The Architect's Chair #5 competition Honorable mention winners - Tommaso Ugolini and Alberto Luzardi

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winners of our The Architect's Chair #5 competition – Tommaso Ugolini and Alberto Luzardi from Italy!

Tommaso Ugolini and Alberto Luzardi

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

Tommaso Ugolini and Alberto Luzardi are two young designers who recently graduated in Interior Design from the Politecnico di Milano, an academic programme during which they had the opportunity to explore design dynamics and project-related aspects of both Interior and Product Design. Their academic journey was further distinguished by a victory in an Interior Design competition, which validated their skills and confirmed their creative potential. Driven by the desire to put into practice the skills acquired during their studies and guided by a strong ambition, they are now taking their first steps into the world of design, tackling new challenges with determination.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

They work across multiple scales with the aim of exploring the many facets of the design world, ranging from Interior to Product Design, through to restyling projects of existing commercial businesses.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

Architecture and design are the means, not the end. The role of the designer is to perceive the needs dictated by society and to find meaningful ways to answers.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

We are entering a competition for the first time with several goals in mind: to challenge ourselves in developing new projects, to share our approach to design…We are entering a competition for the first time with several goals in mind: to challenge ourselves in developing new projects, to share our approach to design with a wider audience, and to receive critical feedback from external professionals in the field. We also find it particularly stimulating to engage with different design approaches, from which we can draw new inspiration and learn.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

Don't overthink it, just go for it. It is far better to accept a defeat and learn something valuable from it than to live with the regret of never having tried.