Stefano Giussani

Stefano Giussani, Partner and COO at Lissoni Architecture D.P.C., brings a quietly powerful vision to the global design landscape. Based in New York City, he leads the firm’s growth across the Americas, overseeing projects that balance clarity, emotion, and refined restraint. With roots in Milan and a lifelong fascination with storytelling through space, Giussani approaches architecture and interiors with a sensitivity shaped by culture, curiosity, and lived experience. His work reflects a belief that simplicity can be deeply expressive, and that the most meaningful details are often the ones that whisper rather than shout.

(Image above: image courtesy of Lissoni Architecture)

As a kid, what did you answer when asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Besides wanting to be a jet pilot or a chef, the dream that stayed with me the longest was becoming a set decorator for the theater. My father’s hobby was acting, and I spent countless hours backstage while he rehearsed. I was immediately drawn to the magic of creating imaginary landscapes, sets that could shift perspectives and transform reality. That early mix of imagination and creativity naturally led me to what I do today.

How would you describe your design philosophy?

I find inspiration in many directions, Scandinavian and Japanese designers, as well as mid-century Italian and American masters. Simplicity is at the core of my design philosophy, along with honesty in materiality and attention to the “silent details”, the ones you may not notice immediately but feel when you live in a space.

Give us some context about where you live: How long you’ve been there and how does it influence your work?

I moved to New York from Milan ten years ago, and not a single day has passed without this city surprising me. Every commute, sunset, walk in the park, sound, smell, and building is in constant motion. That energy is thrilling and an endless source of inspiration.

Which of your projects or products are you most proud? Why?

In 22 years of projects around the world, two stand out. The first is my very first hotel project in Tokyo, which became an enormous learning experience and sparked my passion for hospitality design, something I’ve continued ever since, including sharing my knowledge through teaching at Parsons in New York. The second is the project yet to come: the next one on the horizon, still only an idea, still on my wish list.

What are your favorite materials with which to work? Why?

I love wood, especially white oak. It feels pure and simple, with a subtle character that aligns perfectly with my design vision. It’s incredibly adaptable to different locations and functions.

What piece of advice do you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?

Be curious and keep your mind open. Explore a world that is changing at fast speed, not only with your eyes, but with your heart and mind. Absorb its complexity, because that becomes the canvas on which creativity can offer solutions, or at least make the world a more pleasant place to live.

What’s now? (What are you currently working on: A new project? Experimenting with new materials, techniques, or approaches? Learning about something?)

Right now, I’m fascinated by the generational shifts happening in society. The concept of family has transformed profoundly over the last twenty years, and I’m researching how the design of our living spaces is responding, or will need to respond to these changes.

What’s next? (What’s in your future: Are you anticipating an upcoming event? Going to start work on a project? Planning a trip? Working on a particular dream or goal?)

A personal goal is running the NY marathon next year, and I’m already training for it. Design-wise, my dream project is to create something in the desert. Places like Joshua Tree or Yucca Valley are incredibly inspiring, so different from where I live.

Designing within the harsh beauty of that landscape, with its silence and extraordinary night sky, would be a dream.

What is your favorite movie? And your favorite band or/and song?

There are five movies that have become part of my life, most of them set in New York. Two of my favorites are Manhattan and When Harry Met Sally. I’ve watched them countless times, and they’re a must-see on every flight back from Italy. In many ways, they became the backdrop to my own New York story, making it fantastic to walk through the city each day and pass by so many of their iconic locations.

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