Interviews with Luigi Ippoliti and Rosita di Mizio

Our journey began from a shared passion for art, visual communication, and architecture. Since our university years, we understood that design was a tool to read and interpret reality, improving it through functional and meaningful projects. The desire to give form to impactful ideas has driven us to work in this field, refining our skills both through study and practical experience.

Our design approach is based on listening, analysis, and synthesis. We always strive to deeply understand the context and client needs to create coherent, functional, and lasting solutions. We combine analog and digital work, manual sketches, prototypes, physical mock-ups, and modeling and rendering tools. For us, every project is a balance between thought and form, content and image.

Designing gives us a sense of discovery and deep involvement. There is an initial excitement tied to the idea, followed by focus and technical challenge in shaping it, and finally gratification when the project comes to life. For us, design is a form of storytelling that unites emotion and rationality, and it is in this dialogue that we find our creative balance.

Beyond design skills, we have been strongly shaped by observation ability, cultural sensitivity, and critical thinking. A solid architectural foundation taught us to think in systems and relationships, while interest in graphics, art, and photography enriched our aesthetic vision. Multidisciplinarity is one of our main resources.

We have several projects underway and are enthusiastically working on upcoming challenges. We invite you to follow us on our social channels to stay updated on news and future developments.

Our most important advice is to cultivate curiosity, observe carefully, and listen before designing. Building a solid visual culture and not fearing mistakes are essential. The best projects often come from nonlinear processes. It is also important to engage in dialogue and accept constructive criticism. Finally, invest in your design identity without chasing trends.

We recommend always keeping a clear view of the world, avoiding self-referentiality. Design is not decoration but a responsibility. One must learn to design consciously, be rigorous, but also capable of surprising. We believe in professional ethics, sharing knowledge, and building authentic relationships.

Every day is different. We alternate moments of research and discussion with more practical phases.

We follow trends with a critical spirit. We pay attention to the evolution of visual language but prefer to build a personal design identity. We read industry magazines, attend exhibitions, follow conferences, and engage with colleagues and students. However, the most powerful inspiration often comes from non-design contexts: nature, literature, urban life..

For us, good design clearly, coherently, and honestly communicates. It must be functional but also capable of evoking emotions. When a project is simple without being banal, elegant without being cold, we know the goal is achieved. Common mistakes include excess form, poor attention to context, and lack of thought behind aesthetics.

We know a project is ready when it can stand on its own, without further explanations or justifications. This is also an intuitive moment when form and content align. However, we recognize that every project could still evolve: for this reason, we carefully archive everything, ready to revisit if needed but also able to let go.

For us as designers, every work, even the smallest, is important. Every project is a unique opportunity to experiment, learn, and contribute value.

We admire many designers and architects, but if we had to name a few, we would say: Alvar Aalto, Eileen Gray, Charles and Ray Eames, Philippe Starck, and Karim Rashid.

We live and work in Italy, a country with an extraordinary cultural and visual layering that inspires us daily. Our culture has taught us the value of beauty, detail, and balance. Music, art, photography, and literature are part of our daily life and deeply influence our work.

We work collaboratively, both between us and with our partners and clients. We seek professional relationships based on trust, respect, and dialogue. We carefully evaluate every project, preferring quality over quantity. We are demanding with ourselves but open to confrontation. We consider it essential to have an ethical and responsible vision of our work at every stage.

As a team of architects and designers, we deeply believe in the value of design serving the community. We actively engage in pro bono projects for social initiatives, offering sustainable and accessible solutions. Additionally, we participate in workshops and conferences to support and inspire young talents, thus contributing to the growth and wellbeing of society through design.

Participating in the A’ Design Award has been a valuable opportunity for exchange, visibility, and growth. The three main benefits we found are: international recognition, the chance to be part of a global network of professionals, and the appreciation of the design process. Design awards motivate us to do better, reflect, and constantly raise quality standards.

Our goal was to create an innovative design object capable of stimulating and enhancing the human-animal relationship during a critical moment such as grooming and washing. We aimed to design an object that is accessible and engaging for both parties.

We plan to industrialize the product, exploring potential partnerships with companies in the pet, wellness, and educational sectors. The goal is to bring “Shake Off” into clinical, educational, and recreational contexts, expanding its range of use.

The concept took about six months, including ideation, prototyping, testing, and final design definition. It was an interdisciplinary design process, enriched by practical field experimentation.

The project was not commissioned but arose from a personal and professional reflection on the relationship between design, the body, animals, and well-being. We wanted to respond to a real need observed in various educational and rehabilitative settings.

We are currently open to collaborations with companies interested in production and distribution. Our goal is to ensure that the project is developed while respecting the original idea and its ethical and functional values.

We were driven by the desire to contribute to improving quality of life through a simple object with therapeutic and educational potential. We wanted a product that would stimulate the relationship between humans and animals.

We were influenced by approaches that integrate design, art, and rehabilitation, such as Bruno Munari’s work in educational play and sensory devices developed in neurological and psychomotor fields. Certain theatrical and bodily practices also enriched our research.

“Shake Off” is designed for a broad audience: children, adults, and the elderly, with or without disabilities. It is suitable for educational, rehabilitative, therapeutic, as well as playful and performative settings, where small to medium-sized dogs become active participants, rather than passive recipients as typically seen in grooming.

Its strength lies in its simplicity and versatility of use, combined with a form that is evocative but not prescriptive. It is not a sports tool nor a strictly medical device: it is a sensory and postural stimulator that leaves room for personal and creative interpretation.

The name “Shake Off” refers to the idea of shaking off physical or emotional stiffness. It is an invitation to action, to release, to spontaneous movement. We chose a direct name that is easily understood internationally.

We used 3D modeling software, vector drawing, and rendering tools, as well as hand sketches, scale prototypes, and physical simulations with real materials to test ergonomics and user experience.

Its most unique aspect is its ability to engage with the body (both human and animal) in a natural way, without technology or digital interfaces, stimulating awareness and movement through physical contact alone.

We collaborated with physiotherapists, educators, psychomotor therapists, veterinarians, and behaviorists who supported us during the testing and validation phases, providing valuable feedback for functional optimization of the product.

In “Shake Off,” technology is kept to a minimum. The project emphasizes physicality, natural materials, and ease of use. It relies more on bodily and emotional intelligence than on artificial intelligence.

Yes, we conducted qualitative research by observing behaviors in educational and rehabilitative contexts, and analyzing needs related to posture, balance, and body awareness. Field testing guided the iterative design process.

One of the main challenges was finding a balance between freedom of use and specific functionality avoiding a product that was too restrictive or too vague. Material selection also required experimentation.

We believed it was important to share the innovative and social value of the project on an international platform, to open up new development opportunities and foster dialogue with a broader network of professionals and companies.

We learned to listen to the body as a source of design insight, refining our observation skills and sensitivity to sensory interactions. We also strengthened our expertise in pet design.

We would like to emphasize how important it is now more than ever to design for the integrated well-being of people and their animal companions, moving beyond the logic of the product to embrace that of experience, care, and relationship.

The desire to improve the world around us through design, combining functionality and aesthetics, drives us. For us, design is a means to interpret society’s needs and transform them into concrete and innovative solutions.

The choice was entirely natural, stemming from our passion for art, architecture, and creativity. We never felt compelled—we were driven by the desire to express ideas through design.

We primarily work in architecture and integrated design, but we would like to dedicate more energy to sustainable projects that have a positive impact on communities and the environment, promoting social innovation.

Young designers must cultivate curiosity, observe carefully, and build a solid visual culture. It is also essential to welcome criticism and feedback in order to grow and develop one’s own design identity.

A great designer doesn’t just create beautiful forms but is capable of integrating aesthetics, functionality, and innovation, producing solutions that endure over time and bring real value.

Good design effectively addresses contextual needs with clarity and coherence, while also evoking emotion and communicating authentically.

Good design improves quality of life, promotes sustainability, and makes spaces and objects more accessible and functional, representing a long-lasting investment.

If we had more time, we would dedicate ourselves to social and environmental projects focused on disadvantaged communities, aiming to improve their well-being through innovative solutions.

The next one…

The recipe is deep listening, careful analysis, and the balance between emotion and rationality, which allows us to develop coherent and engaging projects.

We draw inspiration from figures such as Alvar Aalto, Eileen Gray, Charles and Ray Eames, Joe Colombo, Philippe Starck, Zaha Hadid, and Karim Rashid for their ability to combine innovation and artistic sensitivity.

A Shaker-style chair and table, which embody a way of living and designing based on simplicity, spirituality, and a rigorous approach that successfully combines functionality and beauty. Equally interesting to us are Philippe Starck’s “Juicy Salif” citrus juicer for its surprising shape, and Karim Rashid’s “Kontrol” chair. Finally, a design object we feel particularly attached to is Aldo Rossi’s “La Cupola” espresso coffee maker for Alessi.

Our best project is one that combines attention to context, care for detail, and durable solutions, managing to be simple and effective at the same time specifically, we feel a deep connection to a villa we are building on a hillside among licorice fields.

To improve, it is necessary to observe carefully, develop cultural sensitivity and critical capacity, integrating multidisciplinary and practical experiences.

We probably would have worked in related fields such as art or visual communication, remaining connected to creativity.

Design is a narrative process that unites emotion and rationality to improve daily life through functional and aesthetic solutions.

Mutual support, along with collaborations based on trust and dialogue, has been fundamental in our journey.

Passion, consistency in study, and the ability to listen to and interpret the context in which you work.

The main challenges were balancing creativity and functionality and overcoming technical and cultural limitations.

With clarity, narrating the design process and highlighting the added value of their choices.

We are working on projects that integrate sustainability and social innovation, aiming for innovative and responsible solutions.

To create projects that endure over time and concretely improve people’s lives.

Coherence, project rigor, innovation, and constant attention to context and needs.

By offering accessible, sustainable, and functional solutions that meet real needs and improve collective life.

Multidisciplinary projects that unite architecture, design, and communication, with a special focus on sustainability.

Those capable of integrating beauty, functionality, and respect for context, generating a lasting positive impact.

Greater attention to ethics, sustainability, and an inclusive and participatory approach.

A design increasingly integrated with technology and sustainability, capable of actively engaging society.

The time varies depending on complexity, but we prefer processes that allow for care and depth.

By carefully listening to the client and deeply analyzing the context and needs.

Curiosity, rigor, and balance between emotion and rationality are our guiding principles.

Design must engage in dialogue with trends, while maintaining its own original and enduring identity.

Technology is a fundamental tool that supports creativity and precision, without replacing critical thinking.

We use software for 3D modeling and rendering, supported by manual sketches and physical prototypes.

They are essential elements for defining identity, communicating, and ensuring sustainability and comfort.

We would like them to ask which design choices were made and how the project responds to real needs and context.

I analyze the balance between function and form and the value it brings to the user.

We believe in collaborative work and open dialogue, based on mutual trust.

Colleagues, professors, and clients who have encouraged us to reflect and continuously improve.

Which books you’ve read have had the greatest impact on your design?
Texts exploring the relationship between form, function, and context, enriching our design vision; among these, we can mention: History of Design by Renato De Fusco, Manuale di storia del design by Domitilla Dardi and Vanni Pasca, and Da cosa nasce cosa. Appunti per una metodologia progettuale by Bruno Munari.

Through continuous study, practical experience, and constant dialogue with other professionals.

We would like to discuss with masters like Le Corbusier, Alvar Aalto, Eileen Gray, Joe Colombo, Zaha Hadid, Philippe Starck, Charles and Ray Eames, Luigi Moretti to deepen their vision.

Awards are important recognition, but true success lies in the quality and coherence of the work, not fame.

For Rosita Di Mizio: favorite color is orange; place is the sea; food is Abruzzese timballo; season is spring; brand is “Tubes.”
For Luigi Ippoliti: favorite color is black; place is the sea; food is pizza; season is summer; brand is “Alessi.”

Moments of brainstorming where spontaneous ideas led to surprising solutions.

Discovering new solutions, the technical challenge, and the satisfaction of seeing a project take shape.

It was not a defined thought, but the passion for art and design has always been present.

I imagine a future where design and technology are deeply integrated to improve global life.

We would like them to know that our work is guided by passion and the desire to contribute to a better world through design, with a special focus on the pet world.

We are a team, but in essence, we are a multidisciplinary laboratory where design, research, and a commitment to social and environmental issues come together. We work on projects ranging from product design to public spaces, with particular attention to inclusion, sustainability, and the creation of environments and objects that, through a zooanthropological approach, promote pet-friendly design.

For us, design is a language for generating change a tool to create meaningful connections between people, animals, objects, and environments. It is not merely about aesthetics or function, but an approach that integrates creativity, technology, and sustainability. Design is also a modus operandi that enables the development of innovative products, which we follow from concept through to production and distribution.

We are passionate about projects that are useful, democratic, and sustainable, with a particular focus on the world of pet design. We love designing open, modular systems that adapt to their context and generate long-term value. Our greatest interest lies in projects born from intuition those we can develop with “slowness “ and “care”.

Our favorite kind of design is the one that enhances everyday life, bringing something extraordinary, unique, and unexpected to every object.

It is a small object, designed to be durable, sustainable, and iconic.

We are keen to work with recycled and bio-based materials, as well as with digital platforms that enable distributed and adaptable production, such as 3D printing and parametric systems.

When we take our time to think, when we immerse ourselves in a real context. For us, creativity emerges through dialogue and from observing the complexity of the world, which we approach with curiosity.

For us, the social impact of the project, sustainability, the zooanthropological approach, form related to functionality, and Beauty are fundamental.

A combination of enthusiasm, passion, attentiveness, and responsibility. It is a process that engages us both intellectually and emotionally.

We take great satisfaction in the awareness that every object, once in the world, generates complex and sometimes unpredictable relationships.

When it is ethically sound, aesthetically coherent, and socially useful. Successful design is that which leaves a lasting impact and is open to influence from diverse and heterogeneous disciplines.

We focus on the honesty of the project, the clarity of its intent, and the real impact. If there is a lack of coherence between the initial insight and the final result, for us, it simply doesn’t work.

The responsibilities are many. In our view, we must design less, better, and for more people. Every choice carries material, symbolic, environmental, social, and economic weight.

We believe that design is becoming more relational, interdisciplinary, and conscious. For us, the future of design lies in regeneration, co-design, and shared responsibility, with greater focus on the key challenges of our time.

The last one took place in a public space, where we exhibited a participatory project. The next will be within the context of MOOD (Museum of Design) in Como, where we will showcase our project “Shake Off.”

For us, inspiration comes from people's everyday gestures, social relationships, nature, art and architecture, and the beauty of the sea, which is our muse.

Empathetic, ironic, modular, innovative. We seek flexible and accessible solutions that adapt to the time and place in which they exist.

We live in Italy, in Tortoreto, Abruzzo, where the places inspire projects in dialogue with memory but without nostalgia, because fundamentally, it is nature that is our true muse.

With a collaborative and transparent approach. We seek reliable partnerships based on shared values and clear, achievable goals.

Companies should have a clear vision, listen, trust, and be open: design is not just a finished product, but a process built together.

We start by listening to people and observing nature. This is followed by research, synthesis, and initial concepts. We prototype extensively and conduct numerous tests. It is an open, dynamic, and participatory process.

A Shaker-style chair and table, which embody a way of living and designing based on simplicity, spirituality, and a rigorous approach that successfully combines functionality and beauty. Equally interesting to us are Philippe Starck’s “Juicy Salif” citrus juicer, for its striking form, and Karim Rashid’s “Kontrol” chair. Lastly, a design object to which we are particularly attached is Aldo Rossi’s espresso coffee maker “La Cupola,” created for Alessi.

Every day is different. We alternate between moments of research and discussion, and more hands-on phases.

We recommend always nurturing curiosity, learning from mistakes, and placing people’s needs at the center of design.

The positive aspects of being a designer include the opportunity to innovate and positively impact people's lives. Among the negative aspects are the high expectations that need to be managed.

Creating accessible design that combines functionality and beauty, focusing on the user experience with an optimistic and inclusive approach.

The most important skills for a designer include creativity and innovation, empathy, flexibility and adaptability, interdisciplinary knowledge, effective communication, and a passion for continuous improvement.

Paper, pen, modeling and visualization software, 3D printing, physical models. But also: conversations, concept maps, co-design workshops.

We embrace the complexity and timing of the process. We strive to maintain a balance between rigor and flexibility, knowing that time is an integral part of the project.

It depends on the context. It can take weeks or months. Each project has its own evolution, including pauses and revisions.

The most frequent question? Probably: Where does inspiration come from? And my answer is always the same: from observing life. Design does not come from an aesthetic whim, but from a deep desire to improve daily life. Every object must serve an idea, not the other way around.

For us as designers, every job even the smallest is important. Each project is a unique opportunity to experiment, learn, and contribute with value.

Our clients include both private individuals and companies, active in various areas of design and architecture.

We are particularly passionate about pet design because it combines functionality, aesthetics, and attention to animal well-being, creating solutions that improve the coexistence between people and their pets.

We have several projects in progress and are enthusiastically working on upcoming challenges. We invite you to follow us on our social media channels to stay updated on all news and future developments.

We always work as a team, including with external partners. We believe collaboration is the driving force behind the project.

We are currently developing pet design projects focused on animal care and on improving the quality of indoor spaces in homes shared by humans and animals.

Through our website, email, and social media channels, we are always open to exchanges, collaborations, and new visions.

We would like to add that the ethical and legal aspects of design, such as the protection of intellectual property, design transparency, and social responsibility, are fundamental and deserve further attention.

Our choice of r-PETG reinforced with 30% fiberglass was driven by both ethical and functional considerations. From an environmental perspective, r-PETG is made from post-consumer recycled plastic, which significantly reduces the carbon footprint. Fiberglass reinforcement improves mechanical strength, allowing us to create a structure that is lightweight yet resistant to high mechanical and chemical stress.This material also supports long-term durability, reducing the need for replacement and maintenance. From a design standpoint, the composite allows us to shape curved, soft geometries that align with the animal’s perception of space creating a welcoming and non-threatening environment. We believe sustainability must go beyond marketing: it is a structural criterion for creating products that respect the ecosystem and improve the daily lives of animals and humans alike.

The interactive jets were developed in response to a recurring challenge: most dogs perceive the onset of water as unpredictable and uncomfortable, especially when it involves sudden splashes or forceful sprays. We observed that allowing the dog to trigger the jets via paw contact transformed the experience into a form of controlled play.This required the design of a low-pressure hydropneumatics circuit, sensitive enough to respond to light touches while ensuring safety. The jets produce a gentle, fan-like spray, avoiding any high-pressure stimulation. Additionally, we included a gradual ramp-up in water intensity, guided by the operator but synchronized with the dog’s signals of readiness. The result is a system that not only cleans, but builds trust. It reduces resistance, improves hygiene results, and increases dog’s tolerance for future grooming.

This recognition validates an approach that prioritizes inter-species well-being and redefines the role of design in the pet care sector. We believe the A’ Design Award can serve as a catalyst for shifting the industry mindset from one centered on utility alone to one grounded in relational design.Our hope is that Shake Off inspires other designers and manufacturers to consider animals not as passive end users, but as active participants with specific cognitive, emotional, and behavioral needs. This shift can lead to the development of new typologies products that are not just tools, but shared experiences that reinforce the human-animal bond.

The ergonomic features of Shake Off were developed based on a detailed analysis of dog behavior in stressful contexts. We observed how entry methods and enclosure perception directly influence anxiety levels.That’s why we designed modular steps with a maximum height of 15 cm, allowing the dog to access the wash bay autonomously. This active gesture reduces defensive behavior triggered by being lifted or dragged. The ability to choose whether to enter or not gives the dog a sense of control.Simultaneously, the adjustable transparent glass walls maintain constant visual contact with the handler. Their vertical adjustability lets the operator adapt the enclosure according to the dog’s comfort level. Together, these elements create a reassuring semi-open space where the animal feels protected, not trapped, and where visual and emotional communication remains uninterrupted. Here, ergonomics merges with emotional design.

The choice of LFAM (Large Format Additive Manufacturing) technology was crucial to achieving the design goals in terms of sustainability, modularity, and customization. This method allowed us to create Shake Off as a robust yet lightweight monoblock, eliminating the need for multiple structural components or complex assemblies. This simplifies both logistics and installation, making the product easily transportable and positionable even in temporary urban settings or public parks. From an environmental standpoint, 3D printing made it possible to minimize production waste, as material is deposited only where needed. Furthermore, additive manufacturing enables localized production, avoiding long-distance transport and reducing the carbon footprint. LFAM also offers us design flexibility: we can adapt the geometry of the washing station based on specific space or target requirements. This approach aligns with new scenarios of customized, sustainable, and on-demand design, making Shake Off a pioneering project in the smart production of structures for pet care.

According to our consultations with veterinarians, temperature fluctuation is one of the top causes of stress during washing. We therefore integrated a professional-grade thermostatic mixer, capable of maintaining constant water temperature throughout the session.We conducted user tests to determine the optimal comfort range dogs perceive as neutral and soothing. The system includes a scald-prevention safety valve that blocks water flow above 38°C, eliminating risk. The control interface is intuitive and responsive, allowing the operator to fine-tune the experience without losing focus on the animal.What might seem like a simple function actually plays a critical role: it guarantees physical comfort, reduces trauma risk, and helps build a positive memory of the activity ensuring smoother future sessions.

From the outset, we wanted to simplify not only the dog’s experience but also that of the operator. Practical needs often overlooked in similar products were a central design driver.The retractable front drawer was designed to store towels, gloves, grooming tools, and shampoo in an organized, immediately accessible space. This eliminates the need for auxiliary furniture, keeping the station clean and efficient. The drainage system includes a fine-mesh internal filter that prevents hair buildup in the piping, reducing blockages and lowering maintenance time and cost.We also incorporated a subtle slope in the floor to encourage fast water runoff, which improves hygiene and shortens drying time. These choices make Shake Off suitable not only for home use but for high-frequency environments like veterinary clinics, dog hotels, and urban pet stations.

The dimensions of Shake Off were defined through field testing and ergonomic simulations, calibrated to the needs of small- to medium-sized dog breeds, which make up over 70% of the domestic dog population in Europe.The 120 cm length and 100 cm width provide ample space for movement without causing disorientation. The 45 cm platform height optimizes operator posture, minimizing back strain during extended use. The 15 cm step was selected after testing different heights it’s accessible to most dogs without compromising structural compactness.The 80 cm walls (50 cm fixed, 30 cm adjustable) ensure containment while preserving visibility and communication. These measurements were all chosen to maximize safety, hygiene, and efficiency, while also fostering positive, low-stress interaction between animal and human. Even surrounding maneuver space was carefully studied for smooth operation in tight or public environments.

Our future vision is to expand Shake Off beyond a single product, into a modular platform of solutions dedicated to interspecies wellness. We aim to extend the zooanthropological approach into other aspects of care relaxation areas, educational tools, co-activity systems always prioritizing the emotional and behavioral dimensions of interaction.The interactive features of Shake Off, like paw-activated jets and autonomous access, will be enhanced with adaptive digital systems, personalized to the dog’s temperament and behavior. We’re also exploring smart integrations: behavioral tracking apps, biometric sensors, and tactile feedback for handlers.But most importantly, our mission is to design tools that are not only functional, but emotionally meaningful. We envision a future where pet care design helps deepen companionship, build trust, and elevate the quality of shared life between humans and animals. Shake Off is just the beginning.