, is at the heart of creative work, especially for an interior designer. Observing other cultures and different ways of living, taking inspiration from colors, textures, and materials enriches our vision. We don't realize how many images enter our minds while traveling… and at the right moment in the design process, they come back to us and can be excellent design solutions.
Why did you choose to study Interior Design at IED Firenze?
I chose to study Interior Design at IED Firenze because it is the most comprehensive degree course in project culture, with a faculty made up entirely of professionals in the field. This is a significant strength of IED's training because it truly prepares you for the professional world.
Which aspect of your training had a significant impact on your career?
Among the most relevant aspects of my studies, the ability to develop a valid project concept that combines creativity and practicality is of primary importance. The variety of courses offered by IED also gave me the opportunity to approach all the areas in which I would later work in my career, thus preparing me, in a way, for what would be my professional future.
Pictures © Diego Laurino Architectural Photographer
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