Interview with Mario J Lotti

Currently, I have no design studio. For new architecture work, I am prepared to deliver projects through partnering with specific firms.

Design results from a proposition or problem requiring a solution and the act of converting the understanding and ideas for a solution into a useful object (or building).

Building, interiors, objects and furniture. I guess I enjoy it all.

I can't say there is one, there are a few: The Lido Cafe is one. It is one of my favorites because of all of the other technically functional and feasible designs I did for it: The "light organ" stage backdrop; the color change slump glass LED bar design; the column covers (at the bar on both floors) that I would sculpt myself on site out of concrete. The design I did for a coffee shop chain is one of my favorites also for the similar reasons: The pendant lamp made from a giant NYC diner coffee cup; the original table and chair designs; the experience I created by using automotive metallic colors in the design.

The first thing I designed commercially (rather than for a company) was a design for a gazebo for a yacht club. I designed a gazebo that was a re-creation of the prior design. I designed and helped construct it 1 year after graduating high school, when I was 18 years old.

I like a few materials and technologies for different reasons. Some of my favorites are: Concrete, polyester resin, wood, copper, bronze, stone, plaster, paint.

When I am inspired, when I am in "the zone" (aka flow state), when I get excited about a design, when I get inspired about an idea.

the overall intent of the design and the applied process / modus operandi, materiality, functionality.

In "the zone", I am not aware of any feelings nor am I self conscious or self aware.

Ecstatic, joy, satisfaction

That it functions as intended and it is even better if it performs in a broad spectrum of end users and / or environments. The aesthetic is harmonious and better if it is harmonious in every way.

Overall impression, recognition factor, curiosity factor. Accessibility.

To be inclusive, to design sustainably, communication

Thedesign field has been evolving towards a less formalized approach, not applying a set of project design rules to the designof a project. Generally, design trends repeat themselves periodically so what was before will be again withsome key influences adjuting what happens next. The influences are the advancements in construction technology, materials, design production technology, and technology. Things like 3D concrete printed buildings, drone delivery docks and the like.

Hmmm. I don't remember when was my last exhibition. I would like to exhibit at the appropriatee timein the near future.

My design inspiration can come from a client, a place, an idea, a meditation. I feed my creativity by living creatively, by allowing my curiosity to guide me, exploring anything. My sources of inspiration often come from contemplating a design problem, considering the different scenarios, the different ways of looking at things or design problems.

My design style is according to the requirements of the project and can be eclectic, contextual (to the place or the purpose), or modern. I prefer modern or eclectic design, but the inspiration and ability to work in other styles comes from working on projects of historical significance or where the context were important considerations in the design. My approach to design is to gather all of the requirements and consider and list all of the attributes the the final design should have. The objective is to assemble a kind of description of the building when the design is completed.

I live in New York. Working in New York gave me the ability to solve any design problem and produce excellent plans. Working on really challenging design problems on tight timelines and budgets here repeatedly really pumped my brain muscle. Living in Vietnam and working on international projects there tempered my New York experiences and allowed and fostered more of my creativity and other cultural, international and modern design influences. I think the cons are similar for any country: budget and time. The pros are also similar: plenty of work.

Normally via a contract. I much prefer to have their objectives and requirements listed out from the beginning.

It is best when companies seeking a designer contract the appropriate designer for the work they have done before and the relevance to the design need, not contract based on cost alone. The requirements and objectives for the project should be listed and the employer should require the assistance of the designer to assist in completing the list, it should be in the contract as one of the first steps.

I will normally start with a first intuitive impression of the project, and then just put it aside. Then I will review and consolidate a list of project requirements and then attributes that I and/or the client would like thefinal design to have. If I amincluding Feng Shui, i will also do the analysis and add those requirements to the list. I will study and ponder the list rigorously, giving my full attention, until I have a clear sense of the objective. Then i will take a break and do something completely different. At that moment when I have completely forgotten about the project, the best and complete design idea will come to me.

My glass and wood mid 20th century italian desk, a Perreaux 150i amplifier, a Chordette Gem DAC, my kitchen / dining combo (as a whole), an Alessi Pulcina expresso pot, my 1969 Mazda 1500 restomod project.

No, i don't really have typical days that are the same for a length of time - generally, i sleep, have coffee, eat, work, go out

Intuition is your ally. Do your best to develope it even if you don't think you have it. Have fun. Life is for living. Lifes problems aren't apersonal attach on you - they are just things that happen andyou can have fun solving them. Take risks. Failures mean you are learning. When working on a design, keep in mind there are always better ideas - it is easier to manifest them by keeping an open mind.

Positives are a sensitivity and broad understanding of things. A jack of all trades and a master of none is a master architect. Negatives are not much time for other things.

Follow my modus operandi every time.

To gain knowledge through the experience of designing. To have an understanding of how things are made. To be open to other ideas and solutions. Flexibility and firmness.

I have a nice library, a nice set of physical tools and a place to use them, a drafting table, autocad, revit, markers, trace roll, paint, and other materials, etc.

I can work long hours and stay up all night - it is a requirement.

Depends on the object. Mostly, i design buildings and their interiors. I may also design furniture and light fixtures as part of the design. For these projects, the design takes approximately 9 months to 1.5 years.

How much? How long?

There have been so many. I could not say there was one single most important.

That is private

Architecture and interiors including some furniture and lighting design.

More design work and more projects.

Mostly I work by myself, but I have worked with others and enjoy collaboration.

None that I would like to talk about. I am assembling a website of my work.

The best way to contact me is by emailing me at mlottiarch@gmail.com